Miami, Florida is well known for being one of the best party cities on earth. People from around the country and the rest of the world flock to Miami during the summer months. With great nightlife and awesome beaches, Miami has plenty to offer to tourists. But plenty of people also live in Miami full time – it’s one of the most popular cities in the United States. With a thriving economy, diverse populous, and plenty of professional sports teams, Miami has a lot to offer.

If you drive a vehicle in Miami, you’re probably on the lookout for cheap insurance. Insuring your car can be expensive, and choosing the right insurance company can be very difficult for a variety of different reasons. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the things you should know if you own a vehicle in Miami. We can help you find cheap car insurance in Florida!

Miami: Driving Conditions in the City

Residents who own a car in Miami have to deal with several different issues. While winters don’t provide harsh conditions, there is still plenty to contend with in the city. Florida has some of the most intense storms in the country, so it’s important to stay aware of potential weather threats and rain when you’re on the road. Always pay attention to local weather warnings. Hurricanes and flooding are also a common issue that can damage your car, even when you’re not driving.

In addition, traffic is bad in Miami. The city has to contend with residents and tourists throughout the year. Always be aware when travelling during peak travel times!

Driving Safety Laws in Miami, Florida

If you’re going to be a safe driver in Miami, it’s crucial that you understand the local road rules. If you’re driving in Miami, you’ll need to pay attention to both local and state laws. In this section, we provide you with information on most of the important road rules – make sure to take them into consideration next time you drive in Miami. Adhering to these rules can greatly reduce the chances you get into an accident or receive an expensive fine. Insurance companies prefer drivers with solid driving records – it can save you money in the long term.

Phone/Handheld Laws in Miami

You are not allowed to text and drive anywhere in Florida, including Miami. While texting is outlawed, you can still talk on the phone while you drive. This being said, driving while distracted by your phone is very dangerous and should be avoided at all costs. Distracted driving causes thousands of accidents around the country each year.

Seatbelt and Car Seat Laws in Miami

If you are sitting in the driver’s seat or front passenger seat of a vehicle in Miami, you must wear a seatbelt no matter your age. If you’re in the back seat of a vehicle, you must wear a seatbelt if you are under the age of 18. While those over the age of 18 can go without a seatbelt if they are in the back seat of a car, this is extremely dangerous and should be avoided.

Children under the age of three in Miami must use a car seat that is secure while being driven in a vehicle. Those who are four or five years old must have a federal approved restraint seat – such as a booster seat. Your child’s safety is a top priority, so please adhere to these guidelines.

Helmet Laws in Miami

If you drive a motorcycle or any other similar form of transportation, you’ll need to have a helmet if you’re under the age of 21. If you are over 21, you can go without a helmet if you have at least $10,000 worth of medical coverage.

This being said, you should never ride a motorcycle without a helmet – it can literally be the difference between life and death.

Alcohol and Drug Laws (Driving)

Impaired driving due to alcohol or drugs differs depending on your age and the severity of your impairment. Below we will take a look at the different penalties on offer in Florida.

For those over 21, with over a .08 blood alcohol content (BAC), the penalties may include the following:

• $1,000 fine
• 1 year of probation
• 1 year license suspension
• 50 hours of community service
• 6-month interlock device
• 10 days of vehicle impoundment

For those who have a BAC of over .15, the following potential penalties apply:

• $2,000 fine
• 1 year probation
• 9 months of prison
• 50 hours of community service
• 6 months of interlock device
• Vehicle impoundment of 10 days

If you are under the age of 21, the BAC limit is .02 instead of .08. Do not drink anything and drive if you are under the legal age.

Also don’t forget that your insurance will go up a lot after a DUI. You will be required to carry SR22 auto insurance in order to legally drive. If you don’t have a car then you will need to get the “non-owners” version of this insurance.

Miami Statistics

Miami has the second highest rates of vehicle theft of anywhere in Florida. If you own a car in Miami, it’s important that you store it safely when you are not driving the car. It’s also important to have vehicle theft covered by your insurance provider.

In terms of accidents, there were 219,405 total traffic accidents in Florida in 2017. Of this, 1,604 people died from these accidents. As you can see, traffic accidents are a serious concern in Florida, so it’s important to be careful while driving on roads in Miami.

Verdict

After reading this article, you should have a comprehensive understanding of how to keep yourself as safe as possible on Miami roads. While you can reduce your overall risk, you can never truly eliminate it. If you want to be as safe of a driver as possible, you should also have a comprehensive insurance plan that protects you from accidents, theft, and flooding. It’s the best way to prevent unknown costs from damaging your bank account.

If you plan on living or drive in another city, we have pages that can help provide additional specific information for your region. Make sure to check out all the other useful content on our site and get an auto insurance rate comparison!