drive informed

There’s bound to be a road law or two you’re a bit foggy about, regardless of your clean record or how long you’ve been driving. Check out a few of the less common ones.

By Jim Gibson

Ashing Yellow Turn Signal

A flashing yellow left-turn arrow? Do I need to hurry through before it turns red, or does it mean I have to stop?

According to the Marion County Sheri ’s O ce, “A flashing yellow turn light gives the driver permission to execute the turn; however, the driver needs to proceed with extreme caution as to avoid a collision with opposing tra c heading in the opposite direction. The driver needs to be cognizant that he or she does not necessarily have the right of way but should proceed with caution as not to obstruct tra c traveling in opposing lanes. If a driver fails to use caution and his or her action(s) causes a tra c accident, they can be issued a civil citation for the charge of failing to yield right of way or careless driving.”

If you approach an intersection and both through lanes going your direction have a red light and you have a flashing yellow, it means the opposing through tra c has a green light… and you must yield the right of way.

move over, florida!

WHEN IS A BICYCLE A CAR?

When it’s on a roadway. A bicycle is legally identified as a vehicle in the state of Florida and a bicyclist is considered to be a driver. Cyclists must obey the same traffic laws as motor vehicle drivers, and they have the same right to the roadways. You must treat a bicycle just as you would any other motor vehicle

According to Citrus County Sheri ’s O ce Community Relations Specialist Lindsay Blair, “When approaching an emergency vehicle, sanitation vehicle, utility service vehicle or tow truck that is stopped beside the road performing a public service, if possible, you should move over to the lane farthest away from the vehicle. If you are on a two-lane highway or cannot move to the farthest lane due to tra c constraints, then you must slow to 20 mph slower than the posted speed limit if the posted speed limit is 25 mph or more or to 5 mph if the posted limit is 20 mph or less.”

Utility service vehicles include those used by electric, natural gas, water, wastewater, cable, telephone or communications services.

Interesting Orida Tra C Laws

› Anyone 18 years or older can ride in the back of a pickup truck without any type of safety restraint whatsoever.

› According to the FDOT, a child of any age can ride as a passenger on a motorcycle as long as he or she is wearing an approved helmet… even an infant.