Before you set off on your holiday, please ensure all drivers
are in possession of full valid drivers licenses.
When you arrive at the car rental depot, you will be asked to
produce drivers licenses for all drivers. If you do not have your license
you will NOT be able to hire a car, copies will not be accepted
and NO REFUNDS will be given.
You must be over 21 years of age to rent any car, particular
classes of car and rental companies may insist on higher age
limits, e.g. convertibles or minivans.
The driver of the car must carry their drivers license with
them, if the license does not have a photo you should also carry
your passport as photo ID. You may be asked to produce this
by the police at any time or upon entry to some properties.
Collecting your Hire Car
Instructions on where to pick up your car will be given to
you before departure, as some depots are off site. For those
car hire depots which are off site, generally frequent
shuttle buses run 24 hours a day to the depots.
Car rental depots operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week but you
will usually find them well lit and secure. Don't be
surprised to find a sheriff's car parked there for added security
day or night.
Before you load up and drive off ensure you have the right
car. Some depots give you a parking bay number where your car
is waiting with the keys in the door, next to hundreds of other
cars with the keys in the door. A security guard will double
check the vehicle identification number in the dash board or along
the edge of the door against your paperwork before allowing you to
leave the depot in this situation.
Familiarize yourself with the car before you start to drive,
find the lights and windscreen wipers. Most cars have automatic
gearboxes with the gear lever mounted on the steering column.
Generally they will also have air conditioning, cruise control and
possibly a CD player. Take this opportunity to ask questions
if necessary before you leave the depot.
You may also notice that the central locking, locks itself as you
start driving over a certain speed, this is for your safety and
security but can be overridden if desired.
Children under 4 years of age must be seated in a child seat by law.
All drivers and adult passengers must wear seatbelts at all times whether in
the front or back.
Also make sure you know where you are going. You will
usually be able to obtain a small map from the car hire depot and
they may be able to give you directions to get you started in the
right direction. Use these together with the directions we
have supplied and you should have no difficulty driving to your accommodation.
Toll Roads
Many highways and bridges in Florida and across the USA are toll
roads. Because they are toll roads they are usually quieter
and often the small charge, 50 cents to a dollar, is worth paying
to avoid the traffic. The directions to your property may
necessitate the use of toll roads where they are the most suitable
route.
Most toll booths are manned, however some are automatic and will
require exact change. It is therefore a good idea to obtains
some coins at the airport when you arrive.
Non-payment of tolls is an offence and you will be liable to a
fine of $100. If you drive through alarms will go off and a
picture of your car will be taken to follow up on later.
In general toll booths do not take credit cards.
On the Road
Remember to drive on the RIGHT.
DO NOT drink and drive, it is a serious offence and a stay in accommodation
provided by the Florida Highway Patrol is unlikely to add to the
enjoyment of your holiday. Fines can also be high.
Likewise with speeding, stick to the speed limits which you will
generally find are lower than in the UK. Remember you are on
holiday not rushing to work, the attitude and speed of American
drivers is generally much more relaxed and pleasant and you will
still get there in good time.
Unless otherwise signposted you may turn right on a red
light. You must stop first and check for traffic from other
directions which has right of way before moving off. Stopping means
your wheels must not be turning, this may seem obvious but could stop you getting a ticket!
On highways you are permitted to overtake using all lanes.
