Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The maximum speed limit on interstates is 75mph, but that drops to 65mph and 55mph in
urban areas. Pay attention to the posted signs. City street speed limits vary between
15mph and 45mph.
Florida police officers are strict with speed-limit enforcement, and speeding tickets are
expensive. If caught going over the speed limit by 10mph, the fine is $155.
All passengers in a car must wear seat belts; the fine for not wearing a seat belt is $30.
All children under three must be in a child safety seat.
As in the rest of the US, drive on the right-hand side of the road. On highways, pass in
the left-hand lane, but anxious drivers often pass wherever space allows.
Unless otherwise signed, you can turn right at a red light as long as you come to a stop
first. At four-way stop signs, the car that reaches the intersection first has right of way. In
a tie, the car on the right has right of way.
Hitchhiking
Hitchhiking is never entirely safe in any country, and we don't recommend it. Travelers who
decide to hitch should understand that they are taking a small but serious risk. People who
do choose to hitch will be safer if they go in pairs and let someone know where they are
planning to go. Be sure to ask the driver where he or she is going rather than telling the
person where you want to go.
Local Transportation
Bus
MIAMI
Miami's local bus system is called Metrobus and, though it has an extensive route system,
service is pretty spotty. Each bus route has a different schedule and routes generally run
from about 5:30am to 11pm, though some are 24 hours. Rides cost $2 and must be paid in
exact change with a token, coins or a combination of a dollar bill and coins (most locals use
the monthly Metropass). An easy-to-read route map is available online.
In South Beach, an excellent option is the South Beach Local Circulator, a looping shuttle
bus with disabled-rider access that operates along Washington between South Pointe Dr
and 17th St and loops back around on Alton Rd on the west side of the beach. Rides cost
only 25ยข and come along every 10 to 15 minutes between 7:45am and 1am Monday to
