316.2128  Operation of motorized scooters and miniature motorcycles; requirements for sales.--

(1)  A person who engages in the business of, serves in the capacity of, or acts as a commercial seller of motorized scooters or miniature motorcycles in this state must prominently display at his or her place of business a notice that such vehicles are not legal to operate on public roads or sidewalks and may not be registered as motor vehicles. The required notice must also appear in all forms of advertising offering motorized scooters or miniature motorcycles for sale. The notice and a copy of this section must also be provided to a consumer prior to the consumer's purchasing or becoming obligated to purchase a motorized scooter or a miniature motorcycle.

(2)  Any person selling or offering a motorized scooter or a miniature motorcycle for sale in violation of this subsection commits an unfair and deceptive trade practice as defined in part II of chapter 501.

History.--s. 16, ch. 2006-290.

316.215  Scope and effect of regulations.--

(1)  It is a violation of this chapter for any person to drive or move, or for the owner to cause or knowingly permit to be driven or moved, on any highway any vehicle, or combination of vehicles, which is in such unsafe condition as to endanger any person, which does not contain those parts or is not at all times equipped with such lamps and other equipment in proper condition and adjustment as required in this chapter, or which is equipped in any manner in violation of this chapter, or for any person to do any act forbidden, or fail to perform any act required, under this chapter.

(2)  Nothing contained in this chapter shall be construed to prohibit the use of additional parts and accessories on any vehicle not inconsistent with the provisions of this chapter.

(3)  The provisions of this chapter with respect to equipment required on vehicles shall not apply to implements of husbandry, road machinery, road rollers, or farm tractors except as herein made applicable.

(4)  The provisions of this chapter with respect to equipment required on vehicles shall not apply to motorcycles or motor-driven cycles, except as herein made applicable.

(5)  The provisions of this chapter and 49 C.F.R. part 393, with respect to number, visibility, distribution of light, and mounting height requirements for headlamps, auxiliary lamps, and turn signals shall not apply to a front-end loading collection vehicle, when:

(a)  The front-end loading mechanism and container or containers are in the lowered position;

(b)  The vehicle is engaged in collecting solid waste or recyclable or recovered materials; and

(c)  The vehicle is being operated at speeds less than 20 miles per hour with the vehicular hazard-warning lights activated.

(6)  A violation of this section is a noncriminal traffic infraction, punishable as a nonmoving violation as provided in chapter 318.

History.--s. 1, ch. 71-135; s. 1, ch. 76-31; s. 6, ch. 97-280; s. 31, ch. 97-300; s. 170, ch. 99-248.

Note.--Former s. 316.059.

316.216  Authority of department with reference to lighting devices.--

(1)  The department is authorized to approve or disapprove lighting devices and to issue and enforce regulations establishing standards and specifications for the approval of such lighting devices, their installation, adjustment, and aiming, and adjustment when in use on motor vehicles. Such regulations shall correlate with standards and specifications of the society of automotive engineers applicable to such equipment.

(2)  The department is required to approve or disapprove any lighting device of a type on which approval is specifically required in this chapter within a reasonable time after such device has been submitted.

(3)  The department is further authorized to set up the procedure which shall be followed when any device is submitted for approval.

(4)  The department, upon approving any such lamp or device, shall issue to the applicant a certificate of approval together with any instructions determined by it.

(5)  The department shall publish lists of all lamps and devices by name and type which have been approved by it.

History.--s. 1, ch. 71-135.

316.217  When lighted lamps are required.--

(1)  Every vehicle operated upon a highway within this state shall display lighted lamps and illuminating devices as herein respectively required for different classes of vehicles, subject to exceptions with respect to parked vehicles, under the following conditions;

(a)  At any time from sunset to sunrise including the twilight hours. Twilight hours shall mean the time between sunset and full night or between full night and sunrise.

(b)  During any rain, smoke, or fog.

(c)  Stop lights, turn signals, and other signaling devices shall be lighted as prescribed for use of such devices.

(2)  Whenever requirement is hereinafter declared as to the distance from which certain lamps and devices shall render objects visible, said provisions shall apply during the times stated in subsection (1) in respect to a vehicle without load when upon a straight, level, unlighted highway under normal atmospheric conditions, unless a different time or condition is expressly stated.

