Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles

Troopers in 11 counties weren't notified of terror threat
TAMPA — The Florida Highway Patrol says dispatchers failed to alert troopers in 11 counties along the Interstate 75 corridor that three suspected terrorists could be driving through on their way to Miami. Officials are trying to find out why the alert wasn't broadcast Sept. 12 to troopers in all seven counties in the Tampa region and four of the 10 counties in the Fort Myers region, said Ken Howes, an FHP spokesman in Tallahassee 9/19/02

The deadly state
Florida has a weak seat belt law because members of the state Legislature like to pontificate about "freedom of choice" on the highways and make libertarian speeches about keeping the government "out of our cars." 8/1/02

An abuse of law enforcement
Troopers have no business pulling aside motorists for a high-speed-rail survey. 7/29/02

FHP troopers stop derailing motorists on I-4 for survey on high-speed train - The Florida Highway Patrol on Tuesday halted a controversial program of randomly herding drivers off busy Interstate 4 near Lakeland, waving them into a rest stop just to be surveyed by crews working for the state's high-speed rail system. ... 'State troopers in uniform directing people into a line is `voluntary' participation?'' Simon mocked. ... Haddad disagreed: ``It's really not an infringement or a forced type of stopping. 7/25/02

`But Officer, I Didn't Do Anything!'
LAKELAND - They call it a ``Voluntary Roadside Interview.'' But for hundreds of motorists flagged down by state troopers Monday on Interstate 4, there was nothing voluntary about ... 7/23/02

Web site lets you renew, check driver licenses - Mark Glodfelter happily was surprised to find out he could check the status of his Florida driver license and renew it without leaving home. "The site is clean, easy to use and offers other dividends," he said. "You may also renew your car registration and report a change of address." Fred O. Dickinson, executive director of Florida's Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, said his department not only has improved customer service with the Web site, but it also has saved the state a significant amount of money. 7/10/02

Looking out for lifesavers
A new state law requires motorists to change lanes if possible and go 20 mph under the limit near flashing signals. 7/2/02

Noncitizens find new rules to get permits
Long lines Checks, copies made of papers MIAMI - Scores of immigrants seeking driving permits or ID cards waited in long lines Friday as state officials expedited anti-terrorism rules restricting how noncitizens obtain Florida driver licenses.

New driver's license rules kick in early
After being swamped by immigrants trying to beat the clock, the state switches to the new rules ahead of schedule.

For some, license is a long drive away -Concerned with anti-terrorism regulations that link immigrants' driver's licenses to their visas, civic leaders and immigration advocates say the policy will further disenfranchise noncitizens living in the state.

Florida tightening rules for licenses
TALLAHASSEE -- State officials are tightening the rules for getting a driver's license and seeking a change in the law to make future licenses available only to Florida residents.

License examiners arrested -- HIALEAH - Seven driver's license examiners were arrested Tuesday and charged with taking bribes to provide licenses and identification cards, including 28 commercial driver's licenses, to unqualified individuals. Prosecutor Jodie Breece said the examiners took bribes ranging from $100 for providing the answers to a written exam to $1,000 to issue a license to someone who did not have proper identification, couldn't pass a physical examination or pass a vision test.

State loses in disabilities case
MIAMI - Florida's motor vehicle department must refund an estimated $30 million to disabled people whom it illegally charged for handicap parking placards in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act, a state court judge ruled Monday.

Florida, several states to tighten rules for driver's licenses - MIAMI -- Several states, including Florida, are pursuing changes in the way residents obtain a driver's license in the wake of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.