Traffic-related requirements for pedestrian in the U.S. State of Florida is listed on the Florida law 316.130. Similar to automobile drivers, there are regulations that need to be followed by pedestrians in the state, failing which can lead to a penalty from the state’s law enforcement agency. Besides, there may be ramifications with respect to legal liabilities in the event of a traffic accident.
These rules are applicable to all pedestrians, regardless of their driver’s license status. As per the rules, the pedestrians require observing walk signals and red lights. The rules also require drivers to stop in a crosswalk for pedestrians. Florida law 316.130 defines actions that are against Florida Law in relation to automobile traffic and pedestrians.
Here, the experienced traffic accident attorneys at MANGAL, PLLC explain Florida law 316.130 and pedestrian laws in depth.
Florida law 316.130 (1)
It’s Mandatory for Pedestrians to Follow Traffic Signals: It tells that pedestrians must follow traffic control devices, applicable to them. Florida law 316.130 (1) directs pedestrians to stop when a traffic signal instructs them to do so. This rule is applicable to all intersections. In case a police officer is present and indicates a different signal, they must follow the same.
Florida law 316.130 (3)
Pedestrians are required to Use Sidewalks: This rule requires pedestrians to use sidewalks. If a sidewalk is available, walking in the street is against Florida law. However, there may be exceptions to this rule and under some circumstances, pedestrians can use roads, such as medical emergency or inaccessible sidewalks due to construction.
Florida law 316.130 (4)
Rules to walk on the Road in the Absence of Sidewalks: In case a sideway is not available by a highway or road, this rule directs pedestrians to walk by the side of the road. Under all circumstances, they require walking on the shoulder of the road. However, this rule too has exceptions for situations, wherein it is not practical to meet the law-specific requirements.
Florida law 316.130 (5)
No Solicitation in Paved Roadway: Soliciting in a paved roadway or the one designated for vehicular traffic is prohibited by this law. It says that individuals cannot solicit rides, a business, or a job from a person inside a vehicle. Likewise, Florida law 316.130(6) prohibits restricts people to stand on a street in order to guard a parked vehicle or guide an automobile while it attempts to park.
Florida law 316.130 (7)
Drivers are required to stop at a Crossway for Pedestrians: This law directs automobile drivers to stop when there is a walk signal and pedestrians are in a crosswalk. The pedestrians also require to use a crosswalk only when the traffic signal asks them to do so. If a pedestrian is in a crosswalk lawfully, any vehicle driver cannot get close enough to create danger for the pedestrian.
- In case there doesn’t exist a traffic sign or signal, the driver requires to yield to pedestrians in a crosswalk. To avoid obstructing traffic, a pedestrian must use an overcrossing or subway wherever they are available. A pedestrian doesn’t have a right of way if there exists an overhead crossing or a subway.
Florida law 316.130 (8)
Running into Traffic is Prohibited: This rule restricts a pedestrian from running into traffic. They must not leave the edge of a sidewalk or other places that are away from the traffic to run into the traffic lane. Moreover, as per Florida law 316.130 (9), it is unlawful for an automobile to overtake some other vehicle that has stopped in a crosswalk for pedestrians.
Florida law 316.130 (10)
Pedestrians are required to Yield to Traffic in a Crosswalk: While pedestrians have the right of way in a crossway, they are required to wait until the coast is fully clear before entering their path of travel. If there is a vehicle in the crosswalk, they must yield the right of way to that vehicle.
Florida law 316.130 (11) & Florida law 316.130 (12)
Using the Shortest Lane of Travel and Crosswalks: This rule states that when there are active crosswalks with traffic signals, all pedestrians must cross the road only in the crosswalks. When there no crosswalks, the law requires pedestrians to take the shortest lane possible.
The rule directs pedestrians to walk at right angles, perpendicular to the road, in order to cross it in the shortest distance possible. Besides, Florida law 316.130 (13) directs pedestrians to use one side of the crosswalk in a way to make space for the pedestrians moving in the opposite direction. Likewise, Florida law 316.130 (14) states don’t allow pedestrians to cross an intersection diagonally, unless there exists a specific traffic control system for that purpose.
Florida law 316.130(15)
Requirement of Due Caution and Care toward Pedestrians: This law directs automobile drivers to use due caution and care all the time in order to avoid any possible collision with them. The rule also demands special care toward kids and differently-abled individuals.
Florida law 316.130(19)
Pedestrian Traffic Law Violation is a Noncriminal Infraction: According to this rule, violating pedestrian laws in Florida is a noncriminal infarction. Depending on the circumstances, an automobile driver may face charges for showing negligent driving behavior. In general, a ticket for a traffic law violation in Florida is considered a noncriminal infarction.
If you have recently been involved in a pedestrian traffic accident, contact experienced traffic accident lawyers at MANGAL, PLLC to discuss your case and protect your rights.
