While the “Sunshine State” is famous for its beaches and warm climate, it also has a lesser-known side (climatologically speaking). We are referring to its sudden and intense storms. Although it is very nice to live by the coast, in real life you often have to deal with coastal storms. A dense morning fog or torrential rain can appear in a matter of minutes, so all drivers need to be prepared to drive in conditions of very low visibility.
Whether you have just moved or are only visiting, there is a traffic law in the state of Florida that you should be aware of from day one. It concerns the use of headlights, and unlike in other states, you need to be very sure about how you are using them. Although today’s vehicles are modern enough to rely on their “automatic” mode, that confidence can lead to a hefty fine or cause a traffic accident. According to Florida’s headlight law (Statute § 316.217), you must be very aware of how and when you use them.
Why car lights are mandatory in Florida
Due to the severe weather conditions in Florida, Florida state law is very clear. All vehicles must have their headlights and taillights on in two situations: first, from sunset to sunrise, including twilight and low-light hours. The second situation is during any type of rain, smoke, or fog.
The issue is not whether the driver can see ahead, but rather whether their vehicle is easily visible to other drivers… before it’s too late. This is why the popular expression “Wipers On, Lights On” can also be applied to this regulation. If it is drizzling enough to require the use of windshield wipers, it is also necessary to turn on your lights so that other drivers can see you.
In foggy conditions—very common in coastal areas—you should always use your low beams. If you use your high beams, they will reflect the fog or rain particles and create a blinding effect that will prevent you from seeing anything, and other drivers from seeing you.
Be careful with automatic headlights if you are driving in Florida
Modern vehicles have many amenities, but automatic headlights have caused people to become a little lazy and lax. Once we get used to the car turning on the lights when it sees fit, we often forget to turn them on ourselves.
This isn’t a problem… until we drive an older model car or one that isn’t equipped with this automatic headlight system. The automatic mode relies on sensors that detect the absence of sunlight, i.e., dusk at night. However, a typical Florida rainstorm can occur in the middle of the day, when there is enough ambient light to fool the sensor. This is why we often find ourselves in situations where we should be using headlights, but the automatic system does not activate them on its own.
In this case, daytime running lights are not enough; we must also turn on our taillights to ensure that other drivers behind us can see us.
The fact is that a light-colored or gray vehicle with its taillights off becomes almost invisible on a road where there is heavy rain or fog. This is hardly surprising, given that the Florida police claim it is one of the main causes of rear-end collisions in adverse conditions.
Hefty traffic tickets
If a Florida highway patrol officer stops you without the mandatory lights on, you will regret it (or at least your wallet will). This violation is treated as a non-criminal traffic offense, but the penalty is still quite significant. The base fine can go up to $166, in addition to receiving…
On your Florida driver’s license, remember that the Florida point system is quite strict: if you accumulate 12 points in 12 months, your driver’s license will be suspended for 30 days. If you accumulate 18 points in 18 months, the suspension will be for a full quarter; for three months, you’ll have to hire an Uber to take you from place to place.
So now you know, when in doubt, always keep your lights on. It’s better to be safe than sorry… Both in terms of traffic accidents and fines.