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2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXIII - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 316 - State Uniform Traffic Control › 316.221 - Taillamps.

316.221 Taillamps.—
(1) Every motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer, and pole trailer, and any other vehicle which is being drawn at the end of a combination of vehicles, shall be equipped with at least two taillamps mounted on the rear, which, when lighted as required in s. 316.217, shall emit a red light plainly visible from a distance of 1,000 feet to the rear, except that passenger cars and pickup trucks manufactured or assembled prior to January 1, 1972, which were originally equipped with only one taillamp shall have at least one taillamp. On a combination of vehicles, only the taillamps on the rearmost vehicle need actually be seen from the distance specified. On vehicles equipped with more than one taillamp, the lamps shall be mounted on the same level and as widely spaced laterally as practicable. An object, material, or covering that alters the taillamp’s visibility from 1,000 feet may not be placed, displayed, installed, affixed, or applied over a taillamp.
(2) Either a taillamp or a separate lamp shall be so constructed and placed as to illuminate with a white light the rear registration plate and render it clearly legible from a distance of 50 feet to the rear. Any taillamp or taillamps, together with any separate lamp or lamps for illuminating the rear registration plate, shall be so wired as to be lighted whenever the headlamps or auxiliary driving lamps are lighted. Dump trucks and vehicles having dump bodies are exempt from the requirements of this subsection.
(3) A violation of this section is a noncriminal traffic infraction, punishable as a nonmoving violation as provided in chapter 318.
History.—s. 1, ch. 71-135; s. 1, ch. 79-97; s. 173, ch. 99-248; s. 10, ch. 2000-313; s. 17, ch. 2006-290.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXIII - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 316 - State Uniform Traffic Control › 316.222 - Stop Lamps and Turn Signals.

316.222 Stop lamps and turn signals.—
(1) Every motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer, and pole trailer shall be equipped with two or more stop lamps meeting the requirements of s. 316.234(1). Motor vehicles, trailers, semitrailers and pole trailers manufactured or assembled prior to January 1, 1972, shall be equipped with at least one stop lamp. On a combination of vehicles, only the stop lamps on the rearmost vehicle need actually be seen from the distance specified in s. 316.234(1).
(2) Every motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer, and pole trailer shall be equipped with electric turn signal lamps meeting the requirements of s. 316.234(2).
(3) Passenger cars and trucks less than 80 inches in width, manufactured or assembled prior to January 1, 1972, need not be equipped with electric turn signal lamps.
(4) A violation of this section is a noncriminal traffic infraction, punishable as a nonmoving violation as provided in chapter 318.
History.—s. 1, ch. 71-135; s. 174, ch. 99-248.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXIII - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 316 - State Uniform Traffic Control › 316.224 - Color of Clearance Lamps, Identification Lamps, Side Marker Lamps, Backup Lamps, Reflectors, and Deceleration Lights.

316.224 Color of clearance lamps, identification lamps, side marker lamps, backup lamps, reflectors, and deceleration lights.—
(1) Front clearance lamps, identification lamps, and those marker lamps and reflectors mounted on the front or on the side near the front of a vehicle shall display or reflect an amber color.
(2) Rear clearance lamps, identification lamps, and those marker lamps and reflectors mounted on the rear or on the sides near the rear of a vehicle shall display or reflect a red color.
(3) All lighting devices and reflectors mounted on the rear of any vehicle shall display or reflect a red color, except the stop light or other signal device, which may be red, amber, or yellow, and except that the light illuminating the license plate shall be white and the light emitted by a backup lamp shall be white or amber. Deceleration lights as authorized by s. 316.235(6) shall display an amber color.
(4) A violation of this section is a noncriminal traffic infraction, punishable as a nonmoving violation as provided in chapter 318.
History.—s. 1, ch. 71-135; s. 2, ch. 86-23; s. 176, ch. 99-248; s. 4, ch. 2019-92.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXIII - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 316 - State Uniform Traffic Control › 316.225 - Mounting of Reflectors, Clearance Lamps and Side Marker Lamps.

316.225 Mounting of reflectors, clearance lamps and side marker lamps.—
(1) Reflectors, when required by s. 316.2225, shall be mounted at a height not less than 24 inches and not more than 60 inches above the ground on which the vehicle stands, except that if the highest part of the permanent structure of the vehicle is less than 24 inches, the reflector at such point shall be mounted as high as that part of the permanent structure will permit.
(a) The rear reflectors on a pole trailer may be mounted on each side of the bolster or load.
(b) Any required red reflector on the rear of a vehicle may be incorporated with the taillamp, but such reflector shall meet all the other reflector requirements of this chapter.
(2) Clearance lamps shall, so far as is practicable, be mounted on the permanent structure of the vehicle in such a manner as to indicate the extreme height and width of the vehicle. When rear identification lamps are required and are mounted as high as is practicable, rear clearance lamps may be mounted at optional height, and when the mounting of front clearance lamps results in such lamps failing to indicate the extreme width of the trailer, such lamps may be mounted at optional height but must indicate, as nearly as practicable, the extreme width of the trailer. Clearance lamps on truck tractors shall be located so as to indicate the extreme width of the truck tractor cab. Clearance lamps and side marker lamps may be mounted in combination provided illumination is given as required herein with reference to both.
(3) A violation of this section is a noncriminal traffic infraction, punishable as a nonmoving violation as provided in chapter 318.
History.—s. 1, ch. 71-135; s. 24, ch. 76-31; s. 177, ch. 99-248.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXIII - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 316 - State Uniform Traffic Control › 316.226 - Visibility Requirements for Reflectors, Clearance Lamps, Identification Lamps and Marker Lamps.

