From higher auto insurance premiums to hundreds of dollars in traffic violation fees and fines and driving points on license records, these are the hidden costs of traffic tickets in Florida. Failure to satisfy citations can lead to even more expenses, as you could end up paying late fees and having your license suspended.
Understanding how driving citations and traffic fines impact you as a motorist is crucial, even if Florida has among the lowest rates of speeding tickets in the country. According to FloridaPolitics.com, a MarketWatch study found that every year, only about 6.92% of Floridian drivers get a speeding ticket, the fourth-lowest in the U.S.
Familiarizing yourself with traffic tickets and their “hidden costs” can point you in the right direction and help you know what steps to take, how to save money, and do what you can to preserve your driving privileges.
At What Speed Do You Get a Ticket?
Just one mile over the posted speed limit is enough to get you a speeding ticket. In some cases, however, police officers may give warnings for these minor infractions. They’re more likely to let you off with a verbal warning if:
- The offense is minor (e.g., a tiny speed difference of 1 to 5 mph over the posted limit)
- You have a clean driving record (e.g., no history of traffic violations)
- You’re polite and cooperative
On the other hand, you can expect the police to give you a ticket if the violation involves faster speeds. A speed of 50 mph or higher over the posted limit could even lead to a charge of criminal misdemeanor.
According to FLSenate.gov, under Florida Statutes 316.1922, such behavior constitutes “dangerous excessive speeding.” A first offense can lead to a $500 fine, 30-day jail time, or both. On the other hand, subsequent convictions carry a $1,000 fine, a 90-day imprisonment term, or both.
Multiple offenses within five years can also lead to the revocation of driving privileges for at least 180 days up to a year.
Can I Just Pay My Ticket and Not Go to Court in Florida?
It depends on the offense committed; if it’s minor, there’s usually no need to make a court appearance, provided you’ve made your fee payment on time.
In some cases, the state may allow you to opt to undergo a driver improvement course. According to the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), customers with a traffic citation may be eligible to have applicable points withheld and get an 18% reduction in citation fees if they go with this route.
On the other hand, more serious offenses typically require a court appearance. Examples include:
- Excessive speeding
- Passing a stopped school bus
- Getting charged with no proof of insurance
- Leaving a child unattended in a vehicle with the engine running
The court appearance mandated in the above offenses is typically non-negotiable.
What Are the Hidden Costs of Traffic Tickets in Florida?
Traffic tickets can result in significant increases in auto insurance premiums, with the greatest spikes associated with severe violations like dangerous, excessive speeding. Note, however, that even minor infractions can still lead to premium spikes.
According to Experian, the average monthly premium of a driver who has failed to show documents like proof of insurance is $214, while a motorist with no violations only pays $184.
In addition to the traffic ticket insurance increase, violations also come with the “hidden” cost of driving points. The worse the violation, the more points it adds to your record.
The authorities can and will suspend your license if you get too many driving points. The length of suspension depends on the number of points accumulated within the following timeframes:
- 12 points within 12 months: 30-day suspension
- 18 points within 18 months: 3-month suspension
- 24 points within 36 months: 1-year suspension
There are also the chargeable fees for the tickets themselves. Most speeding tickets, for instance, come with a $200 to $300 fine. In some cases, they may even reach $1,000.
Don’t forget about the traffic fines and consequences of leaving them unpaid. They can lead to license suspension and even more penalties. They can also result in increased insurance rates and even bench warrants.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is It Worth Going to Court for a Traffic Ticket?
Yes.
In many cases, it’s worth going to court for a traffic ticket because simply paying the fines is an admission of guilt. When you don’t fight the ticket, you’ll see an increase in your insurance premiums and accumulate points. Depending on your current number of points, incurring more may get your license suspended.
When Does Beating Traffic Tickets Make Sense?
It makes sense to fight traffic tickets if their potential consequences (e.g., license suspension, jail time, and steep fines) are severe enough that they warrant the effort. Another situation is if you have a solid, valid defense, such as if there was something that obscured your view while driving, or if you believe and can prove that the officer made a mistake.
While you aren’t legally required to have a legal professional fight your traffic ticket on your behalf, the assistance of a highly experienced traffic defense lawyer can prove invaluable. Your legal counsel will poke holes in the state’s case, whether it has to do with the officer’s mistakes or there were issues with the radar or laser calibration.
Your traffic defense lawyer may also negotiate a reduced charge, which can help you avoid a criminal conviction. Such assistance can make or break your future if you hold a commercial driver’s license (CDL) and need your record to be clean to keep your job.
Don’t Delay Dealing With Traffic Tickets
With the hidden costs of traffic tickets ranging from higher auto insurance premiums to hefty fines and additional driving points, it makes sense to always consider fighting them.
You don’t have to be alone in the fight, either. With the help of RHINO Lawyers, you can get the exceptional legal advice and representation you need to protect your rights and driving privileges. Our attorneys have many years of extensive experience in traffic laws and defending those accused of breaching them.
Our hotline is available 24/7, so contact us today for your free case evaluation.
CONTACT TAMPA TRAFFIC TICKET ATTORNEY
RHINO Lawyers can help and guide you through a system molded by law enforcement, judges, and lawyers for decades. Having won cases for our clients in similar circumstances, our criminal defense team knows what it takes to fight on your behalf.
Let RHINO Lawyers answer your questions and review the facts of your case with a Free Consultation. So, get started by completing the “Free Instant Case Evaluation” or by calling us any time, day or night, at (844) RHINO-77.