(3)  Whenever requirement is hereinafter declared as to the mounted height of lamps or devices, it shall mean from the center of such lamp or device to the level ground upon which the vehicle stands when the vehicle is without a load.

(4)  Law enforcement vehicles may be operated without the display of lighted lamps required by this chapter under the following conditions:

(a)  Operation without the display of lighted lamps is necessary to the performance of a law enforcement officer's duties.

(b)  The law enforcement agency has a written policy authorizing and providing guidelines for vehicle operation without the display of lighted lamps.

(c)  The law enforcement vehicle is operated in compliance with agency policy.

(d)  The operation without the display of lighted lamps may be safely accomplished.

The provisions of this subsection shall not relieve the operator of such a vehicle from the duty to drive with due regard for the safety of all persons, nor shall such provisions protect the vehicle operator from the consequences of his or her reckless disregard for the safety of others.

(5)  A violation of this section is a noncriminal traffic infraction, punishable as a moving violation as provided in chapter 318.

History.--s. 1, ch. 71-135; s. 4, ch. 76-218; s. 22, ch. 94-306; s. 171, ch. 99-248; s. 1, ch. 2004-74.

316.220  Headlamps on motor vehicles.--

(1)  Every motor vehicle shall be equipped with at least two headlamps with at least one on each side of the front of the motor vehicle, which headlamps shall comply with the requirements and limitations set forth in this chapter, and shall show a white light. An object, material, or covering that alters the headlamp's light color may not be placed, displayed, installed, affixed, or applied over a headlamp.

(2)  Every headlamp upon every motor vehicle shall be located at a height of not more than 54 inches nor less than 24 inches to be measured as set forth in s. 316.217.

(3)  A violation of this section is a noncriminal traffic infraction, punishable as a nonmoving violation as provided in chapter 318.

History.--s. 1, ch. 71-135; s. 172, ch. 99-248; s. 9, ch. 2000-313.

316.221  Taillamps.--

(1)  Every motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer, and pole trailer, and any other vehicle which is being drawn at the end of a combination of vehicles, shall be equipped with at least two taillamps mounted on the rear, which, when lighted as required in s. 316.217, shall emit a red light plainly visible from a distance of 1,000 feet to the rear, except that passenger cars and pickup trucks manufactured or assembled prior to January 1, 1972, which were originally equipped with only one taillamp shall have at least one taillamp. On a combination of vehicles, only the taillamps on the rearmost vehicle need actually be seen from the distance specified. On vehicles equipped with more than one taillamp, the lamps shall be mounted on the same level and as widely spaced laterally as practicable. An object, material, or covering that alters the taillamp's visibility from 1,000 feet may not be placed, displayed, installed, affixed, or applied over a taillamp.

(2)  Either a taillamp or a separate lamp shall be so constructed and placed as to illuminate with a white light the rear registration plate and render it clearly legible from a distance of 50 feet to the rear. Any taillamp or taillamps, together with any separate lamp or lamps for illuminating the rear registration plate, shall be so wired as to be lighted whenever the headlamps or auxiliary driving lamps are lighted. Dump trucks and vehicles having dump bodies are exempt from the requirements of this subsection.

(3)  A violation of this section is a noncriminal traffic infraction, punishable as a nonmoving violation as provided in chapter 318.

History.--s. 1, ch. 71-135; s. 1, ch. 79-97; s. 173, ch. 99-248; s. 10, ch. 2000-313; s. 17, ch. 2006-290.

316.222  Stop lamps and turn signals.--

(1)  Every motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer, and pole trailer shall be equipped with two or more stop lamps meeting the requirements of s. 316.234(1). Motor vehicles, trailers, semitrailers and pole trailers manufactured or assembled prior to January 1, 1972, shall be equipped with at least one stop lamp. On a combination of vehicles, only the stop lamps on the rearmost vehicle need actually be seen from the distance specified in s. 316.234(1).

(2)  Every motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer, and pole trailer shall be equipped with electric turn signal lamps meeting the requirements of s. 316.234(2).

(3)  Passenger cars and trucks less than 80 inches in width, manufactured or assembled prior to January 1, 1972, need not be equipped with electric turn signal lamps.