316.226 Visibility requirements for reflectors, clearance lamps, identification lamps and marker lamps.—
(1) Every reflector upon any vehicle referred to in s. 316.2225 shall be of such size and characteristics and so maintained as to be readily visible at nighttime from all distances within 600 feet to 100 feet from the vehicle when directly in front of lawful lower beams of headlamps, except that the visibility for reflectors on vehicles manufactured or assembled prior to January 1, 1972, shall be measured in front of lawful upper beams of headlamps. Reflectors required to be mounted on the sides of the vehicle shall reflect the required color of light to the sides and those mounted on the rear shall reflect a red color to the rear.
(2) Front and rear clearance lamps and identification lamps shall be capable of being seen and distinguished under normal atmospheric conditions at the times lights are required at all distances between 550 feet from the front and rear, respectively, of the vehicle.
(3) Side marker lamps shall be capable of being seen and distinguished under normal atmospheric conditions at the times lights are required at all distances between 550 feet from the side of the vehicle on which mounted.
(4) A violation of this section is a noncriminal traffic infraction, punishable as a nonmoving violation as provided in chapter 318.
History.—s. 1, ch. 71-135; s. 25, ch. 76-31; s. 178, ch. 99-248.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXIII - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 316 - State Uniform Traffic Control › 316.227 - Obstructed Lights Not Required.

316.227 Obstructed lights not required.—Whenever motor and other vehicles are operated in combination during the time that lights are required, any lamp (except taillamps) need not be lighted which, by reason of its location on a vehicle of the combination, would be obscured by another vehicle of the combination, but this shall not affect the requirement that lighted clearance lamps be displayed on the front of the foremost vehicle required to have clearance lamps, nor that all lights required on the rear of the rearmost vehicle of any combination shall be lighted.
History.—s. 1, ch. 71-135.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXIII - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 316 - State Uniform Traffic Control › 316.228 - Lamps or Flags on Projecting Load.

316.228 Lamps or flags on projecting load.—
(1) Except as provided in subsection (2), whenever the load upon any vehicle extends to the rear 4 feet or more beyond the bed or body of such vehicle, there shall be displayed at the extreme rear end of the load, at the times specified in s. 316.217, two red lamps visible from a distance of at least 500 feet to the rear, two red reflectors visible at night from all distances within 600 feet to 100 feet to the rear when directly in front of lawful lower beams of headlamps and located so as to indicate maximum width, and on each side one red lamp visible from a distance of at least 500 feet to the side and located so as to indicate maximum overhang. There shall be displayed at all other times on any vehicle having a load which extends beyond its sides or more than 4 feet beyond its rear, red flags, not less than 18 inches square, marking the extremities of such load, at each point where a lamp would otherwise be required by this section. A violation of this section is a noncriminal traffic infraction punishable as a nonmoving violation as provided in chapter 318.
(2) Any commercial motor vehicle or trailer transporting a load of unprocessed logs or pulpwood, which load extends more than 4 feet beyond the rear of the body or bed of such vehicle, must have securely fixed as close as practical to the end of any such projection one amber strobe-type lamp equipped with a multidirectional type lens so mounted as to be visible from the rear and both sides of the projecting load. If the mounting of one strobe lamp cannot be accomplished so that it is visible from the rear and both sides of the projecting load, multiple strobe lights must be used to meet the visibility requirements of this subsection. The strobe lamp must flash at a rate of at least 60 flashes per minute and must be plainly visible from a distance of at least 500 feet to the rear and sides of the projecting load at any time of the day or night. The lamp must be operating at any time of the day or night when the vehicle is operated on any highway or parked on the shoulder or immediately adjacent to the traveled portion of any public roadway. The projecting load must also be marked with a red flag as described in subsection (1).
History.—s. 1, ch. 71-135; s. 179, ch. 99-248; s. 11, ch. 2000-313; s. 3, ch. 2001-196; s. 6, ch. 2001-279; s. 3, ch. 2015-163.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXIII - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 316 - State Uniform Traffic Control › 316.229 - Lamps on Parked Vehicles.

316.229 Lamps on parked vehicles.—
(1) Every vehicle shall be equipped with one or more lamps which, when lighted, shall display a white or amber light visible from a distance of 1,000 feet to the front of the vehicle and a red light visible from a distance of 1,000 feet to the rear of the vehicle. The location of the lamp or lamps shall always be such that at least one lamp or combination of lamps meeting the requirements of this section is installed as near as practicable to the side of the vehicle which is closest to passing traffic.
(2) Whenever a vehicle is lawfully parked upon a street or highway during the hours between sunset and sunrise and in the event there is sufficient light to reveal persons and vehicles within a distance of 1,000 feet upon such street or highway, no lights need be displayed upon such parked vehicle.
(3) Whenever a vehicle is parked or stopped upon a roadway or shoulder adjacent thereto outside of a municipality, whether attended or unattended, during the hours between sunset and sunrise and there is insufficient light to reveal any person or object within a distance of 1,000 feet upon such highway, the vehicle so parked or stopped shall be equipped with and shall display lamps meeting the requirements of subsection (1).
(4) Any lighted headlamps upon a parked vehicle shall be depressed or dimmed.
(5) A violation of this section is a noncriminal traffic infraction, punishable as a nonmoving violation as provided in chapter 318.
History.—s. 1, ch. 71-135; s. 180, ch. 99-248.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXIII - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 316 - State Uniform Traffic Control › 316.231 - Lamps on Other Vehicles and Equipment.

