New Florida residents have 10 working days to register their car in this state, and Florida driver licenses are required within 10 working days after car registration. You are considered a Florida resident if you:

• Register children in school
• Begin working in a trade, profession or occupation in this state
• Register to vote
• File for a homestead exemption.

Florida drivers must also carry motor vehicle liability and PIP (personal injury) insurance. Failure to have these coverages could result in the loss of your driver license, vehicle registration and tags.

Winter visitors who stay in the area for short periods of time (three, four months) and do not declare residency or any of the other requirements of becoming a Florida resident are not required to obtain a Florida drivers license or auto registration.

Florida law requires that personal vehicle registration renewals are due on your birthday. Failure to renew within 10 calendar days following expiration will automatically result in the imposition of a delinquent fee.

You must also show proof of insurance at the time you apply for or renew your vehicle license. Cost of plating and registration depends on the type and weight of your vehicle. If you move into state or, as a Florida resident, have purchased a new vehicle and do not have a Florida plate to transfer to your car, the new Florida tag will cost $100.

The law prohibits obscene bumper stickers, decals or plaques being attached to a motor vehicle. The penalty is a second-degree misdemeanor.

Also, open containers of alcoholic beverages for both drivers and passengers are against the law. Exceptions include chauffeured vehicles, buses, and self-contained motor homes in excess of 21 feet. Any operator who violates this law is guilty of a non-criminal moving traffic violation; a passenger is guilty of a non-moving traffic violation.

Buckle up

The Florida Seat Belt Law requires all front seat passengers, regardless of age, to buckle up. As of July 1, 1986, every driver must use a child restraint seat for children age 5 or under riding in a motor vehicle. All children 5 and under must be in a restraint device and children 3 and under must be in an approved child safety seat.

There are exemptions to this law. For more information about approved car seats and infant carriers, call your local Highway Patrol or the Division of Motor Vehicles in Tallahassee at 904-488-5370.