Obedience to traffic control devices
Florida Statute § 316.074(1)
Summary verified against the 2026 Florida Statutes: October 1, 2026.
Quick Summary
Drivers must obey an applicable official traffic-control device lawfully placed under chapter 316 unless an officer directs otherwise or an authorized-emergency-vehicle exception applies. Identify the sign, signal, or marking and the instruction violated. When a device is legally required, it must be properly positioned and sufficiently legible to an ordinarily observant person. Driving from one roadway to another to avoid the device is also prohibited. Use the more specific signal or sign provision when it describes the conduct.
Summary sources
Classification, Points & Penalties
Classification, Points & Penalties
- Category
- Traffic Control
- Type
- Moving
- Civil / Criminal
- Civil
- Offense Classification
- Moving infraction
- Points
- 4 for traffic-signal violation; 0 for qualifying camera enforcement; other device violations generally 3
- Fine / Penalty
- $158 statutory penalty for failure to stop at a traffic signal; other moving-device violations generally $60; costs and enforcement method affect total
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.