316.231 Lamps on other vehicles and equipment.—Every vehicle, including animal-drawn vehicles and vehicles referred to in s. 316.215(3), not specifically required by the provisions of this section to be equipped with lamps or other lighting devices shall at all times specified in s. 316.217 be equipped with at least one lamp displaying a white light visible from a distance of not less than 1,000 feet to the front of said vehicle, and shall also be equipped with two lamps displaying red light visible from a distance of not less than 1,000 feet to the rear of the vehicle, or, as an alternative, one lamp displaying a red light visible from a distance of not less than 1,000 feet to the rear and two red reflectors visible from all distances of 600 to 100 feet to the rear when illuminated by the lawful lower beams of headlamps. A violation of this section is a noncriminal traffic infraction, punishable as a nonmoving violation as provided in chapter 318.
History.—s. 1, ch. 71-135; s. 26, ch. 76-31; s. 182, ch. 99-248.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXIII - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 316 - State Uniform Traffic Control › 316.233 - Spot Lamps and Auxiliary Lamps.

316.233 Spot lamps and auxiliary lamps.—
(1) SPOT LAMPS.—Any motor vehicle may be equipped with not to exceed two spot lamps and every lighted spot lamp shall be so aimed and used that no part of the high intensity portion of the beam will strike the windshield, or any windows, mirror, or occupant of another vehicle in use.
(2) FOG LAMPS.—Any motor vehicle may be equipped with not to exceed two fog lamps mounted on the front at a height not less than 12 inches nor more than 30 inches above the level surface upon which the vehicle stands and so aimed that when the vehicle is not loaded none of the high intensity portion of the light to the left of the center of the vehicle shall at a distance of 25 feet ahead project higher than a level of 4 inches below the level of the center of the lamp from which it comes. Lighted fog lamps meeting the above requirements may be used with lower headlamp beams as specified in s. 316.237(1)(b).
(3) AUXILIARY PASSING LAMPS.—Any motor vehicle may be equipped with not to exceed two auxiliary passing lamps mounted on the front at a height not less than 24 inches nor more than 42 inches above the level surface upon which the vehicle stands. The provisions of s. 316.237 shall apply to any combination of headlamps and auxiliary passing lamps.
(4) AUXILIARY DRIVING LAMPS.—Any motor vehicle may be equipped with not to exceed two auxiliary driving lamps mounted on the front at a height not less than 16 inches nor more than 42 inches above the level surface upon which the vehicle stands. The provisions of s. 316.237 shall apply to any combination of headlamps and auxiliary driving lamps.
(5) VIOLATIONS.—A violation of this section is a noncriminal traffic infraction, punishable as a nonmoving violation as provided in chapter 318.
History.—s. 1, ch. 71-135; s. 183, ch. 99-248.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXIII - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 316 - State Uniform Traffic Control › 316.234 - Signal Lamps and Signal Devices.

316.234 Signal lamps and signal devices.—
(1) Any vehicle may be equipped and, when required under this chapter, shall be equipped with a stop lamp or lamps on the rear of the vehicle which shall display a red or amber light, visible from a distance of not less than 300 feet to the rear in normal sunlight, and which shall be actuated upon application of the service (foot) brake, and which may but need not be incorporated with one or more other rear lamps. An object, material, or covering that alters the stop lamp’s visibility from 300 feet to the rear in normal sunlight may not be placed, displayed, installed, affixed, or applied over a stop lamp.
(2) Any vehicle may be equipped and, when required under s. 316.222(2), shall be equipped with electric turn signals which shall indicate an intention to turn by flashing lights showing to the front and rear of a vehicle or on a combination of vehicles on the side of the vehicle or combination toward which the turn is to be made. The lamps showing to the front shall be mounted on the same level and as widely spaced laterally as practicable and, when signaling, shall emit white or amber light. The lamps showing to the rear shall be mounted on the same level and as widely spaced laterally as practicable, and, when signaling, shall emit a red or amber light. Turn signal lamps on vehicles 80 inches or more in overall width shall be visible from a distance of not less than 500 feet to the front and rear in normal sunlight, and an object, material, or covering that alters the lamp’s visibility from a distance of 500 feet to the front or rear in normal sunlight may not be placed, displayed, installed, affixed, or applied over a turn signal lamp. Turn signal lamps on vehicles less than 80 inches wide shall be visible at a distance of not less than 300 feet to the front and rear in normal sunlight, and an object, material, or covering that alters the lamp’s visibility from a distance of 300 feet to the front or rear in normal sunlight may not be placed, displayed, installed, affixed, or applied over a turn signal lamp. Turn signal lamps may, but need not be, incorporated in other lamps on the vehicle.
(3) A violation of this section is a noncriminal traffic infraction, punishable as a nonmoving violation as provided in chapter 318.
History.—s. 1, ch. 71-135; s. 184, ch. 99-248; s. 12, ch. 2000-313.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXIII - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 316 - State Uniform Traffic Control › 316.235 - Additional Lighting Equipment.

