Driving in Florida

Some tips for driving in Florida:
- People really follow the rules... the only problem is each one is following rules from their own country sometimes and other times from someone else's country.
- People will pass you on either side, not just the left. Conversely, people will stay on the effing left even if going slow.
- You can turn right on any street without waiting for the light to go green, unless there's a sign telling you not to.
- Stop means stop. If you see a stop sign come to a full stop.
- The HOV lane can save you a lot of time. During rush hours the HOV (High Occupancy Vehicle) lane can only be used by cars with 2 or more people in them. Outside of rush hours, anyone can use the lane.
- Cops don't chase motorcycles.
- You're allowed to ride a motorcyle with no helmet, if you wear eye protection, are over 21 and don't value your life too much.

Sun Pass

http://www.sunpass.com/
You don't pay state tax in Florida, but you get to pay a lot of tolls... might as well get one of those, for about $25.
Prepay or auto-replenish, you'll save about 25% on toll fees and a whole lot of time and cursing. Probably shaves off about 30 minutes between Miami and Orlando.
In Orlando, they already have some parts where you don't even have to slow down. You either go off to the side to pay or stay in the expressway and the thing just beeps happily. Nice!

Traffic Tickets

I got a speeding ticket this last weekend. :-(

Some people don't know, but there are three ways to handle this in Florida:

- Just pay it: You get points on your license, generally not a great idea.

- Traffic schools: For about $40 and a couple of hours, you take a test and get no points, but still have to pay the ticket.

- Attorneys: Hire one to go to court for you and fight the ticket. Not quite sure, but most guarantee the results or you don't pay. I think they only guarantee you not getting points, but sometimes they may get the ticket dismissed too. Costs about $80 I think. For example these guys.