(4)  A violation of this section is a noncriminal traffic infraction, punishable as a nonmoving violation as provided in chapter 318.

History.--s. 1, ch. 71-135; s. 174, ch. 99-248.

316.2225  Additional equipment required on certain vehicles.--In addition to other equipment required in this chapter, the following vehicles shall be equipped as herein stated under the conditions stated in s. 316.217.

(1)  On every bus or truck, whatever its size, there shall be the following: On the rear, two reflectors, one at each side, and one stop light.

(2)  On every bus or truck 80 inches or more in overall width, in addition to the requirements in subsection (1):

(a)  On the front, two clearance lamps, one at each side.

(b)  On the rear, two clearance lamps, one at each side.

(c)  On each side, two side marker lamps, one at or near the front and one at or near the rear.

(d)  On each side, two reflectors, one at or near the front and one at or near the rear.

(3)  On every truck tractor:

(a)  On the front, two clearance lamps, one at each side.

(b)  On the rear, one stop light.

(4)  On every trailer or semitrailer having a gross weight in excess of 3,000 pounds:

(a)  On the front, two clearance lamps, one at each side.

(b)  On each side, two side marker lamps, one at or near the front and one at or near the rear.

(c)  On each side, two reflectors, one at or near the front and one at or near the rear.

(d)  On the rear, two clearance lamps, one at each side, also two reflectors, one at each side, and one stop light.

(5)  On every pole trailer in excess of 3,000 pounds gross weight:

(a)  On each side, one side marker lamp and one clearance lamp which may be in combination, to show to the front, side and rear.

(b)  On the rear of the pole trailer or load, two reflectors, one at each side.

(6)  On every trailer, semitrailer, and pole trailer weighing 3,000 pounds gross, or less: On the rear, two reflectors, one on each side. If any trailer or semitrailer is so loaded, or is of such dimensions as to obscure the stop light on the towing vehicle, then such vehicle shall also be equipped with one stop light.

(7)  On every slow-moving vehicle or equipment, animal-drawn vehicle, or other machinery designed for use and speeds less than 25 miles per hour, including all road construction and maintenance machinery except when engaged in actual construction or maintenance work either guarded by a flagger or a clearly visible warning sign, which normally travels or is normally used at a speed of less than 25 miles per hour and which is operated on a public highway:

(a)  A triangular slow-moving vehicle emblem SMV as described in, and displayed as provided in paragraph (b). The requirement of the emblem shall be in addition to any other equipment required by law. The emblem shall not be displayed on objects which are customarily stationary in use except while being transported on the roadway of any public highway of this state.

(b)  The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles shall adopt such rules and regulations as are required to carry out the purpose of this section. The requirements of such rules and regulations shall incorporate the current specifications for SMV emblems of the American Society of Agricultural Engineers.

(8)  A violation of this section is a noncriminal traffic infraction, punishable as a nonmoving violation as provided in chapter 318.

History.--s. 1, ch. 71-135; s. 1, ch. 76-31; s. 323, ch. 95-148; s. 175, ch. 99-248.

Note.--Former s. 316.276.

316.224  Color of clearance lamps, identification lamps, side marker lamps, backup lamps, reflectors, and deceleration lights.--

(1)  Front clearance lamps, identification lamps, and those marker lamps and reflectors mounted on the front or on the side near the front of a vehicle shall display or reflect an amber color.

(2)  Rear clearance lamps, identification lamps, and those marker lamps and reflectors mounted on the rear or on the sides near the rear of a vehicle shall display or reflect a red color.

(3)  All lighting devices and reflectors mounted on the rear of any vehicle shall display or reflect a red color, except the stop light or other signal device, which may be red, amber, or yellow, and except that the light illuminating the license plate shall be white and the light emitted by a backup lamp shall be white or amber. Deceleration lights as authorized by s. 316.235(5) shall display an amber color.

(4)  A violation of this section is a noncriminal traffic infraction, punishable as a nonmoving violation as provided in chapter 318.

History.--s. 1, ch. 71-135; s. 2, ch. 86-23; s. 176, ch. 99-248.