316.235 Additional lighting equipment.—
(1) Any motor vehicle may be equipped with not more than two side cowl or fender lamps which shall emit an amber or white light without glare.
(2) Any motor vehicle may be equipped with not more than one running board courtesy lamp on each side thereof which shall emit a white or amber light without glare.
(3) Any motor vehicle may be equipped with one or more lamps or devices underneath the motor vehicle as long as such lamps or devices do not emit light in violation of s. 316.2397(1) or (7) or s. 316.238.
(4) Any motor vehicle may be equipped with one or more backup lamps either separately or in combination with other lamps, but any such backup lamp or lamps shall not be lighted when the motor vehicle is in forward motion.
(5) Any vehicle 80 inches or more in overall width, if not otherwise required by s. 316.2225, may be equipped with not more than three identification lamps showing to the front which shall emit an amber light without glare and not more than three identification lamps showing to the rear which shall emit a red light without glare. Such lamps shall be mounted as specified in this chapter.
(6) A bus may be equipped with a deceleration lighting system that cautions following vehicles that the bus is slowing, is preparing to stop, or is stopped. Such lighting system shall consist of red or amber lights mounted in horizontal alignment on the rear of the vehicle at the vertical centerline of the vehicle, no greater than 12 inches apart, not higher than the lower edge of the rear window or, if the vehicle has no rear window, not higher than 100 inches from the ground. Such lights shall be visible from a distance of not less than 300 feet to the rear in normal sunlight. Lights are permitted to light and flash during deceleration, braking, or standing and idling of the bus. Vehicular hazard warning flashers may be used in conjunction with or in lieu of a rear-mounted deceleration lighting system.
(7) A violation of this section is a noncriminal traffic infraction, punishable as a nonmoving violation as provided in chapter 318.
History.—s. 1, ch. 71-135; s. 27, ch. 76-31; s. 3, ch. 86-23; s. 185, ch. 99-248; s. 8, ch. 2016-239; s. 1, ch. 2019-92.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXIII - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 316 - State Uniform Traffic Control › 316.237 - Multiple-Beam Road-Lighting Equipment.

316.237 Multiple-beam road-lighting equipment.—
(1) Except as hereinafter provided, the headlamps or the auxiliary driving lamp or the auxiliary passing lamp or combination thereof on motor vehicles shall be so arranged that the driver may select at will between distributions of light projected to different elevations and such lamps may, in addition, be so arranged that such selection can be made automatically, subject to the following limitations:
(a) There shall be an uppermost distribution of light, or composite beam, so aimed and of such intensity as to reveal persons and vehicles at a distance of at least 450 feet ahead for all conditions of loading.
(b) There shall be a lowermost distribution of light, or composite beam, so aimed and of sufficient intensity to reveal persons and vehicles at a distance of at least 150 feet ahead; and on a straight level road under any condition of loading none of the high intensity portion of the beam shall be directed to strike the eyes of an approaching driver.
An object, material, or covering that alters the headlamp’s visibility from at least 450 feet for an uppermost distribution of light or at least 150 feet for a lowermost distribution of light may not be placed, displayed, installed, affixed, or applied over a headlamp.
(2) Every new motor vehicle registered in this state shall be equipped with a beam indicator, which shall be lighted whenever the uppermost distribution of light from the headlamps is in use, and shall not otherwise be lighted. Said indicator shall be so designed and located that when lighted it will be readily visible without glare to the driver of the vehicle so equipped.
(3) A violation of this section is a noncriminal traffic infraction, punishable as a nonmoving violation as provided in chapter 318.
History.—s. 1, ch. 71-135; s. 186, ch. 99-248; s. 13, ch. 2000-313.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXIII - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 316 - State Uniform Traffic Control › 316.238 - Use of Multiple-Beam Road-Lighting Equipment.

316.238 Use of multiple-beam road-lighting equipment.—
(1) Whenever a motor vehicle is being operated on a roadway or shoulder adjacent thereto during the times specified in s. 316.217, the driver shall use a distribution of light, or composite beam, directed high enough and of sufficient intensity to reveal persons and vehicles at a safe distance in advance of the vehicle, subject to the following requirements and limitations:
(a) Whenever the driver of a vehicle approaches an oncoming vehicle within 500 feet, such driver shall use a distribution of light, or composite beam, so aimed that the glaring rays are not projected into the eyes of the oncoming driver. The lowermost distribution of light, or composite beam, specified in ss. 316.237(1)(b) and 316.430(2)(b) shall be deemed to avoid glare at all times, regardless of road contour and loading.
(b) Whenever the driver of a vehicle approaches another vehicle from the rear within 300 feet, such driver shall use a distribution of light permissible under this chapter other than the uppermost distribution of light specified in ss. 316.237(1)(a) and 316.430(2)(a).
(2) A violation of this section is a noncriminal traffic infraction, punishable as a moving violation as provided in chapter 318.
History.—s. 1, ch. 71-135; s. 28, ch. 76-31; s. 187, ch. 99-248.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXIII - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 316 - State Uniform Traffic Control › 316.2385 - Requirements for Use of Lower Beam.

