Spanish content creator @ramonteli has once again stirred up social media, this time with a video harshly criticizing the driving habits in Miami. "I believe they rank among the worst drivers I've ever seen," the young man declared. In his video, he noted that in the United States, "you can drive from the age of 15 with a legal guardian by your side" and added that "no one uses turn signals; it's outrageous." His primary critique focused on the supposed ease of obtaining a driver's license: "I've been told getting a license here is very easy... for $400, $500, you pay, and you're in, it's practically a gift."
Ramonteli compared the situation to his home country, stating, "In Spain, a license costs around 1,000 to 2,000 euros at least," and jokingly added, "For less than 1,000, impossible, unless your mom or dad owns the driving school." Becoming more critical, he concluded, "It's not hard to fail; you have to be completely incompetent... and you see people on the street, and you think, 'Who gave this person a license?'" He also mentioned witnessing several accidents since moving to the city: "They have serious crashes; I've seen quite a few."
Miami's Driving Dilemma
The post triggered a wave of comments that quickly went viral. Many users concurred that Miami has a severe driving issue. "Here in Miami, driving is the worst in the country," wrote one. Another added, "It's a jungle here; no one respects traffic lights, signals, or distance."
Conversely, some corrected the TikToker, arguing that his figures were inaccurate. "The license costs $48; I don't know who said $400," one user replied, while another explained, "$400 might be for the driving school, which isn't mandatory; the test probably doesn't even reach $100."
Other users offered a broader perspective: "Once you leave Miami, it's different... this is where the madness is," while others pointed out, "This city is full of people from many countries, each wanting to drive as they do back home." Some even compared it to other cities around the world: "Come to Pakistan and see" or "Go to Rome, bro."
Recurring Traffic Complaints
The Spaniard's critique adds to previous complaints about Miami's traffic. According to a report by INRIX, published in March 2025, the city ranks as the eighth most congested in the United States, with drivers losing an average of 74 hours a year. Additionally, a study by the Life360 app, cited by NBC Miami, revealed that Miami and Fort Lauderdale are among the areas with the most dangerous driving behaviors, including rapid accelerations, sudden braking, and mobile distractions.
Social media has also seen viral testimonies aligning with the Spanish creator's complaint. In September 2024, a Cuban woman criticized the traffic chaos after being stuck for over an hour: "I'm at a point where I don't know whether to cry, get out of the car, and scream," she said at the time. Last June, another Cuban expressed frustration while driving on the Palmetto Expressway: "I'm insulted, I just want to go home," she stated, noting it took her 47 minutes to travel 16 miles, resonating with thousands on social media.
A Provocative Persona
This isn't the first time the Spanish creator has sparked reactions online. Days before his traffic critiques, he posted another video expressing surprise at the affectionate way Cuban women in Miami address others. "You go to buy something, and a 50-year-old lady calls you 'papi, my love.' And lady, I don't care if you're 50, I heat up faster than a phone on the beach," he humorously remarked.
In that same recording, he noted, "In Spain, the cashier asks, 'Do you want a bag?' But here, they say, 'Papi, do you want a bag? My love, do you want a bag?'" Among the comments, some people warned him with irony, "Don't get your hopes up, little Spaniard. We call everyone 'my love,' 'my life,' 'my heart,' even the bread seller," while others advised, "Don't go to Cuba, asere, we might lose you." The TikToker himself responded sarcastically to the flood of messages: "Thanks, José, you have no idea how bad I'm having it."
His posts, filled with personal observations and cultural comparisons, have sparked ongoing debates about social and everyday customs in South Florida.
Understanding Miami's Traffic Issues
Why is Miami considered to have poor driving conditions?
Miami is considered to have poor driving conditions due to a combination of factors including heavy traffic congestion, a mix of driving styles from its diverse population, and reported dangerous driving behaviors such as rapid accelerations and sudden braking.
How does the cost of obtaining a driver's license in Miami compare to Spain?
In Miami, a driver's license costs around $48, while in Spain, it can range from 1,000 to 2,000 euros. The difference is partly due to the optional nature of driving school in Miami and the more extensive training required in Spain.
What are some of the main complaints about driving in Miami?
Main complaints about driving in Miami include traffic congestion, lack of turn signal use, and general disregard for traffic rules. These issues are believed to stem from the city's diverse driving styles and behaviors.