Tolls — the #1 thing visitors miss
Miami's expressways (the Dolphin/SR-836, the Turnpike, I-95 Express) have no cash booths. You either drive a transponder-equipped car (charged the lowest rate) or get billed by license plate later, often with a fee. Every iRent car is SunPass-ready, so you drive straight through — more on tolls here.
Turns & lanes
- Right on red: allowed after a complete stop, unless posted "No Turn on Red."
- Left on red: permitted only from a one-way street onto another one-way street, after stopping.
- Express / HOV lanes: the I-95 Express Lanes use dynamic (variable) pricing — optional. Stay in the regular lanes if you'd rather not pay.
Laws that catch visitors out
| Rule | What to know |
|---|---|
| Move Over law | Move over a lane (or slow down) for stopped police, tow trucks, and utility vehicles. Strictly enforced. |
| Phones | Texting while driving is illegal; hands-free is strongly advised, especially in school and work zones. |
| Seatbelts | Required for the driver and front passengers (and all minors). |
| School buses | Stop when a bus has its red lights and stop-arm out — from both directions on most roads. |
| Headlights | Required in rain and low visibility (wipers-on means lights-on). |
Foreign visitors
You can generally drive in Florida on a valid license from your country. If your license isn't in the Roman (Latin) alphabet, bring an International Driving Permit. Keep your license and rental agreement in the car.
🚗 Bottom line: the roads are easy once you know the tolls are cashless. Pick up a SunPass-ready car and you can ignore the toll question entirely.
Frequently asked questions
Do Florida toll roads take cash?
No. Florida's major expressways are all-electronic (cashless). You pay by transponder like SunPass or by license-plate billing. iRent cars are SunPass-ready.
Can you turn right on red in Florida?
Yes, after a complete stop, unless a sign posts 'No Turn on Red.' A left on red is only allowed from a one-way onto a one-way street.
What is Florida's Move Over law?
You must move over a lane, or slow down, for stopped emergency, tow, and utility vehicles. It's strictly enforced.
Can I drive in Florida with a foreign license?
Generally yes, on a valid license from your home country. If it isn't in the Roman/Latin alphabet, carry an International Driving Permit.