Safe2Drive Blog

Summer is prime time for road construction. With warmer weather and longer days, states take the opportunity to fix potholes, repave roads, and upgrade bridges. You’ve probably noticed more orange cones and reduced speed limit signs popping up on your usual routes. But did you know that speeding in a construction zone can cost you a lot more than a regular speeding ticket?

In many states, speeding tickets double in construction zones, even if there aren’t any workers present. That surprises a lot of drivers, especially during nights or weekends when work seems to be paused. But those extra fines are in place for a reason.

Why the Rules Are So Strict

Construction zones are filled with hazards. Narrow lanes, uneven pavement, and shifting traffic patterns make driving more dangerous. Lower speed limits help reduce the risk of a collision for both drivers and workers. Even if no one is on-site at the moment, the road is still an active work zone. Equipment may be left near the roadway, lanes may be blocked, or markings might be confusing. Reduced speeds help everyone get through safely.

How the Fines Work

The exact fine amount varies by state, but here’s the general idea: if the regular speeding ticket is $150, you might pay $300 or more for the same offense in a construction zone. Some states even add points to your driving record or increase the fine for every mile per hour over the limit. In a few areas, you could face a license suspension for extreme speeding in a work zone.

States With Strict Construction Zone Laws

Many states have laws in place that automatically increase fines in construction areas, whether workers are present or not. For example, Pennsylvania, Illinois, and Virginia are known for tough penalties in work zones. Florida and Texas also step up enforcement during major summer projects, and some states post signs to remind drivers about the increased consequences.

What Drivers Often Get Wrong

Speed limits in construction zones are not suggestions. They’re legally enforceable, and in many places, officers actively patrol these areas, sometimes with cameras or photo radar to catch violators. Here are some of the things drivers often get wrong about construction zones:

• Assuming it’s okay to speed if workers aren’t visible
• Ignoring reduced speed limit signs if it looks like nothing is happening
• Thinking enforcement is relaxed during evenings or weekends

Tips for Safe Driving in Work Zones

It’s easy to stay safe in work zones if you follow these tips:

• Slow down as soon as you see signs or cones
• Follow the posted speed limit through the entire zone
• Be alert for sudden lane shifts or stopped traffic
• Leave extra space between you and the vehicle ahead

Even if it feels like you’re crawling through a long construction zone, it’s worth being patient. You’ll protect road crews, other drivers, and yourself from harm, plus you’ll avoid a hefty ticket.

Stay Smart This Summer

This time of year brings sunshine and construction delays. While you can’t avoid every slowdown, you can choose to drive safely and legally through work zones. Doubled fines might sound harsh, but they’re designed to save lives and prevent serious collisions.

Interested in learning more about traffic safety?

Are you looking for defensive driving and traffic school courses? Do you want a discount on your auto insurance? Do you know a teen who’s ready to take an online driver education course?

Safe2Drive is here to help! We offer convenient online courses for drivers of any age! Visit our website today to learn about the online courses we offer in your state.

Summer is prime time for road construction. With warmer weather and longer days, states take the opportunity to fix potholes, repave roads, and upgrade bridges. You’ve probably noticed more orange cones and reduced speed limit signs popping up on your usual routes. But did you know that speeding in a construction zone can cost you a lot more than a regular speeding ticket?

As of August 1, 2025, Florida teens under age 18 are required to complete the new 6-hour Driver Education and Traffic Safety (DETS) course to earn their driver’s license. This is a big change. In the past, teens could meet this requirement by taking the 4-hour TLSAE course, but that course is now reserved for drivers age 18 and older.

In this post, we’ll walk you through what this new DETS requirement means, how Florida’s licensing process works, and how you can get started with your driver education. Let’s take a look.

How does the licensing process work for Florida teens?

Florida uses a graduated driver licensing system to help teens gain driving experience over time. Teens typically start with a learner’s license, move on to a Class E license, and eventually earn full driving privileges.

To get your learner’s license, you must be at least 15 years old, pass a written exam, and complete a traffic safety course. That’s where the new DETS course comes in. If you are under 18, you are now required to take the DETS course instead of TLSAE.

Once you have your learner’s license, you’ll need to hold it for at least 12 months (or until you turn 18), complete 50 hours of supervised driving, and pass a driving skills test before you can earn your Class E license.

What is the DETS course?

The DETS course is a 6-hour driver education program developed by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV). It’s designed specifically for teen drivers and covers a wide range of safety topics, including traffic laws, defensive driving, and the risks of distracted and impaired driving.

The course is more comprehensive than the previous TLSAE program and aims to better prepare teens for the responsibilities that come with being behind the wheel.

Who needs to take DETS?

If you are under the age of 18 and want a Florida driver’s license, you are required to complete the DETS course. The 4-hour TLSAE course is now only for adults 18 and older.

How can I take the DETS course?

There are several options for completing the DETS course, whether you want to take it online or in person. You can take the DETS course entirely online with us. It’s self-paced, mobile-friendly, and available 24/7. Once you finish, we’ll report your completion directly to FLHSMV so you can move forward with your licensing process.

Ready to sign up for the Florida DETS course? Visit our website now!