316.2385 Requirements for use of lower beam.—The lower or passing beam shall be used at all times during the twilight hours in the morning and the twilight hours in the evening, and during fog, smoke and rain. Twilight shall mean the time between sunset and full night or between full night and sunrise. A violation of this section is a noncriminal traffic infraction, punishable as a moving violation as provided in chapter 318.
History.—s. 1, ch. 71-135; s. 91, ch. 73-333; s. 1, ch. 76-31; s. 188, ch. 99-248.
Note.—Former s. 316.236.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXIII - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 316 - State Uniform Traffic Control › 316.239 - Single-Beam Road-Lighting Equipment.

316.239 Single-beam road-lighting equipment.—
(1) Headlamp systems which provide only a single distribution of light shall be permitted on all farm tractors regardless of date of manufacture, and on other motor vehicles manufactured and sold prior to January 1, 1972, in lieu of multiple-beam road-lighting equipment herein specified if the single distribution of light complies with the following requirements and limitations:
(a) The headlamps shall be so aimed that when the vehicle is not loaded none of the high intensity portion of the light shall, at a distance of 25 feet ahead, project higher than a level of five inches below the level of the center of the lamp from which it comes, and in no case higher than 42 inches above the level on which the vehicle stands at a distance of 75 feet ahead.
(b) The intensity shall be sufficient to reveal persons and vehicles at a distance of at least 200 feet.
(2) A violation of this section is a noncriminal traffic infraction, punishable as a nonmoving violation as provided in chapter 318.
History.—s. 1, ch. 71-135; s. 189, ch. 99-248.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXIII - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 316 - State Uniform Traffic Control › 316.2395 - Motor Vehicles; Minimum Headlamp Requirement.

316.2395 Motor vehicles; minimum headlamp requirement.—Any motor vehicle may be operated at nighttime under the conditions specified in ss. 316.237 and 316.239, when equipped with two lighted lamps upon the front thereof capable of revealing persons and objects 100 feet ahead in lieu of lamps required in ss. 316.237 and 316.239. However, at no time when lighted lamps are required shall such motor vehicle be operated in excess of 20 miles per hour. A violation of this section is a noncriminal traffic infraction, punishable as a nonmoving violation as provided in chapter 318.
History.—s. 1, ch. 71-135; s. 1, ch. 76-31; s. 190, ch. 99-248.
Note.—Former s. 316.219.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXIII - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 316 - State Uniform Traffic Control › 316.2396 - Number of Driving Lamps Required or Permitted.

316.2396 Number of driving lamps required or permitted.—
(1) At all times specified in s. 316.217, at least two lighted lamps shall be displayed, one on each side at the front of every motor vehicle, except when such vehicle is parked subject to the regulations governing lights on parked vehicles.
(2) Whenever a motor vehicle equipped with headlamps, as herein required, is also equipped with any auxiliary lamps or a spot lamp or any other lamp on the front thereof projecting a beam of intensity greater than 300 candlepower, not more than a total of 4 of any such lamps on the front of a vehicle shall be lighted at any one time when upon a highway.
(3) A violation of this section is a noncriminal traffic infraction, punishable as a nonmoving violation as provided in chapter 318.
History.—s. 1, ch. 71-135; s. 1, ch. 76-31; s. 191, ch. 99-248.
Note.—Former s. 316.218.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXIII - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 316 - State Uniform Traffic Control › 316.2399 - Special Warning Lights for Buses or Taxicabs.

316.2399 Special warning lights for buses or taxicabs.—The provisions of s. 316.2397(7) to the contrary notwithstanding, a bus or taxicab may be equipped with two flashing devices for the purpose of warning the operators of other vehicles and law enforcement agents that an emergency situation exists within the bus or taxicab. Such devices shall be capable of activation by the operator of the bus or taxicab and shall be of a type approved by the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. Such devices shall be mounted one at the front and one at the rear of the bus or taxicab and shall display flashing red lights which shine on the roadway under the vehicle. A violation of this section is a noncriminal traffic infraction, punishable as a nonmoving violation as provided in chapter 318.
History.—s. 2, ch. 89-49; s. 91, ch. 99-13; s. 193, ch. 99-248.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXIII - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 316 - State Uniform Traffic Control › 316.240 - Standards for Lights on Highway Maintenance and Service Equipment.

316.240 Standards for lights on highway maintenance and service equipment.—
(1) The Department of Transportation shall adopt standards and specifications applicable to headlamps, clearance lamps, and identification and other lamps on highway maintenance and service equipment when operated on state roads and county road system of this state in lieu of the lamps otherwise required on motor vehicles by this chapter. Such standards and specifications may permit the use of flashing lights for purposes of identification on highway maintenance and service equipment when in service upon the highways. The standards and specifications for lamps referred to in this section shall correlate with, and as far as possible conform with, those approved by the American Association of State Highway Officials.
(2) It is unlawful to operate any highway maintenance and service equipment on any highway as described heretofore unless the lamps thereon comply with and are lighted when and as required by the standards and specifications adopted as provided in this section.
(3) A violation of this section is a noncriminal traffic infraction, punishable as a nonmoving violation as provided in chapter 318.
History.—s. 1, ch. 71-135; s. 194, ch. 99-248.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXIII - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 316 - State Uniform Traffic Control › 316.241 - Selling or Using Lamps or Equipment.

