License Requirements
The state of Florida honours all valid foreign driver licenses. The International Driver's Permit is not in itself a license to drive in Florida and must be used in conjunction with the driving license issued in your home country.

When driving in Florida you should carry your driving licence and rental documents with you at all times. Florida law also requires that all passengers of cars and vans who are over the age of 6 should wear seat belts with passengers under this age being secured in a federally approved child restraint seat. Children under 6 years of age can not be left unattended or unsupervised in a motor vehicle for a period in excess of 15 minutes. If your vacation means you are staying out of town you must ensure that you use parking lights at night when parked in the road. It is also compulsory to use headlights during periods of rain.

Florida Speed Limits - Residential Areas 30 MHP * Highways & other roads 55 MHP * Rural Interstate Highways 70 MPH

Drink Driving
The maximum legal alcohol level is 0.08 %. The minimum drinking age in all states is 21.
Local laws against driving while intoxicated are growing stricter. Many bars now serve non-alcoholic drinks for those nominated to do the driving. It is illegal to carry alcohol in the car even unopened in shopping bags, you are only allowed to transport alcohol in the boot of your car(trunk).

Accidents and Emergencies
If you are in an accident (and the damage is minimal) at night or you are in a deserted area indicate to the other driver to follow you and drive to a poulated area near by. It is better to be safe than sorry.

If stopped by the police pull over immediately, turn off the engine, stay seated and follow the officers instructions.

If you see someone at the roadside who indicates a need for help, do not stop. Note the location, and call the police on 911 when it is safe and convenient for you to do so.

School Buses
All drivers moving in either direction must stop for a stopped school bus. You must remain stopped until all children are clear of the road. Violation of this law is subject to a mandatory hearing. When the warning lights are flashing the speed limit in front of every school is 15 mph

Urban Driving
Because there are lots of traffic lights at intersections, in some communities it is legally permissable to make a right turn at a red light, but only when the car has come to a complete stop and providing there is no oncoming traffic. If in doubt about the local law concerning this traffic maneuver, wait for the green light.

Pace yourself
Don't drive beyond your limits, distances in the US are deceptive. Stop every couple of hours to relax, and don't try to drive beyond 300/400 miles in a day.

Service Stations
Most of Florida's service stations are open 24 hours for fuel. Automobile maintenance and service is available during business hours. American cars use unleaded petrol, sold by the US gallon (3.8 liters) with considerably cheaper prices than those encountered in Europe. Service stations throughout the state sell Florida maps as well as detailed city maps. Florida's Welcome Stations dispense travel information and free Florida orange juice.

Parking
Be sure to obtain a parking permit where it is required as illegal parking in a restricted zone may result in your car being towed away within a matter of minutes. Never park within ten feet of a fire hydrant.

Many restaurants have valet parking for which gratuities of $1 are expected.

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