Traffic Violations May Jeopardize Driving Privileges in Florida
Florida law requires a range of penalties for federal and state traffic violations. Traffic violations may vary in nature and severity, so it’s important to understand what they are, how to avoid them and what the consequences are if you’ve violated a traffic law.
For civil, or noncriminal, traffic violations, you will have to pay a fine and may get points against your license. In some cases, you may be able to attend driving school, which can reduce or eliminate the number of points acquired by the violation, decreasing your risk for license suspension or raised insurance rates. Florida considers the following violations noncriminal:
- Non-reckless speeding
- Driving on the sidewalk
- Tailgaiting
- Ignoring traffic control signals
- Driving with an expired registration
- Driving with a license that expired in the last six months
Criminal traffic violations require you to face a criminal court trial, and may result in jail time. Florida criminal violations include:
- Driving under the influence
- Leaving the scene of an accident involving injuries or property damage
- Driving with a suspended license
The Department of Motor Vehicles will assign a certain number of points to your license depending on the severity of the violation. Some examples include:
- Driver carrying open container: three points
- Moving violations: three points
- Going 15 MPH or less than the posted limit: three points
Going 16 MPH or more than the posted limit: four points - Passing a stopped school bus: four points
- Reckless driving: four points
- Speeding resulting in an accident: six points
- Leaving the scene of an accident involving property damage of more than $50: six points
These points may result in serious consequences, including losing your license and facing jail time. Contact an experienced Orlando traffic violations lawyer at Salazar & Kelly Law Group, P.A. for the legal guidance you need.