As of August 1, 2025, Florida teens under age 18 are required to complete the new 6-hour Driver Education and Traffic Safety (DETS) course to earn their driver’s license. This is a big change. In the past, teens could meet this requirement by taking the 4-hour TLSAE course, but that course is now reserved for drivers age 18 and older.

If you’ve got a teen who’s currently in driver’s ed (or just finished), there’s a great opportunity coming up that you won’t want to miss. On Saturday, August 2, Indiana teens are invited to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for a free, hands-on driving event called Rule the Road.

This event is all about helping teens build safe driving habits in a fun and interactive way. It’s hosted by the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute and supported by the Indiana BMV, INDOT, AAA, and other traffic safety partners from across the state. Teens will get the chance to work one-on-one with certified instructors, practice real-world driving skills, and learn through cool safety demos.

What’s Included?

There’s a lot packed into this event! Teens will rotate through different stations where they’ll get to try things like:

• A Controlled Braking Course
• Evasive Maneuvering
• Blind Spot Recognition
• An Impaired and Distracted Driving Simulation
• Quick Click Seat Belt Challenge
• Seat Belt Convincer
• Offset Lane Station

There’s even a chance to meet IndyCar drivers like Conor Daly, Tony Kanaan, and Josef Newgarden, which adds an extra layer of excitement to the day.

Note: Teens will need to have a permit or license to participate in the driving portions of the event.

Optional Car Seat Safety Clinic

Is your little one years away from becoming a driver, and still in a car seat? Now is a great time to get their seat inspected! There will also be a car seat clinic at the event, running from 9 am until 1 pm.

You can RSVP for the Rule the Road event or the Car Seat Safety Clinic online by clicking here.

Next Up: Safe2Drive’s Indiana Online Driver’s Ed

At Safe2Drive, we’re all about helping Indiana teens become safe and confident drivers. Programs like Rule the Road give teens hands-on experience, and our state-approved online driver education course is the perfect complement. Whether your teen is just starting their driver’s ed journey or looking to reinforce what they’ve already learned, our course helps them meet Indiana’s 30-hour classroom requirement in a flexible, engaging way.

Everything is online, self-paced, and designed to be as stress-free as possible for both students and parents. We want every teen to have the tools they need to stay safe behind the wheel, and we’re proud to support events like Rule the Road that share that mission.

If you’ve got a teen who’s currently in driver’s ed (or just finished), there’s a great opportunity coming up that you won’t want to miss. On Saturday, August 2, Indiana teens are invited to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for a free, hands-on driving event called Rule the Road.

July is all about sunshine, cookouts, and road trips, but it also brings its fair share of sudden summer storms. One minute the skies are clear, and the next you’re dealing with heavy rain, thunder, and roads that look more like rivers. These quick-moving storms can cause flash flooding and poor visibility in a matter of minutes, catching even experienced drivers off guard.

So what do drivers get wrong when the weather turns wild? Let’s break it down and talk about how to stay safe when summer storms roll in.

Mistake #1: Thinking Your Car Can Handle It

Most drivers think their vehicle can power through a few inches of water, but it doesn’t take much to lose control. Just 6 inches of fast-moving water can cause your tires to lose contact with the road, and 12 inches of water can float a small car. When in doubt, don’t drive through flooded areas. Turn around, don’t drown.

Mistake #2: Not Slowing Down

When the rain starts to pour, your first instinct should be to ease off the gas. Wet roads reduce traction and increase stopping distance. Hydroplaning (when your tires lose contact with the road and skim across the water) can happen at speeds as low as 35 mph. Slow down and increase your following distance so you have more time to react.

Mistake #3: Forgetting to Turn On Low-Beam Headlights

When visibility drops, make sure your low-beam headlights are on, even during the day. This isn’t just for you to see better. It’s so others can see you, too. Keep in mind that automatic headlights don’t always turn on in low-visibility situations, like during heavy rain or fog, so it’s smart to switch them on manually.

Mistake #4: Using Hazard Lights While Driving

This one trips up a lot of people. Hazard lights are meant to signal that your vehicle is stopped or disabled, not that you’re driving cautiously in the rain. Using them while driving can confuse other drivers and even be illegal in some states. If visibility is truly that bad, it’s safer to pull over and wait it out.

Mistake #5: Driving Through Low Spots Without Thinking

Floodwaters often collect in underpasses, low-lying roads, and dips in terrain. These areas can go from dry to dangerous in seconds. Always scan the road ahead and look for signs of pooling water. If you see barricades or "Road Closed" signs, they’re there for a reason, so don’t try to go around them.

Summer storms can pop up with little warning, but you can still stay one step ahead. Check the forecast before you hit the road, especially if you’re driving long distances. If flash flood watches or severe thunderstorm warnings are in effect, consider delaying your trip. Safety first!

Interested in learning more about traffic safety?

Are you looking for defensive driving and traffic school courses? Do you want a discount on your auto insurance? Do you know a teen who’s ready to take an online driver education course?

Safe2Drive is here to help! We offer convenient online courses for drivers of any age! Visit our website today to learn about the online courses we offer in your state.

July is all about sunshine, cookouts, and road trips, but it also brings its fair share of sudden summer storms. One minute the skies are clear, and the next you’re dealing with heavy rain, thunder, and roads that look more like rivers. These quick-moving storms can cause flash flooding and poor visibility in a matter of minutes, catching even experienced drivers off guard.