Miami Driving: Miami Traffic Laws & Regulations

Miami Traffic Laws & Regulations around South Beach Accommodations

miami-traffic-lawsAnyone unfamiliar with Miami driving should familiarize themselves with Miami’s traffic laws and regulations before leaving their South Beach accommodation. This is particularly important for those visitors from other countries they may be driving in the states for the first time. Below we have outlined some of the most important Miami traffic laws and regulations.

Important Traffic Laws & Regulations
In the U.S. you drive on the right-hand side of the road and pass on the left
Right turns are permitted at red lights unless indicated by a sign at the intersection.
Florida's Turnpike and certain major expressways are toll roads.
All persons riding in an automobile are required to wear seat belts.
Children less than five years of age required to ne in car seats.

Speed Limits around South Beach & Miami Beach
You must be aware that posted speed limits are ignored by most drivers in Miami, especially on larger roads with lower speed limits. Speed limits around Miami Beach are measured in miles per hour (mph) and vary throughout the city. Always proceed with caution and carefully note posted speed limits:
     15 miles per hour in school zones
     30 miles per hour in business or residential areas
     55 miles per hour on most expressways
        
Speed Limits on Main Roads & Highways in Miami
Expressways & Interstates:     70 mph (112 km/h)
Rural 4-lane highways:             65 mph (105 km/h)
Rural undivided road:               60 mph (96 km/h)
County road:                            55 or 60 mph (88 to 96 km/h)
Residential area:                      30 mph (48 km/h)
School zone:                            10 to 20 mph (16 to 32 km/h)

Where you can and can’t park in Miami Beach
Remember to always park your car in the direction in which the traffic is moving. In and around your South Beach accommodation you will see street curbs marked in various colors. Each curb color has a specific meaning and will help you identify where you can or cannot park your car. A curb not painted any different color symbolizes a legal parking spot as long as you would not be blocking a fire hydrant.
Red:              No parking zone
Yellow:          Loading zone
White:           Passenger loading zone
Green:          Short term parking
Blue:             Disabled zone

Road Signs Shapes & Colors
There are many road safety and signs in the US Miami. Following is a list of the most important ones to familiarize yourself with when you are staying in accommodations Miami.
Colors
Black:           Night speed limits or truck speed limit
Blue:            Service guide for gas, food, lodging
Brown:         Cultural, historical or recreational site
Green:         Directional information
Orange:       Road work & construction
Red:             Prohibited: Stop, Do Not Enter, Wrong Way
Yellow:         General warning
White:          Used for various purposes

Shapes
Circle with yellow background:   Railroad crossing
Circle with red circle & line:        Prohibition
Diagonal cross:                          Railroad crossing
Diamond:                                   Warning
Octagon:                                    Stop
Pentagon w/ building:                School
Rectangle:                                 Variety of purposes
Triangle:                                    Yield
Shields:                                      Highway marquee