316.225  Mounting of reflectors, clearance lamps and side marker lamps.--

(1)  Reflectors, when required by s. 316.2225, shall be mounted at a height not less than 24 inches and not more than 60 inches above the ground on which the vehicle stands, except that if the highest part of the permanent structure of the vehicle is less than 24 inches, the reflector at such point shall be mounted as high as that part of the permanent structure will permit.

(a)  The rear reflectors on a pole trailer may be mounted on each side of the bolster or load.

(b)  Any required red reflector on the rear of a vehicle may be incorporated with the taillamp, but such reflector shall meet all the other reflector requirements of this chapter.

(2)  Clearance lamps shall, so far as is practicable, be mounted on the permanent structure of the vehicle in such a manner as to indicate the extreme height and width of the vehicle. When rear identification lamps are required and are mounted as high as is practicable, rear clearance lamps may be mounted at optional height, and when the mounting of front clearance lamps results in such lamps failing to indicate the extreme width of the trailer, such lamps may be mounted at optional height but must indicate, as nearly as practicable, the extreme width of the trailer. Clearance lamps on truck tractors shall be located so as to indicate the extreme width of the truck tractor cab. Clearance lamps and side marker lamps may be mounted in combination provided illumination is given as required herein with reference to both.

(3)  A violation of this section is a noncriminal traffic infraction, punishable as a nonmoving violation as provided in chapter 318.

History.--s. 1, ch. 71-135; s. 24, ch. 76-31; s. 177, ch. 99-248.

316.226  Visibility requirements for reflectors, clearance lamps, identification lamps and marker lamps.--

(1)  Every reflector upon any vehicle referred to in s. 316.2225 shall be of such size and characteristics and so maintained as to be readily visible at nighttime from all distances within 600 feet to 100 feet from the vehicle when directly in front of lawful lower beams of headlamps, except that the visibility for reflectors on vehicles manufactured or assembled prior to January 1, 1972, shall be measured in front of lawful upper beams of headlamps. Reflectors required to be mounted on the sides of the vehicle shall reflect the required color of light to the sides and those mounted on the rear shall reflect a red color to the rear.

(2)  Front and rear clearance lamps and identification lamps shall be capable of being seen and distinguished under normal atmospheric conditions at the times lights are required at all distances between 550 feet from the front and rear, respectively, of the vehicle.

(3)  Side marker lamps shall be capable of being seen and distinguished under normal atmospheric conditions at the times lights are required at all distances between 550 feet from the side of the vehicle on which mounted.

(4)  A violation of this section is a noncriminal traffic infraction, punishable as a nonmoving violation as provided in chapter 318.

History.--s. 1, ch. 71-135; s. 25, ch. 76-31; s. 178, ch. 99-248.

316.227  Obstructed lights not required.--Whenever motor and other vehicles are operated in combination during the time that lights are required, any lamp (except taillamps) need not be lighted which, by reason of its location on a vehicle of the combination, would be obscured by another vehicle of the combination, but this shall not affect the requirement that lighted clearance lamps be displayed on the front of the foremost vehicle required to have clearance lamps, nor that all lights required on the rear of the rearmost vehicle of any combination shall be lighted.

History.--s. 1, ch. 71-135.

316.228  Lamps or flags on projecting load.--

(1)  Except as provided in subsection (2), whenever the load upon any vehicle extends to the rear 4 feet or more beyond the bed or body of such vehicle, there shall be displayed at the extreme rear end of the load, at the times specified in s. 316.217, two red lamps visible from a distance of at least 500 feet to the rear, two red reflectors visible at night from all distances within 600 feet to 100 feet to the rear when directly in front of lawful lower beams of headlamps and located so as to indicate maximum width, and on each side one red lamp visible from a distance of at least 500 feet to the side and located so as to indicate maximum overhang. There shall be displayed at all other times on any vehicle having a load which extends beyond its sides or more than 4 feet beyond its rear, red flags, not less than 12 inches square, marking the extremities of such load, at each point where a lamp would otherwise be required by this section. A violation of this section is a noncriminal traffic infraction punishable as a nonmoving violation as provided in chapter 318.

