Table of Contents

7. Vehicle Equipment

• 7.1. Equipment Standards
• 7.2. Other Equipment Standards
• 7.3. Equipment Not Permitted
• 7.4. Additional Equipment Required on Certain Vehicles
• 7.5. Limitations on Towing
• 7.6. Limitations on Loading; Securing the Load
• 7.7. Projecting Load
• 7.8. Anti-Locking Brake System (ABS)
• 7.9. Emissions - Please Do Not Tamper
• 7.10. Vehicle Licensing
• 7.11. Proving Ownership and Insurance Coverage
• 7.12. Applying For Title, License Plates and Registration

Apply for title, license plates and registration at any tax collector's office in Florida. The cost of your license plate will depend on the type and weight of your vehicle. Your vehicle must always have a current license plate and you must always have your vehicle's registration when you are driving. If you buy a vehicle from a dealer in Florida, the dealer must apply for a certificate of title, certificate of registration and license plate for you. If you buy a vehicle from an individual, you must obtain the title from the individual and apply for a certificate of title in your name. You may apply for certificate of title, certificate of registration and license plate at the same time. You cannot get a license plate until you have a title to prove that you own the vehicle. All first time driver license applicants who hold an out-of-state license should apply for a Florida driver license before they register their vehicle in Florida.

7.12.1 - Renewal

Vehicle license plates and registrations must be renewed each year or biennially, on or before the birthday of the first owner listed on the registration form. Each time you renew, you must prove that you have the required insurance, unless on file and electronically updated. You may renew by mail or through the internet at www.gorenew.com. Registrations expire at midnight on the birthday of the first owner listed on the registration form, except for:

• Mobile homes - renew yearly by December 31.
• Heavy trucks (>5000 lbs), semitrucks and semi-trailers renew yearly by December 31.
• Vehicles owned by companies and corporations, and some commercial vehicles - renew yearly by June 30. For more information or assistance on motor vehicle title and registration, contact your county tax collector's office.

TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE

1. When the foot brake is pressed, which light must come on? (See section 8.1.4)
2. In addition to other equipment, is your vehicle required to have a white light that makes the license plate visible from 50 feet, a windshield wiper and a horn? (See section 8.1.4)
3. How many feet to the rear should you be able to see objects through the rearview mirror? (See section 8.2)
4. If a trailer covers the stoplight of the towing vehicle, where else must a stoplight be? (See section 8.4)
5. Where should reflectors be mounted? (See Section 8.4)
6. When one vehicle is towing another by means of a chain, what does the chain need to have displayed on it? (See section 8.5)
7. How long can the drawbar be between the towing vehicle and the vehicle being towed? (See section 8.5)
8. Give three examples of loads that need to be covered to avoid items, falling or blowing on roadway. (See section 8.6)
9. Assume that a load extends 4 or more feet beyond the bed or body of a vehicle driven on a highway in the daytime. How many flags must be used to mark it, and what color should they be? (See section 8.7)
10. What is the proper way to use anti-lock brakes in an emergency situation? (See section 8.8)
11. What do anti-lock braking systems prevent when used in an emergency stopping situation? (See section 8.8)

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