The SunGuide Broward County TMC is highly concerned about the safety and awareness of our motorists. Therefore, we support our Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and law enforcement agencies in educating motorists on traffic laws, policies and available resources throughout the South Florida region.

Florida Traffic Laws

The enactment of Florida traffic laws is for the safety of all motorists. Violation of those laws may lead to a fine, suspension, revocation, arrest or cancellation of your driver’s license.

Speed Zones and Limits

Speed zones and limits vary from 40 mph to 70 mph on major roadways in Florida, such as I-95, I-595, I-75, Florida’s Turnpike, SR441, SR84, SR869 and US1. In work zones, speed limits are reduced and fines are increased. For safe travel throughout South Florida, we encourage motorists to observe and obey all posted speed limits. Click here for frequently asked questions regarding speed limits.

Florida Highway Patrol (FHP)

FHP patrols state highways to enforce Florida traffic laws, maintain safety, investigate traffic accidents, and assist motorists and FDOT with other roadway problems and activities. Motorists can make free cellular phone calls to request Road Ranger service or report drunk drivers, traffic crashes, stranded or disabled motorists, or any suspicious highway incidents by dialing *FHP (*347).

Road Ranger Service

Organized by FDOT, the free Road Ranger service is offered to motorists in need 24-hours a day, 7-days a week on major highways such as I-95, I-595 and I-75. Road Rangers are dispatched by the TMC to all active traffic events. When not dispatched, the Road Rangers continuously rove designated roadways looking for stranded motorists, disabled vehicles, roadway debris, traffic accidents and all other incidents that adversely affect normal traffic flow. Ultimately, the Road Rangers help keep motorists and traffic moving safely and efficiently.

Department of Highway Safety & Motor Vehicles (DHSMV)

At DHSMV, eligible Floridians can obtain a driver license to operate their vehicles. They can also register and title their vehicles or vessels. DHSMV offers other services including: on-line forms, registration renewal, vehicle check, rider training programs, driver privacy protection, public records, statistics & studies, Florida uniform traffic citation statistics, HSMV career opportunities, and information on other office locations.

“Move It Act”

Whenever a vehicle is disabled on any highway, the driver shall move the vehicle so as not to obstruct the regular flow of traffic. If the driver cannot move the vehicle alone, he or she must solicit help to remove the vehicle from the travel lanes. Any person failing to comply shall be cited for a nonmoving violation, as stated in section 316.071 of the Florida Statutes.

“Move Over Act”

Enacted on May 1, 2002, drivers are required to "move over" or "slow down" when approaching a stopped authorized emergency vehicle on all Florida highways, as stated in section 316.126 of the Florida Statutes.

No Trucks in Left Two Lanes

To enhance the operation of the I-95 HOV lanes in Broward and Palm Beach, effective August 2, 2004, no trucks with three or more axles are allowed in the Left Two Lanes, including HOV and adjacent general purpose lanes, 24 hours a day.

Drinking and Driving

Do not drink and drive! Alcohol will seriously affect your abilities, reduce co-ordination, slow down reactions and affect your judgment of speed and distance. Driving under the influence of alcohol is a major leading cause of accidents and death on roadways. Designated drivers have probably saved thousands of lives and spared many more from suffering injury from drunk driving. If you plan to drink, choose a designated driver who agrees to abstain from alcohol use and accepts the responsibility of driving others home.

Rider Training Program

For motorcycle enthusiasts, the Department of Highway Safety & Motor Vehicles offers a course and information on motorcycle riding. The course teaches important skills needed to ride safely and it prepares beginners and experienced riders for real live traffic situations.

Crash Reports

Live traffic crash reports can be obtained via FHP and other local agencies’ websites. The FHP website is designed to provide useful, real-time information regarding incidents on major highways, including: incident type, dispatch time, arrival time, county, and location of each incident.

Open Roads Policy

The Open Roads Policy is an agreement between the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) and the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) with a stated goal to clear traffic crash scenes and reopen roads within 90 minutes. The policy states that roads will not be restricted or closed any longer than is absolutely necessary and that vehicles and debris will be removed as quickly as possible.

Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) Safety Enforcement

FDOT Motor Carrier Compliance Officers enforce commercial motor vehicle and driver safety regulations by performing vehicle inspections and enforcing Florida’s traffic laws. Their safety enforcement responsibility also includes inspections of passenger buses, loose loads and hazardous vehicles. Inspections are performed at official weigh stations or on the shoulders in safe locations to detect possible driver deficiencies and vehicle defects that could lead to CMV traffic crashes.

Maps

For “Florida State and Regional Maps,” visit the official travel planning Web site for the State of Florida “FLA USA Visit Florida.”