Improper towing
Florida Statute § 316.530
Summary verified against the 2026 Florida Statutes: October 1, 2026.
Quick Summary
A towing connection must be strong enough for the load and generally no longer than 15 feet; indivisible structural loads have a length exception. A chain, rope, or cable connection needs a white flag/cloth at least 12 inches square. A rear-hitch trailer or semitrailer also needs adequate safety chains, cables, or approved devices linking it to the tow vehicle. Fifth-wheel hitches and farm equipment traveling below 20 mph are excepted from that safety-device subsection. Document connection type, length, marking, strength, and exception facts.
Summary sources
Classification, Points & Penalties
Classification, Points & Penalties
- Category
- Towing
- Type
- Non-Moving
- Civil / Criminal
- Civil
- Offense Classification
- Moving infraction
- Points
- 3
- Fine / Penalty
- $60 base moving penalty; costs and statutory exceptions may apply
Base fines are not the total payable amount. Costs, enforcement method, crash consequences, prior history, and court disposition can change penalties or points. A reported zero does not rule out license suspension or revocation.
Court & Enforcement
Court & Enforcement
- Mandatory Court
- No, generally
- NTA Eligible
- N/A — civil citation
- Custodial Arrest
- No — civil infraction (absent separate lawful basis)
NTA means notice to appear. Eligibility is conditional; these fields do not independently authorize arrest. Confirm the exact statutory track, lawful arrest authority, traffic procedure, and agency policy.
Arrest authority guideCivil infractions resulting in death or serious bodily injury require a hearing under §318.19.