Tips for your Visit to Orlando

Weather and What to wear

When spending time outside, make sure to wear plenty of sunscreen - the higher the Sun Protection Factor the better. Temperatures vary widely. Highs in May and June may reach the 90s, while nighttime temperatures can dip as low as the mid 60s and 70s. Thunderstorms may sneak up quickly, so be prepared with raincoats if an outdoor excursion is planned.

Temperatures in Florida throughout the year

Driving in Florida

ALWAYS WEAR A SEATBELT - its the law! Children 5 and under must be in a crash tested approved restraint device. Children 3 and under must be in separate car seat always in the rear of the car.

The maximum legal alcohol level is 0.08 %. Local laws against driving while intoxicated are growing stricter. Many bars now serve non-alcoholic drinks for those nominated to do the driving. It is illegal to carry alcohol in the car even unopened in shopping bags, you are only allowed to transport alcohol in the boot of your car.

If driving during heavy rain, the vehicle headlights must be switched on. This is compulsory, and failure to do so may result in a fine.

Road names are usually hung over the road as you drive along, this is the name of the road you are crossing NOT the name of the road you are on.

YIELD sign is the same as the Give Way sign we have in the UK.

4 WAY STOP this is a 4 way junction where no one has a particular priority. You must stop at this sign, the general rule is the first person at the junction has the right of way.

STOP sign, your vehicle must come to a complete stop, even if you think you can see the road and there is no oncoming traffic.

TRAFFIC LIGHTS, these are usually hung over the road not at the side of the road as in the UK.

FLASHING YELLOW/RED LIGHTS, again these lights hang over the road. Flasing yellow signifys to proceed with caution these are usually found at Fire Stations. Flashing red means to STOP and treat as a 4 WAY STOP.

OVERTAKING, there are no specific fast or slow lanes in the USA. This means that you can overtake or be overtaken on either the left or the right. Be careful to check all mirrors when changing lanes.

At most traffic lights at intersections you can make a right turn at a red light, but only when the car has come to a complete stop and providing there is no oncoming traffic. If this is not the case you will see a sign which states NO RIGHT TURN ON RED.

Do not park anywhere other than a designated parking area. Failure to do so may result in your vehicle being towed away. American vehicles have a licence plate (number plate) fitted to the rear only. This must be on show at all times when stationary. Therefore reverse parking is not permitted.

School Buses
All drivers moving in either direction must stop for a stopped school bus. You must remain stopped until all children are clear of the road. Violation of this law is subject to a mandatory hearing. When the warning lights are flashing the speed limit in front of every school is 15 mph.

Florida Speed Limits

Municipal Speed Areas	30
Business or Residential Area	30
Rural Interstate	70^*
Limited Access Highways	70
All Other Roads and Highways	55^*
School Zones	20

^*The 55 MPH maximum speed limit is still in effect in Florida except where otherwise posted. ^*Speed limits are 70 MPH on some rural interstate highways. Speed limits may be changed on other multi-lane highways and in areas where the conditions require lower speeds. Drivers should not assume because the area appears to be a particular urban, municipality, business or highway area that the speed is the standard or expected speed zone. Observe and obey the posted speed signs as there may be frequent changes from area to area along the selected roads or highways.

Driving Too Slowly is Against the Law

Drive with the flow of traffic (within the speed limit). You should not drive so slowly that you block other vehicles moving at normal, safe speeds. You can be issued a ticket for driving too slowly. When the posted speed limit is 70 mph, the minimum speed limit is 50 mph.

Following Officer's and Fireman's Instructions

If you are stopped by a law enforcement officer, pull off immediately to the extreme right, clear of traffic when possible. Turn off your engine. Reduce your headlights to the parking light position at night. Sit calmly and follow the instructions of the officer. You must follow any lawful order or direction of (1) any law enforcement officer or (2) any fireman at the scene of a fire who is directing traffic. If a law enforcement officer is directing traffic where there are signal lights, obey the officer - not the signals.

Interstate 4 (I-4)Exit Numbers

Drinking Alcohol

The minimum drinking age in all states is 21. Walmart are now asking for ID on Alcohol sales to people looking under 40 years old.

Emergency Telephone Numbers

Emergency: Dial 911. For roadside emergencies, Florida Highway Patrol blue call boxes are along major highways.