316.241 Selling or using lamps or equipment.—
(1) No person shall have for sale, sell or offer for sale for use upon or as a part of the equipment of a motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer, or pole trailer or use upon any such vehicle any headlamp, auxiliary or fog lamp, rear lamp, signal lamp, or reflector, which reflector is required hereunder, or parts of any of the foregoing, which tend to change the original design or performance, unless of a type which has been submitted to the department and approved. The foregoing provisions of this section shall not apply to equipment in actual use when this section is adopted or replacement parts therefor.
(2) No person shall have for sale, sell, or offer for sale for use upon or as a part of the equipment of a motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer, or pole trailer any lamp or device mentioned in this section which has been approved by the department unless such lamp or device bears thereon the trademark or name under which it is approved so as to be legible when installed.
(3) No person shall use upon any motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer, or pole trailer any lamps mentioned in this section unless said lamps are mounted, adjusted, and aimed in accordance with instructions of the department.
(4) A violation of this section is a noncriminal traffic infraction, punishable as a nonmoving violation as provided in chapter 318.
History.—s. 1, ch. 71-135; s. 195, ch. 99-248.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXIII - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 316 - State Uniform Traffic Control › 316.242 - Revocation of Certificate of Approval on Lighting Devices.

316.242 Revocation of certificate of approval on lighting devices.—
(1) When the department has reason to believe that an approved lighting device as being sold commercially does not comply with the requirements of this chapter, it may, after giving 30 days’ previous notice to the person holding the certificate of approval for such device in this state, conduct a hearing upon the question of compliance of the approved device. After the hearing the department shall determine whether the approved device meets the requirements of this chapter. If the device does not meet the requirements of this chapter it shall give notice to the person holding the certificate of approval for such device in this state.
(2) If at the expiration of 90 days after such notice the person holding the certificate of approval for the device has failed to satisfy the department that the approved device as thereafter to be sold meets the requirements of this chapter, the department shall suspend or revoke the approval issued therefor until or unless such device is resubmitted to and retested by an authorized testing agency and is found to meet the requirements of this chapter, and may require that all said devices sold since the notification following the hearing be replaced with devices that do comply with the requirements of this chapter. The department may at the time of the retest purchase in the open market and submit to the testing agency one or more sets of such approved devices, and if the device upon retest fails to meet the requirements of this chapter, the department may refuse to renew the certificate of approval of such device.
History.—s. 1, ch. 71-135.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXIII - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 316 - State Uniform Traffic Control › 316.251 - Maximum Bumper Heights.

316.251 Maximum bumper heights.—
(1) Every motor vehicle of net shipping weight of not more than 5,000 pounds shall be equipped with a front and a rear bumper such that when measured from the ground to the bottom of the bumper the maximum height shall be as follows:
NET WEIGHT
FRONT
REAR
Automobiles for private use:
Net weight of less than 2,500 pounds
22″
22″
Net weight of 2,500 pounds or more, but less than 3,500 pounds
24″
26″
Net weight of 3,500 pounds or more
27″
29″
Trucks:
Net weight of less than 2,000 pounds
24″
26″
Net weight of 2,000 or more, but not more than 3,000 pounds
27″
29″
Net weight of 3,000 pounds, but not more than 5,000 pounds
28″
30″
(2) “New motor vehicles” as defined in s. 319.001(9), “antique automobiles” as defined in s. 320.08, “horseless carriages” as defined in s. 320.086, and “street rods” as defined in s. 320.0863 shall be excluded from the requirements of this section.
(3) A violation of this section shall be defined as a moving violation. A person charged with a violation of this section is subject to the penalty provided in s. 318.18.
History.—s. 1, ch. 85-158; s. 7, ch. 86-36; s. 23, ch. 91-221; s. 196, ch. 99-248; s. 18, ch. 2002-235; s. 7, ch. 2008-176.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXIII - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 316 - State Uniform Traffic Control › 316.252 - Splash and Spray Suppressant Devices.

316.252 Splash and spray suppressant devices.—
(1) No person shall drive or operate, or cause to be driven or operated, any truck of gross vehicle weight of 26,000 pounds or more, any truck tractor, or any trailer or semitrailer the net weight of which is 2,000 pounds or more unless such vehicle is equipped with fenders, covers, or other splash and spray suppressant devices, such as substantial flexible flaps on the rearmost wheels of such vehicle or combination of vehicles, which will effectively prevent or minimize the splash or spray of water or mud and the throwing of other materials on the windshields of following vehicles. The provisions of this section shall not apply to vehicles used exclusively for the purpose of producing, processing, or transporting agricultural products, including horticultural products or forestry products.
(2) The Department of Transportation shall adopt rules necessary for the implementation of this section.
(3) A violation of this section is a noncriminal traffic infraction, punishable as a nonmoving violation as provided in chapter 318.
History.—s. 1, ch. 87-165; s. 197, ch. 99-248.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXIII - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 316 - State Uniform Traffic Control › 316.253 - Vehicles Used to Sell Ice Cream and Other Confections; Display of Warnings Required.

