Being stopped by the police for a traffic violation can be a nerve-wracking experience for even the most experienced driver. However, it’s important that you take a breath and deal with the situation in as calm and collected a manner as possible. In Florida, depending on the reason that you were pulled over, you may be facing either a criminal or a civil ticket and it is critical that you know the difference so that you can take the correct course of action.
Before you go and pay your Florida speeding ticket or investigate how to pay a traffic ticket online, take the time to speak with a traffic attorney about your options. An experienced traffic ticket attorney will be able to advise you whether or not you even need to find out how to pay a traffic ticket! Understanding why you were stopped and why the ticket was issued is the first step to knowing how to best proceed. Continue reading below to better understand Florida civil traffic ticket violations and give yourself every chance of avoiding paying your traffic violation and having to accept the other possible consequences such as points on your driving record which could affect your insurance premium in the future.
About Civil Traffic Violations In Florida
In Florida, a civil traffic ticket is typically classified as a moving violation or a non-moving violation. If you commit a moving violation, you will normally have points issued on your driver’s license. On the other hand, a non-moving violation will not result in points being applied to your driving record. Civil (or non-criminal) traffic tickets will not be punished by incarceration but you may face a fine, in which case you will need to find out how to pay a traffic ticket online to deal with the ticket efficiently.
The Most Common Civil Traffic Violations In Florida
- Speeding
This is the most commonly issued ticket and could result in you having to pay a Florida speeding ticket if you are found to be driving over the designated speed limit. - Improper Passing
When you are overtaking, you need to obey certain rules. Reasons for this citation might be because of incorrect lane changing, signaling, not giving right of way or passing at the wrong time. - Red Light Violations
Drivers must always obey a red light traffic signal when operating a vehicle. However, many traffic signals are regulated by red-light cameras which are illegal in Florida and can give you reason to fight your ticket. - Careless Driving
Careless driving is defined as failing to operate your vehicle in a “careful and prudent manner” under Florida Statutes Annotated § 316.1925. This is quite a vague offense and can be contested by an experienced traffic ticket lawyer. - Aggressive Careless Driving
You may be issued a ticket for aggressive careless driving if the police suspect you of committing a non-criminal traffic violation listed under Florida traffic law. - Failure To Yield
When you’re out on the road, you need to yield to certain vehicles including ambulances, fire trucks, police cars, and public transport vehicles. You must also yield to pedestrians and obey traffic signs that indicate you must yield, otherwise you could face a ticket. - Not Stopping For A School Bus
According to Florida Statutes Annotated § 316.172, you must always stop for a school but when it stops to allow children to get on or off the bus. If you are seen to not comply with this law, you could be issued with a traffic ticket. - Driving Too Slowly
When most people think of speed-related traffic violations, they think of people driving too fast. However, it’s important to remember that you can also get a ticket for driving too slowly. In Florida, the minimum speed you can drive at is 40 miles per hour on all highways, including the I-95.
Take Action And Avoid Paying Your Traffic Ticket
If you are issued a ticket for any of the above reasons by the police, contact our team at Fast Easy Ticket Florida to speak with an experienced traffic ticket attorney before you go to the trouble of finding out how to pay a traffic ticket. Remember, that in Florida, you do not have the right to a jury or court-appointed counsel for a civil traffic violation. However, you do have the right to retain a private attorney to represent you through the stages of your case from beginning to end. Take control of the outcome of your civil traffic ticket and take action with the help of Fast Easy Ticket Florida.
