Florida Drivers May Be Able To Use Hazard Lights in Heavy Rain or Fog

For years Florida officials have warned drivers against using their hazard lights while driving in the rain out of concern for safety of other drivers.  Florida officials have issued safety notices, and gone to social media and highway signs imploring drivers not to use their hazard lights.  Some of these dangers include confusing other drivers on the road as to your vehicle’s condition when you use hazard lights.  

Despite these attempts, drivers have continued to use their hazards lights when weather conditions are less than desirable.  In periods of heavy downpours or fog, it is not uncommon to see vehicles being operated with their hazard lights on.  Drivers use their hazard lights to bring attention to their vehicle in low visibility conditions.  However, what many drivers may not have known is that the use of hazard lights in the rain or in low visibility violated Florida Statute 316.2397.  While rarely enforced, if a driver was pulled over for using their hazard lights they could have received a substantial fine.

Come July 1, 2021, that may change if Governor Ron DeSantis signs into law a massive 38-page, 1077-line transportation bill.  Buried in that massive bill on lines 250-251, is language allowing drivers to use their hazards lights “[d]uring period of extremely low visibility on roadways with a posted speed of 55 miles per hour or higher.”  

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR FLORIDA DRIVERS

While “extremely low visibility” is vague, this law will allow drivers to use their hazards on Florida’s highways.  It will also protect these users from being issued a traffic ticket or having to pay a hefty fine.

With the summer season sure to bring back the notorious afternoon thunderstorms, this bill may have come at just the right time.

To check the status of this bill click HERE.