316.253 Vehicles used to sell ice cream and other confections; display of warnings required.—Any person who sells ice cream or other frozen confections at retail from a motor vehicle shall display on each side of such motor vehicle, in letters at least 3 inches high, a warning containing the words “look out for children” or “caution: children” or such similar words as are approved by the department. A violation of this section is a noncriminal traffic infraction, punishable as a nonmoving violation as provided in chapter 318.
History.—s. 12, ch. 86-185; s. 198, ch. 99-248.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXIII - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 316 - State Uniform Traffic Control › 316.262 - Performance Ability of Motor Vehicle Brakes.

316.262 Performance ability of motor vehicle brakes.—
(1) Every motor vehicle and combination of vehicles, at all times and under all conditions of loading, upon application of the service brake, shall be capable of:
(a) Developing a braking force that is not less than the percentage of its gross weight tabulated herein for its classification;
(b) Decelerating to a stop from not more than 20 miles per hour at not less than the feet per second per second tabulated herein for its classification; and
(c) Stopping from a speed of 20 miles per hour in not more than the distance tabulated herein for its classification, such distance to be measured from the point at which movement of the service brake pedal or control begins.
(2) Tests for deceleration and stopping distance shall be made on a substantially level (not to exceed plus or minus 1 percent grade), dry, smooth, hard surface that is free from loose material.
Classification of vehicles
Braking force as a percentage of gross vehicle or combination weight
Deceleration in feet per second per second
Brake system application and braking distance in feet from an initial speed of 20 mph
A
Passenger vehicles with a seating capacity of 10 people or less including driver, not having a manufacturer’s gross vehicle weight rating..........
52.8%
17
25
B
Single unit vehicles with a manufacturer’s gross vehicle weight rating of 10,000 pounds or less..........
43.5%
14
30
C-1
Single unit vehicles with a manufacturer’s gross weight rating of more than 10,000 pounds..........
43.5%
14
40
C-2
Combination of a two-axle towing vehicle and a trailer with a gross trailer weight of 3,000 pounds or less..........
43.5%
14
40
C-3
Buses, regardless of the number of axles, not having a manufacturer’s gross weight rating..........
43.5%
14
40
C-4
All combinations of vehicles in driveaway-towaway operations..........
43.5%
14
40
D
All other vehicles and combinations of vehicles..........
43.5%
14
50
(3) A violation of this section is a noncriminal traffic infraction, punishable as a nonmoving violation as provided in chapter 318.
History.—s. 1, ch. 71-135; s. 2, ch. 87-225; s. 200, ch. 99-248.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXIII - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 316 - State Uniform Traffic Control › 316.263 - Maintenance of Brakes.

316.263 Maintenance of brakes.—All brakes shall be maintained in good working order and shall be so adjusted as to operate as equally as practicable with respect to the wheels on opposite sides of the vehicle. A violation of this section is a noncriminal traffic infraction, punishable as a nonmoving violation as provided in chapter 318.
History.—s. 1, ch. 71-135; s. 201, ch. 99-248.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXIII - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 316 - State Uniform Traffic Control › 316.267 - Brakes on Electric-Powered Vehicles.

316.267 Brakes on electric-powered vehicles.—When operated on the public streets and roads, every electric-powered vehicle with a rating of 3 to 6 horsepower shall be equipped with hydraulic brakes on the two rear wheels and at all times and under all conditions of loading, upon application of the service brake, shall be capable of:
(1) Developing a braking force that is not less than 43.5 percent of its gross weight.
(2) Decelerating to a stop from not more than 20 miles per hour at not less than 17 feet per second.
(3) Stopping from a speed of 20 miles per hour in not more than 25 feet, such distance to be measured from the point at which movement of the service brake pedal or control begins.
A violation of this section is a noncriminal traffic infraction, punishable as a nonmoving violation as provided in chapter 318.
History.—s. 2, ch. 76-34; s. 202, ch. 99-248.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXIII - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 316 - State Uniform Traffic Control › 316.271 - Horns and Warning Devices.

316.271 Horns and warning devices.—
(1) Every motor vehicle when operated upon a highway shall be equipped with a horn in good working order and capable of emitting sound audible under normal conditions from a distance of not less than 200 feet.
(2) No horn or other warning device shall emit an unreasonably loud or harsh sound or a whistle.
(3) The driver of a motor vehicle shall, when reasonably necessary to ensure safe operation, give audible warning with his or her horn.
(4) No vehicle shall be equipped with, nor shall any person use upon a vehicle, any siren, whistle, or bell, except as otherwise permitted in this section.
(5) It is permissible but not required that any vehicle be equipped with a theft alarm signal device which is so arranged that it cannot be used by the driver as an ordinary warning signal.
(6) Every authorized emergency vehicle shall be equipped with a siren, whistle, or bell capable of emitting sound audible under normal conditions from a distance of not less than 500 feet and of a type approved by the department, but such siren, whistle, or bell shall not be used except when the vehicle is operated in response to an emergency call or in the immediate pursuit of an actual or suspected violator of the law, in which event the driver of the vehicle shall sound the siren, whistle, or bell when reasonably necessary to warn pedestrians and other drivers of the approach thereof.
(7) Notwithstanding the other provisions of this section, a trolley may be equipped with a bell, and the bell is not required to be used only as a warning device. As used in this subsection, the term “trolley” includes any bus which resembles a streetcar, which is powered by overhead electric wires or is self-propelled, and which is used primarily as a public conveyance.
(8) A violation of this section is a noncriminal traffic infraction, punishable as a nonmoving violation as provided in chapter 318.
History.—s. 1, ch. 71-135; s. 4, ch. 86-36; s. 1, ch. 88-91; s. 325, ch. 95-148; s. 203, ch. 99-248; s. 72, ch. 2012-181.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXIII - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 316 - State Uniform Traffic Control › 316.272 - Exhaust Systems, Prevention of Noise.

