3. Your Driving

Parking

When parking on a public road, move as far away from traffic as possible. If there is a roadside shoulder, pull as far onto it as you can. If there is a curb, pull close to it - you must not park more than one foot away.

Always park on the right side of the roadway, unless it is a one-way street. Make sure your vehicle cannot move. Set the parking brake and shift to park with an automatic transmission or reverse with a manual transmission. Turn off the engine and lock the vehicle. Florida law requires that you take the keys out of your vehicle before leaving it. Always check traffic behind you before getting out, or get out on the curb side.

Before you leave any parked position, look over your shoulder to the rear to make sure the way is clear. Give the proper turn signal if driving from a curb and yield to other traffic.

Parking on Hills

When parking on hills:

Turn your wheels so that if your car starts to move by itself it will roll away from traffic or into the curb. Study the diagram provided.
Set the parking brake.
Place automatic gear shift in park. Shift manual gears to reverse (downhill) or first (uphill).

Straight-in Parking

The rear markers represent the REAR corners of the parking space. The forward markers represent the approximate CENTER of the parking space. When properly parked, the vehicle should be centered inside the space with no part of the vehicle extending out into the traffic lane.

Where Parking is not Allowed

On the roadway side of another parked vehicle (double parking).
On crosswalks.
On sidewalks.
In front of driveways.
By curbs painted yellow or where "No Parking" signs are posted.
Within intersections.
Within 15 feet of a fire hydrant.
Within 20 feet of an intersection.
Within 20 feet of the entrance to a fire, ambulance or rescue squad station.
Within 50 feet of a railroad crossing.
On the hard surface of a highway where parking spaces are not marked.
On any bridge or overpass or in any tunnel.
Within 30 feet of a rural mail box on a state highway between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m.
Within 30 feet of any flashing signal, stop sign or traffic signal.
In such a way that you block or create a hazard for other vehicles.

Parking Lights

Parking lights must be used at night on any vehicle parked on a roadway or shoulder outside of cities and towns. vehicle should be centered inside the space with no part of the vehicle extending out into the traffic lane.Driving with parking lights only (in place of headlights) is against the law.

Parking Privilege for Disabled

Disabled persons do not have to pay parking fees on any public street, highway, or metered space. Their vehicles must display a valid parking placard which is visible from the front and rear of the vehicle. Each side of the placard must have the international symbol of accessibility in a contrasting color in the center. These may be obtained from a tag agent or tax collector's office and must be renewed every four years.

Disabled persons must park in spaces reserved for the disabled when possible. These spaces are marked by the wheelchair symbol and "Parking by Disabled Permit Only" signs. Vehicles illegally parked in spaces reserved for the handicapped will be ticketed and may be towed.

Proof of Eligibility: Statement from a physician licensed in the United States, the Division of Blind Services of the Department of Education, or the Veterans Administration, that the applicant is a severely physically disabled individual with permanent mobility problems which substantially impair his or her ability to ambulate or is certified as legally blind.
Display: Visible from the front and rear of the vehicle.
Procedure: Contact your local county tax collector or tag agent.
1. Complete HSMV 83039 - Application for a disabled person’s parking permit.
2. Provide proof of eligibility - Doctor’s Statement
3. Pay $1.50
4. Pay $15.00 for temporary disabled person parking permit.
5. Present valid Florida driver license or identification card.

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