Is It Legal to Run a Yellow Light in Florida?
September 6, 2024 | Sagi Shaked | Personal Injury
According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, more than 300,000 accidents occur yearly near an intersection or a cross street. Car accidents that occur at intersection lights are very common and can lead to catastrophic injuries.
When drivers do not have the right of way and run the light, they could collide with other vehicles, resulting in a t-bone accident. T-bone accidents are considered one of the most dangerous types of impact compared to other types like rear-end collisions or sideswipe collisions.
Intersection accidents are common in Florida and can be prevented with safe driving. Unfortunately, not many drivers in Florida know intersection rules and procedures, and accidents can be very dangerous or even deadly. In Florida, it is legal to enter an intersection at a light, but there are some important factors to consider when safely entering an intersection.
What Does A Yellow Light Mean In Florida?
Under Florida law, a yellow light signals that the traffic light will soon turn red. Drivers facing a yellow light should slow down and prepare to stop, only entering the intersection if they can safely clear it before the light turns red.
What If I Enter The Intersection At A Yellow Light, And The Light Suddenly Turns Red?
If you enter the intersection on a yellow light that turns red before you reach the other side, you should continue safely and cautiously through the intersection. Stopping in the middle of the intersection could be very dangerous and lead to car accidents.
In certain circumstances, it is legal to go through a yellow light. Considerations include:
- Proper distance: If there is proper distance between one side of the intersection and the other, and you can safely get to the other side, you should proceed through the yellow light.
- Speed: If a driver speeds faster through the intersection when the light turns yellow, it is most likely dangerous and could result in an accident. No driver should speed through an intersection to make the yellow light.
- Emergency vehicles: It is illegal to enter the intersection at a yellow light if emergency vehicles are approaching.
The above are examples to consider when deciding whether or not you can legally drive through a yellow light.
Could I Get A Ticket For Running A Yellow Light In Florida?
There is no penalty for running a yellow light in Florida if you safely proceed through the intersection. But, if you enter the intersection at a yellow light, and the light turns red as you are still driving through the intersection, you could face red-light penalties. Below are examples of fines and penalties you could face for running a red light:
- Fines: Depending on the county, you could face hundreds of dollars in fines for running a red light. Several cities in Florida also have red light cameras that can issue citations and mail the citations to your home.
- Driver’s record points: Multiple red light violations could result in points on your driver’s record. Having points on your driver’s record could increase your car insurance rates.
- Traffic school: Multiple points on your record may require you to attend traffic school.
You could face penalties for running a red light in Florida. Having multiple violations could result in a license suspension.
Florida law allows drivers to safely cross an intersection at a yellow signal. However, they could face substantial fines if entering the intersection is unsafe. Florida statute section 316.075 was enacted to decrease the number of car accidents on the road.
Contact Our Car Accident Law Firm in Miami, FL
Contact our personal injury lawyers if you have been injured by a driver who violated yellow light rules. Intersection car accidents could get complex when determining who the liable parties are. A top-rated Florida personal injury attorney can investigate your case and secure the compensation you deserve.
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Miami, FL and need legal help, contact our Miami car accident lawyers at Shaked Law Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation.
Shaked Law Personal Injury Lawyers
20900 NE 30th Ave Suite 715
Aventura, FL 33180
(305) 937-0191