(2)  Any commercial motor vehicle or trailer transporting a load of unprocessed logs or pulpwood, which load extends more than 4 feet beyond the rear of the body or bed of such vehicle, must have securely fixed as close as practical to the end of any such projection one amber strobe-type lamp equipped with a multidirectional type lens so mounted as to be visible from the rear and both sides of the projecting load. If the mounting of one strobe lamp cannot be accomplished so that it is visible from the rear and both sides of the projecting load, multiple strobe lights must be used to meet the visibility requirements of this subsection. The strobe lamp must flash at a rate of at least 60 flashes per minute and must be plainly visible from a distance of at least 500 feet to the rear and sides of the projecting load at any time of the day or night. The lamp must be operating at any time of the day or night when the vehicle is operated on any highway or parked on the shoulder or immediately adjacent to the traveled portion of any public roadway. The projecting load must also be marked with a red flag as described in subsection (1).

History.--s. 1, ch. 71-135; s. 179, ch. 99-248; s. 11, ch. 2000-313; s. 3, ch. 2001-196; s. 6, ch. 2001-279.

316.229  Lamps on parked vehicles.--

(1)  Every vehicle shall be equipped with one or more lamps which, when lighted, shall display a white or amber light visible from a distance of 1,000 feet to the front of the vehicle and a red light visible from a distance of 1,000 feet to the rear of the vehicle. The location of the lamp or lamps shall always be such that at least one lamp or combination of lamps meeting the requirements of this section is installed as near as practicable to the side of the vehicle which is closest to passing traffic.

(2)  Whenever a vehicle is lawfully parked upon a street or highway during the hours between sunset and sunrise and in the event there is sufficient light to reveal persons and vehicles within a distance of 1,000 feet upon such street or highway, no lights need be displayed upon such parked vehicle.

(3)  Whenever a vehicle is parked or stopped upon a roadway or shoulder adjacent thereto outside of a municipality, whether attended or unattended, during the hours between sunset and sunrise and there is insufficient light to reveal any person or object within a distance of 1,000 feet upon such highway, the vehicle so parked or stopped shall be equipped with and shall display lamps meeting the requirements of subsection (1).

(4)  Any lighted headlamps upon a parked vehicle shall be depressed or dimmed.

(5)  A violation of this section is a noncriminal traffic infraction, punishable as a nonmoving violation as provided in chapter 318.

History.--s. 1, ch. 71-135; s. 180, ch. 99-248.

316.2295  Lamps, reflectors and emblems on farm tractors, farm equipment and implements of husbandry.--

(1)  Every farm tractor and every self-propelled unit of farm equipment or implement of husbandry manufactured or assembled after January 1, 1972, shall be equipped with vehicular hazard-warning lights visible from a distance of not less than 1,000 feet to the front and rear in normal sunlight, which shall be displayed whenever any such vehicle is operated upon a highway.

(2)  Every farm tractor and every self-propelled unit of farm equipment or implement of husbandry manufactured or assembled after January 1, 1972, shall at all times, and every other such motor vehicle shall at all times mentioned in s. 316.217, be equipped with lamps and reflectors as follows:

(a)  At least two headlamps meeting the requirements of ss. 316.237 and 316.239.

(b)  At least one red lamp visible when lighted from a distance of not less than 1,000 feet to the rear mounted as far to the left of the center of the vehicle as practicable.

(c)  At least two red reflectors visible from all distances within 600 feet to 100 feet to the rear when directly in front of lawful lower beams of headlamps.

(3)  Every combination of farm tractor and towed farm equipment or towed implement of husbandry shall at all times mentioned in s. 316.217 be equipped with lamps and reflectors as follows:

(a)  The farm tractor shall be equipped as required in subsections (1) and (2).

(b)  If the towed unit or its load extends more than 4 feet to the rear of the tractor or obscures any light thereon, the unit shall be equipped on the rear with at least two red reflectors visible from all distances within 600 feet to 100 feet to the rear when directly in front of lawful lower beams of headlamps.

(c)  If the towed unit of such combination extends more than 4 feet to the left of the centerline of the tractor, the unit shall be equipped on the front with an amber reflector visible from all distances within 600 feet to 100 feet to the front when directly in front of lawful lower beams of headlamps. This reflector shall be so positioned to indicate, as nearly as practicable, the extreme left projection of the towed unit.

