Traffic violation consequences range from hefty fines to points on one’s driving record in Florida. Each traffic violation has a set fine and points to traffic violations. These points on driving licenses have long-term implications like license suspension.
Please note that these fines can vary based on the county where the violation occurred.
Below is a table listing common traffic violations in Florida. Scroll down to check out all other violations in detail.
| Traffic Violation | Fine | Points on License |
|---|---|---|
| Speeding (6-15 mph over limit) | $131 – $151 | 3 points |
| Speeding (16-30 mph over limit) | $181 – $206 | 4 points |
| Speeding (over 30 mph over limit) | $276 and up | 4 points |
| Failing to stop at a red light | $264 | 4 points |
| Careless driving | $179 | 4 points |
| Recklessly operating a vehicle | $73 | 4 points |
| Leaving the scene of an accident | Up to $500 | 6 points |
Speeding Violation in Florida
Speeding fines in Florida vary based on the severity of the offense. The fine for exceeding the speed limit by up to 15 mph differs from the fine for exceeding the limit by more than 15 mph. These moving violations also impact the points on driving records, with varying points assessed for different speed ranges over the limit.
Below is a focused representation of typical fines and points for speeding tickets in Florida:
| Speed Over Limit | Fine | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1 – 15 mph | $80+ | 3 points |
| 16 – 29 mph | $150+ | 4 points |
| 30 mph and over | $250+ | 4 points plus mandatory court appearance |
Fine amounts vary by county and other circumstances of the violation, such as location (e.g., construction zone, school zone). In these cases, fines can be higher.
If anyone accumulates certain points on a license within a given period, their driving privileges will be suspended.
- 12 points within 12 months: 30-day license suspension
- 18 points within 18 months: 90-day suspension
- 24 points within 36 months: 12-month suspension
If you have any pending tickets, use the Www.PayFLClerk.Com to pay them.
DUI and Substance Impairment Violation in Florida
Driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or controlled substances carries significant legal consequences in Florida.
If caught, individuals will receive a citation that can lead to a driver’s license suspension, hefty fines, and potential jail time.
First DUI Offense consquences in Florida:
- A minimum fine of $500 and a maximum of $1,000.
- License Suspension: Automatically for 6 months.
- Jail Time: Up to 6 months.
- Insurance can increase significantly.
Subsequent Offenses: Fines and penalties increase with each additional DUI offense. Fines range from $1,000 to $2,000, and the incarceration period can extend up to 9 months for a second DUI conviction.
Also, Read Renew Florida Driving License
Penalty Points: A DUI conviction adds 6 points to the driver’s license, which results in higher insurance premiums.
After a DUI conviction, reinstatement of a driver’s license involves a $45 fee, subject to increases based on the severity of the offense.
Here’s a simplified table summarizing the fines and penalty points for DUI offenses in Florida:
| Offense | Fine | Penalty Points | Jail Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| First DUI | $500 – $1,000 | 6 points | Up to 6 mos |
| Second DUI | $1,000 – $2,000 | 6 points | Up to 9 mos |
The Florida Senate website provides details on the specific penalties for each DUI offense. Every DUI incident is unique and carries different penalties.
Serious Traffic Offenses
Reckless Driving
Reckless driving is not just a minor traffic violation; it’s a significant offense, signaling a wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property. Florida statutes consider reckless driving a criminal offense.
If convicted, the traffic court adjudicates differently based on the severity and circumstances of the offense. Legal defense can be crucial to potentially mitigating the charges.
- First Offense: Fines from $25 to $500 and up to 90 days in jail.
- Subsequent Offense: Fines up to $1,000 and jail time up to 6 months.
Driver’s license points for reckless driving: 4 points
Racing on the Highway
Illegal racing on the highways of Florida is taken very seriously and draws severe penalties. You face strict consequences if you’re adjudicated as having participated in racing, which includes driving or participating in any race or speed competition.
Racing Offenses and Penalties:
| Offense | Fine | Points | Potential License Suspension |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Racing Violation | $500 to $1,000 | 4 | Up to 1 year |
| Second Racing Violation | $1,000 to $3,000 | 4 | Up to 2 years |
| Third Racing Violation | $2,000 to $5,000 | 4 | Up to 4 years |
Parking and Equipment Violations
In Florida, traffic violations related to parking and vehicle equipment can lead to fines and points on a driver’s license.
