Inoperative traffic signal intersection
Florida Statute § 316.1235
Summary verified against the 2026 Florida Statutes: October 1, 2026.
Quick Summary
A driver approaching an inoperative traffic signal must stop as at a stop-sign intersection: at the line, otherwise before the crosswalk, otherwise at the nearest point with a view before entering. If only some lights are out, the driver facing the inoperative light still must stop. Apply the associated yielding rules after stopping and document the signal's actual condition. A flashing red or yellow signal is operating and is governed by its separate flashing-signal rule.
Summary sources
Classification, Points & Penalties
Classification, Points & Penalties
- Category
- Traffic Control
- Type
- Moving
- Civil / Criminal
- Civil
- Offense Classification
- Moving infraction
- Points
- 3
- Fine / Penalty
- $60 base moving penalty; speeding/enhanced-zone schedules may differ
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.