(4)  The two red reflectors required in the foregoing subsections shall be so positioned as to show from the rear, as nearly as practicable, the extreme width of the vehicle or combination carrying them. If all other requirements are met, reflective tape or paint may be used in lieu of the reflectors required by subsection (3).

(5)  Every farm tractor and every self-propelled unit of farm equipment or implement of husbandry designed for operation at speeds not in excess of 25 miles per hour shall at all times be equipped with a slow moving vehicle emblem mounted on the rear except as provided in subsection (6).

(6)  Every combination of farm tractor and towed farm equipment or towed implement of husbandry normally operating at speeds not in excess of 25 miles per hour shall at all times be equipped with a slow moving vehicle emblem as follows:

(a)  When the towed unit or any load thereon obscures the slow moving vehicle emblem on the farm tractor, the towed unit shall be equipped with a slow moving vehicle emblem. In such cases, the towing vehicle need not display the emblem.

(b)  When the slow moving vehicle emblem on the farm tractor unit is not obscured by the towed unit or its load, then either or both may be equipped with the required emblem, but it shall be sufficient if either has it.

(c)  The emblem required by subsections (5) and (6) shall comply with current standards and specifications of the American Society of Agricultural Engineers approved by the department.

(7)  Except during the periods of time stated in s. 316.217(1), an agricultural product trailer which is less than 10 feet in length and narrower than the hauling vehicle is not required to have taillamps, stop lamps, and turn signals and may use the hauling vehicle's lighting apparatus to meet the requirements of ss. 316.221 and 316.222. However, the load of the agricultural product trailer must be contained within the trailer and must not in any way obstruct the hauling vehicle's lighting apparatus.

(8)  A violation of this section is a noncriminal traffic infraction, punishable as a nonmoving violation as provided in chapter 318.

History.--s. 1, ch. 71-135; s. 1, ch. 76-31; s. 7, ch. 96-413; s. 181, ch. 99-248.

Note.--Former s. 316.232.

316.231  Lamps on other vehicles and equipment.--Every vehicle, including animal-drawn vehicles and vehicles referred to in s. 316.215(3), not specifically required by the provisions of this section to be equipped with lamps or other lighting devices shall at all times specified in s. 316.217 be equipped with at least one lamp displaying a white light visible from a distance of not less than 1,000 feet to the front of said vehicle, and shall also be equipped with two lamps displaying red light visible from a distance of not less than 1,000 feet to the rear of the vehicle, or, as an alternative, one lamp displaying a red light visible from a distance of not less than 1,000 feet to the rear and two red reflectors visible from all distances of 600 to 100 feet to the rear when illuminated by the lawful lower beams of headlamps. A violation of this section is a noncriminal traffic infraction, punishable as a nonmoving violation as provided in chapter 318.

History.--s. 1, ch. 71-135; s. 26, ch. 76-31; s. 182, ch. 99-248.

316.233  Spot lamps and auxiliary lamps.--

(1)  SPOT LAMPS.--Any motor vehicle may be equipped with not to exceed two spot lamps and every lighted spot lamp shall be so aimed and used that no part of the high intensity portion of the beam will strike the windshield, or any windows, mirror, or occupant of another vehicle in use.

(2)  FOG LAMPS.--Any motor vehicle may be equipped with not to exceed two fog lamps mounted on the front at a height not less than 12 inches nor more than 30 inches above the level surface upon which the vehicle stands and so aimed that when the vehicle is not loaded none of the high intensity portion of the light to the left of the center of the vehicle shall at a distance of 25 feet ahead project higher than a level of 4 inches below the level of the center of the lamp from which it comes. Lighted fog lamps meeting the above requirements may be used with lower headlamp beams as specified in s. 316.237(1)(b).

(3)  AUXILIARY PASSING LAMPS.--Any motor vehicle may be equipped with not to exceed two auxiliary passing lamps mounted on the front at a height not less than 24 inches nor more than 42 inches above the level surface upon which the vehicle stands. The provisions of s. 316.237 shall apply to any combination of headlamps and auxiliary passing lamps.

