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Driving Too Slowly

If you received a ticket for “driving too slowly,” then contact an attorney at Meltzer & Bell, P.A. for any ticket in Broward County, Palm Beach County, or Miami-Dade County, FL. Under § 316.183(7), Fla. Stat., a noncriminal traffic infraction can be issued for driving too slowly for the conditions which is punishable as a moving violation.

The traffic ticket attorneys at Meltzer & Bell, P.A. have offices in Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach, FL. Our attorneys represent clients for driving violations throughout Palm Beach County and Broward County, FL. Call (561) 557-8686 today to discuss your case. 

Traffic Violations under Florida's “Slow-Speed” Law

In many cases, driving at a slow rate of speed of a motor vehicle on a public road or highway does not necessarily constitute a traffic violation. Although a maximum speed fixed by statute can be used as prima facie evidence that the speed was reasonable, that rule does not imply that all motor vehicle travel must proceed at that speed or that driving at a lesser speed must be considered improper.

In some cases, however, operating a vehicle at an abnormally slow speed may be used to show that the driver negligently create a hazard upon a highway designated and customarily used to carry fast-moving traffic. 

Under § 316.183(5), Fla. Stat. (often called Florida’s “slow-speed” law), it is unlawful to drive a motor vehicle at such a slow speed as to constitute a hazard to life, limb, or property or to block or impede the normal and reasonable movement of traffic.

In Florida, no person may drive a motor vehicle at such a slow speed as to impede or block the normal and reasonable movement of traffic except when reduced speed is necessary for safe operation or in compliance with the law.

It is a defense to the citation if the reduction in speed was in response to a dangerous condition. Slowing down under such conditions. In fact, under § 316.183(4), Fla. Stat., every driver must reduce a vehicle’s speed when:

• traveling upon any narrow or winding roadway;
• any special hazard exists with respect to pedestrians or other traffic or by reason of weather or highway condition;
• approaching and going around a curve;
• approaching a hill crest;
• approaching and crossing an intersection or railway grade crossing. 

In fact, a violation of the statute for "failing to reduce speed" is a noncriminal traffic infraction, punishable as a moving violation under § 316.183(7), Fla. Stat. 

This article was last updated on Friday, November 4, 2016.