Heading to Florida, Know the DUI Laws
Last Christmas I went to Miami Beach with a bunch of friends from PA and Boston. We got a great deal at a hotel that was two blocks from the beach. The weather was perfect and the beach was awesome. And we could walk to most of the clubs and good restaurants, including Joes Stone Crabs - highly recommended. One of the guys in our group rented a car and went out partying. We didn’t hear from him until noon the next day when he got of jail for DUI. So I decided to write up a few details on DUI laws — most of this comes from the Florida DMV.
Lots of college students’ head to Florida for Spring Break, summer vacations or a break from winter weather. Before you head south it’s critical that you know a few things about Florida driving laws, DUI laws, and general driving conditions in south Florida. This is especially important for us college age drivers because Florida has a policy of zero tolerance for drivers under 21. The guy in our group was 1 month from his 21st birthday.
DUI in Florida
Drivers under 21 such as the many college students who visit Florida need to know that Florida has a zero tolerance law. Zero tolerance means that if you are under 21 you are considered impaired (driving drunk) if your blood alcohol level is .02. This means that you literally cannot have a single drink and drive. The limits for drivers over 21, is .08.
Each state determines its own penalties and process for traffic violations including DUI. In Florida, for a DUI, you will be arrested and stay in jail until you are no longer intoxicated. This is not how you want to spend your vacation in the Sunshine State. You will pay a fine of at least $250, and the car you are driving will be impounded for at least 10 days. But be aware that spending the night in jail, spending all your vacation money, and losing your car is just the beginning.
Lots of drivers think that if they get a traffic ticket in a state where they don’t hold a drivers license they can ignore the violation. The fact is that 45 US states participate in an agreement called the Interstate Drivers License Compact. State DMV Departments including the Florida DMV, Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, and most North East states all work together. This means that if you are convicted of a traffic violation in one state the information is automatically transmitted to the state where your drivers license was issued. And your state will apply their penalties for the violation to your driving record.
In many cases getting convicted of a DUI out of state can cost you more in fines. Say your visiting Florida and get arrested for a DUI. You will have to pay your fines to Florida and when your state processes your case they will fine you as well.
Think of your Family
Many young drivers have a rude awakening when they get a traffic ticket or worse are convicted of criminal traffic violation such as DUI, leaving the scene of an accident, or hit and run. Sure your family will be horrified but a more direct problem is that your family auto insurance policy may be canceled or so expensive that they cannot afford it. If you are on your families auto insurance policy like many college age drivers are your actions affect your entire family.
When you visit Florida don’t drink and drive. Have a designated driver that is not drinking any alcohol or call a taxi. In most of the Florida vacation areas like Miami, Miami Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, and the Keys there are plenty of Taxis. In a worst case scenario, if you have been drinking and cannot or will not leave your car Florida actually has a program that will pick up you and your car with a tow truck and drive you both home. The Florida DMV has details on the program.
If you are convicted of a DUI in Florida or any other state know all your options. In many cases taking a state approved traffic education class can reduce the penalties. And these classes are nothing like college. You show up, pay attention, take a relatively easy test, and you’re done.
South Florida Means Dangerous Driving
Miami has won the dubious honor of the most road rage in the United States. If you are vacationing in Miami, Miami Beach, or anywhere in south Florida it’s important you be aware of the heavy traffic. The number of traffic tickets issued is staggering and more importantly the number of accidents in Miami Dade County is off the charts. According the Florida Department of Motor Vehicles (DHSMV), there were over 46,000 traffic accidents in Miam Dade County in 2004.
As you plan your next spring break or winter break to Florida consider not driving at all. Two areas you can enjoy with no car are Miami Beach and Orlando. In both cities you can check-in to a hotel and walk to the beach or the attractions and plenty of nightlife with no car. Enjoy Florida, be safe, and stay out of jail.