(4)  AUXILIARY DRIVING LAMPS.--Any motor vehicle may be equipped with not to exceed two auxiliary driving lamps mounted on the front at a height not less than 16 inches nor more than 42 inches above the level surface upon which the vehicle stands. The provisions of s. 316.237 shall apply to any combination of headlamps and auxiliary driving lamps.

(5)  VIOLATIONS.--A violation of this section is a noncriminal traffic infraction, punishable as a nonmoving violation as provided in chapter 318.

History.--s. 1, ch. 71-135; s. 183, ch. 99-248.

316.234  Signal lamps and signal devices.--

(1)  Any vehicle may be equipped and, when required under this chapter, shall be equipped with a stop lamp or lamps on the rear of the vehicle which shall display a red or amber light, visible from a distance of not less than 300 feet to the rear in normal sunlight, and which shall be actuated upon application of the service (foot) brake, and which may but need not be incorporated with one or more other rear lamps. An object, material, or covering that alters the stop lamp's visibility from 300 feet to the rear in normal sunlight may not be placed, displayed, installed, affixed, or applied over a stop lamp.

(2)  Any vehicle may be equipped and, when required under s. 316.222(2), shall be equipped with electric turn signals which shall indicate an intention to turn by flashing lights showing to the front and rear of a vehicle or on a combination of vehicles on the side of the vehicle or combination toward which the turn is to be made. The lamps showing to the front shall be mounted on the same level and as widely spaced laterally as practicable and, when signaling, shall emit white or amber light. The lamps showing to the rear shall be mounted on the same level and as widely spaced laterally as practicable, and, when signaling, shall emit a red or amber light. Turn signal lamps on vehicles 80 inches or more in overall width shall be visible from a distance of not less than 500 feet to the front and rear in normal sunlight, and an object, material, or covering that alters the lamp's visibility from a distance of 500 feet to the front or rear in normal sunlight may not be placed, displayed, installed, affixed, or applied over a turn signal lamp. Turn signal lamps on vehicles less than 80 inches wide shall be visible at a distance of not less than 300 feet to the front and rear in normal sunlight, and an object, material, or covering that alters the lamp's visibility from a distance of 300 feet to the front or rear in normal sunlight may not be placed, displayed, installed, affixed, or applied over a turn signal lamp. Turn signal lamps may, but need not be, incorporated in other lamps on the vehicle.

(3)  A violation of this section is a noncriminal traffic infraction, punishable as a nonmoving violation as provided in chapter 318.

History.--s. 1, ch. 71-135; s. 184, ch. 99-248; s. 12, ch. 2000-313.

316.235  Additional lighting equipment.--

(1)  Any motor vehicle may be equipped with not more than two side cowl or fender lamps which shall emit an amber or white light without glare.

(2)  Any motor vehicle may be equipped with not more than one running board courtesy lamp on each side thereof which shall emit a white or amber light without glare.

(3)  Any motor vehicle may be equipped with one or more backup lamps either separately or in combination with other lamps, but any such backup lamp or lamps shall not be lighted when the motor vehicle is in forward motion.

(4)  Any vehicle 80 inches or more in overall width, if not otherwise required by s. 316.2225, may be equipped with not more than three identification lamps showing to the front which shall emit an amber light without glare and not more than three identification lamps showing to the rear which shall emit a red light without glare. Such lamps shall be mounted as specified in this chapter.

(5)  A bus, as defined in s. 316.003(3), may be equipped with a deceleration lighting system which cautions following vehicles that the bus is slowing, preparing to stop, or is stopped. Such lighting system shall consist of amber lights mounted in horizontal alignment on the rear of the vehicle at or near the vertical centerline of the vehicle, not higher than the lower edge of the rear window or, if the vehicle has no rear window, not higher than 72 inches from the ground. Such lights shall be visible from a distance of not less than 300 feet to the rear in normal sunlight. Lights are permitted to light and flash during deceleration, braking, or standing and idling of the bus. Vehicular hazard warning flashers may be used in conjunction with or in lieu of a rear-mounted deceleration lighting system.

(6)  A violation of this section is a noncriminal traffic infraction, punishable as a nonmoving violation as provided in chapter 318.

History.--s. 1, ch. 71-135; s. 27, ch. 76-31; s. 3, ch. 86-23; s. 185, ch. 99-248.