The specific areas of focus are the state-mandated child restraint laws, equipment specifications, and parking infractions.
| Violation Type | Typical Fine ($) | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Faulty Taillight | 114 | 0 |
| Illegal Parking | 30 – 250 | 0 |
| Child Restraint | 60 | 3 |
Equipment Violations
Equipment violations often include infractions such as a broken taillight or a properly functioning exhaust system. Upon a traffic stop and issuance of a citation for an equipment violation, vehicle owners must remedy the malfunction within the given period and provide proof.
Parking Violations
Parking violations range from unauthorized parking in a handicapped space to overstaying in a timed parking zone. Each type of illegal parking carries a fine and potential points on the driver’s license.
For example, blocking a fire hydrant or parking in a no-parking zone will result in a citation and a fine that varies depending on the municipality’s ordinances.
You can check out Parking ticket costs in Florida.
Child Restraint Violations
Ensuring the safety of child passengers is non-negotiable. Child restraint violations occur when children are not secured in an appropriate child restraint device suited to their size and age.
Jumping Traffic Signals and Signs
Running a Red Light or Stop Sign
When a driver runs a red light or stop sign, they endanger themselves and others on the road. A conviction for this type of traffic violation results in 3 points added to the driver’s license and a monetary fine of up to $200.
Penalties for traffic violations:
| Violation | Fine (Approx.) | Points on License |
|---|---|---|
| Running a Red Light | $158 | 3 |
| Running a Stop Sign | $70 – $200 | 3 |
Failure to Stop for a School Bus
The law requires all drivers to stop when approaching a school bus to pick up or drop off children. Failure to stop for a school bus is a serious offense, and if convicted, it can lead to 4 points on one’s driver’s license and a fine varying from $165 to $265.
This behavior puts children at risk and is treated accordingly, with stringent penalties to deter such actions.
Penalties for School Bus Violations:
| Violation | Fine (Approx.) | Points on License |
|---|---|---|
| Passing a Stopped School Bus | $165 – $265 | 4 |
| Failure to Stop for a School Bus | $165 – $265 | 4 |
Driving Behavior
In Florida, key factors such as tailgating and improper lane changes significantly contribute to ticket costs and penalty points.
Tailgating
Tailgating or following another vehicle too closely is a moving violation that poses a high risk of rear-end collisions. In Florida, if a driver is cited for tailgating, they can expect to receive a fine of up to $200 and 3 points on their license.
The severity of the penalty can depend on the circumstances of the violation and whether it leads to an accident.
Improper Lane Change
Improper lane changes are another common cause of traffic citations. This violation occurs when a driver changes lanes without proper signaling or fails to maintain a safe distance from other vehicles during the change. Like tailgating, improper lane changes result in fines and can increase the total points on a driver’s license.
Here is a table outlining the fines and license points for these violations:
| Traffic Violation | Ticket Fine (approximate) | Points on License |
|---|---|---|
| Tailgating | $100 – $200 | 3 |
| Improper Lane Change | $25 – $150 | 3 |
Other Traffic Violations
Florida law requires drivers to stop and provide information when involved in an accident that results in property damage.
In Florida, the implications of traffic violations can significantly impact driving records and licensing status.
Specific infractions, such as license plate violations, insurance violations, or driving with a suspended or revoked license, can result in fines, points on your record, or even license suspension.
| Violation | Fine (Starting From) | Points on License |
|---|---|---|
| License Plate Expired (<6 months) | Varies | None |
| No Proof of Insurance (1st Offense) | $150 | None |
| Driving with Suspended License | Varies + $60 reinstatement fee | 3 |
| Leaving Scene (Property Damage) | 150+ | 6 |
| Leaving Scene (With Injuries) | Attorney Consultation Recommended | 6 |
| Driving without a Valid License | 100+ | 0 |
*Please note that fines can vary by county and the circumstances of the violation. Driving without a valid license does not add points to the record but results in a non-criminal traffic citation and a fine.
Conclusion
In Florida, state statutes set the cost of traffic violations and the penalty points accompanying them. Drivers must know these to operate vehicles responsibly and avoid legal repercussions.
We hope this information clarifies the implications of traffic violations in Florida and helps drivers make informed decisions about complying with traffic laws.