316.272 Exhaust systems, prevention of noise.—
(1) Every motor vehicle shall at all times be equipped with an exhaust system in good working order and in constant operation, including muffler, manifold pipe, and tailpiping to prevent excessive or unusual noise. In no event shall an exhaust system allow noise at a level which exceeds a maximum decibel level to be established by regulation of the Department of Environmental Protection as provided in s. 403.061(11) in cooperation with the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. No person shall use a muffler cutout, bypass or similar device upon a vehicle on a highway.
(2) The engine and power mechanism of every motor vehicle shall be so equipped and adjusted as to prevent the escape of excessive fumes or smoke.
(3) A violation of this section is a noncriminal traffic infraction, punishable as a nonmoving violation as provided in chapter 318.
History.—s. 1, ch. 71-135; s. 1, ch. 72-39; s. 1, ch. 73-89; s. 27, ch. 79-65; s. 135, ch. 94-356; s. 204, ch. 99-248; s. 30, ch. 2006-1.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXIII - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 316 - State Uniform Traffic Control › 316.2937 - Motor Vehicle Emissions Standards.

316.2937 Motor vehicle emissions standards.—If the Department of Environmental Protection proposes to adopt the California motor vehicle emission standards, such standards shall not be implemented until ratified by the Legislature. If the department proposes to modify its rule adopting the California motor vehicle emission standards, such rule modifications shall not be implemented until ratified by the Legislature.
History.—s. 115, ch. 2008-227.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXIII - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 316 - State Uniform Traffic Control › 316.294 - Mirrors.

316.294 Mirrors.—Every vehicle, operated singly or when towing any other vehicle, shall be equipped with a mirror so located as to reflect to the driver a view of the highway for a distance of at least 200 feet to the rear of the motor vehicle. A violation of this section is a noncriminal traffic infraction, punishable as a nonmoving violation as provided in chapter 318.
History.—s. 1, ch. 71-135; s. 1, ch. 76-31; s. 207, ch. 99-248.
Note.—Former s. 316.273.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXIII - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 316 - State Uniform Traffic Control › 316.2951 - Motor Vehicle Windows; Definitions.

316.2951 Motor vehicle windows; definitions.—Whenever used in ss. 316.2951-316.2957, unless the context otherwise requires, the following terms have the following meanings:
(1) “Motor vehicle” means any vehicle as defined in s. 316.003, except vehicles used in farm husbandry, which is registered or required to be registered in the state.
(2) “Multipurpose passenger vehicle” means a motor vehicle with motive power designed to carry 10 persons or fewer which is constructed either on a truck chassis or with special features for occasional off-road operation.
(3) “Reflectance” means the ratio of the amount of total light, expressed in a percentage, which is reflected outward by the product or material to the amount of total light falling on the product or material.
(4) “Sunscreening material” means a product or material, including film, glazing, and perforated sunscreening, which, when applied to the windshield or windows of a motor vehicle, reduces the effects of the sun with respect to light reflectance or transmittance.
(5) “Transmittance” means the ratio of the amount of total light, expressed in a percentage, which is allowed to pass through the product or material, including glazing, to the amount of total light falling on the product or material and the glazing.
(6) “Window” means any device designed for exterior viewing from a motor vehicle, except the windshield, any roof-mounted viewing device, and any viewing device having less than 150 square inches in area.
(7) “Windshield” means the front exterior viewing device of a motor vehicle.
History.—s. 1, ch. 84-296.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXIII - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 316 - State Uniform Traffic Control › 316.2953 - Side Windows; Restrictions on Sunscreening Material.

316.2953 Side windows; restrictions on sunscreening material.—A person shall not operate any motor vehicle on any public highway, road, or street on which vehicle the side wings and side windows on either side forward of or adjacent to the operator’s seat are composed of, covered by, or treated with any sunscreening material or other product or covering which has the effect of making the window nontransparent or which would alter the window’s color, increase its reflectivity, or reduce its light transmittance, except as expressly permitted by this section. A sunscreening material is authorized for such windows if, when applied to and tested on the glass of such windows on the specific motor vehicle, the material has a total solar reflectance of visible light of not more than 25 percent as measured on the nonfilm side and a light transmittance of at least 28 percent in the visible light range. A violation of this section is a noncriminal traffic infraction, punishable as a nonmoving violation as provided in chapter 318.
History.—s. 1, ch. 84-296; s. 1, ch. 91-42; s. 209, ch. 99-248.