Information of Interest to Florida Drivers: February 2013

 

FHP Releases Results from Enforcement Campaign:  The Florida Highway Patrol announced the preliminary enforcement results from the Patrol’s involvement in the nationwide Driver Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign Dec. 12, 2012 – Jan. 2, 2013. The Patrol beefed up its force by having troopers postpone administrative duties in favor of road patrols and adding reservists and auxiliary troopers to patrol duty.

 

Troopers issued more than 39,000 traffic citations and made 548 arrests for Driving Under the Influence of alcohol or drugs. They cited more than 13,600 drivers for speeding and more than 2,500 for failure to buckle up during the campaign.  Law enforcement agencies across the state reported a total of 58 people died in traffic crashes during the campaign period.

Move Over Florida, It’s the Law: Since 1999, more than 170 law enforcement officers in the United States have died and thousands have been injured by being hit while on the side of the road doing their job. During the month of January, FHP troopers paid special attention to drivers violating the state’s Move Over law. The Move Over law protects law enforcement officers, emergency workers and tow truck drivers who are stopped along Florida roadways.

 

To comply with the Move Over law:

·        Drivers must move over when a patrol car, emergency vehicle and/or tow truck is stopped on the side of a road with lights flashing.

·        If a driver cannot move over safely, he or she shall slow down to a speed of 20 miles-per-hour below the posted speed limit.

·        Violating the Move Over law can result in a fine and points on your driver license record.

 In 2012, four Florida troopers were involved crashes that occurred on the shoulders and emergency lanes of Florida’s roadways.

Thousands Raised for Lauren's Kids Charity: During the month of December, driver license offices across the state participated in a charitable donation campaign for the non-profit organization, Lauren's Kids. The organization helps prevent sexual abuse through awareness and education, and assists survivors heal with guidance and support. The offices raised more than $44,000 for the cause!

Motorist Services Assists Displaced Mobile Home Owners: Motorist Services staff helped the City of Coconut Creek in Broward County find new space for mobile home owners whose mobile home park closed. The agency helped those owners relocate within Broward County and meet legal standards, including wind load requirements.

FHP’s 2012 Trooper of the Year:  The Florida Governor and Cabinet honored 17-year veteran Sgt. Mary Godino when they named her the Florida Highway Patrol’s 2012 Trooper of the Year. Her quick actions at a crash scene helped save a man’s life.  Congratulations Sgt. Godino!

E-titles: Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you needed your vehicle or vessel title and couldn’t find it?  Previously, to obtain a duplicate paper title, you had to visit a tax collector’s office and pay approximately $75.  Now, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles offers an easier, cheaper and safer way to handle your titles.  DHSMV can hold your title electronically in an e-title.  E-titles are motor vehicle, mobile home or vessel titles held in an electronic form by the Department.  E-titles prove ownership of a motor vehicle, mobile home or vessel the same way a paper title does. An e-title also simplifies the communications between the vehicle owner, the lienholder and the agency. An e-title also reduces title fraud. 

 

If you ever need a paper copy of your title, you can simply order it online at www.GoRenew.com or visit your local tax collector office for a $2.50 fee and have it mailed to you within three business days.  Most tax collectors also offer same-day title printing for a fee of $10.

 Department Helps Commercial Drivers Comply with New Federal Rule: The Department is notifying Commercial Driver License holders via postcard that they are required to file a medical certification every two years. The good news is the agency developed an easy way for truckers to file the documentation online or using a smartphone.   There is no cost to self-certify via the website.

DHSMV Helps Dealers Avoid Loss of Business: Motorist Services is piloting a new process to remind motor vehicle dealers of approaching garage liability insurance renewals.  The division is sending emails to dealers to remind them of the upcoming expiration of their garage liability insurance policy, in hopes that they will respond and renew without a lapse in coverage.  Lapse in coverage causes a suspension of the license and loss of business until coverage is again in force.

 Florida Documentation Requirements:  We strongly recommend our customers visit www.GatherGoGet.com, a website dedicated to assist Floridians with driver license and identification card requirements. Floridians renewing or obtaining a new license or ID are required to show proof of: 1) identification, 2) Social Security number and 3) residential address (two items).

The website and its tools are also available in Spanish at www.ReunaVengaObtenga.com and in Creole at www.RasanbleAlePran.com. The Department is issuing driver licenses and identification cards that meet new federal standards.

 Help Yourself with an Appointment: All customers who must visit one of our offices to renew, replace, or file a change of address to their driver license or identification card, are urged to secure an appointment prior to their visit.  Connect via Internet at https://services.flhsmv.gov/Oasis/ for an appointment to reduce the length of the visit. Driver license offices are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Please check our website at www.flhsmv.gov/offices/ for the most up-to-date information on office locations and schedules.

Fees for Driver Licenses and Identification Card

 

Class E (original and renewal)                                  $48     

 

Commercial Driver License (original and renewal)  $75 

ID Card (original and renewal)                                 $25     

Replacement License or ID                                      $25

Endorsements                                                           $  7

Driver License Services at Tax Collector Office Service Fees    $ 6.25

Office hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday (except official holidays)

 The Department uses a combination of vehicle information to determine registration fees. This includes registration use, license plate type and class code. The class code is determined by the vehicle weight, body type, vehicle type and registration use. To see a sample, click here.

 Buckle Up Every Time, Everyone!