If you’re driving in Florida, it’s important to know about the serious traffic violations and the penalties associated with them.
Knowing these punishments can help you make better driving choices and avoid costly mistakes.
You can use the Florida Clerks website to manage Florida traffic tickets online conveniently.
The severity of the penalty often depends on the nature of the violation.
What Is A Traffic Violation?
A traffic violation occurs when a driver fails to abide by the Florida traffic laws that protect Florida’s roadways.
Major violations include moving violations such as speeding, where you exceed the posted speed limits, or running a red light or stop sign.
In Florida, committing these actions can lead to varying consequences, from fines to points on your license.
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Penalties For Major Traffic Violations In Florida
Florida enforces strict penalties for major traffic violations, including significant fines, license suspensions, and incarceration. Understanding these penalties can help you grasp the seriousness of these offenses.
DUI And Reckless Driving Penalties
If you’re caught driving with a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher, you face a DUI charge.
First offenses typically result in fines ranging from $500 to $1,000, possible imprisonment, and license revocation for a minimum of 180 days.
Reckless driving is considered willful disregard for the safety of people or property.
For a first conviction, penalties can include a fine of $25 to $500, prison for up to 90 days, or both.
A second or subsequent offense may double the potential fines and imprisonment time.
Hit And Run Incidents
If you leave the scene of an accident involving injuries, it’s classified as a hit and run.
The consequences are severe. There are mandatory minimum fines of $5,000, and you could be sentenced to up to five years in prison or probation.
Additionally, your driver’s license can be revoked.
Penalties For Excessive Speeding
Penalties in Florida for speeding are based on how much faster you drive than the speed limit.
Fines start at $50 and can exceed $500 for significant violations, particularly in school zones or construction areas.
Receiving points on your license can also lead to higher insurance rates and a license suspension of 3 months to 1 year if point thresholds are exceeded.
Felony Traffic Violations
Felony traffic violations often carry stringent penalties, including jail time, fines, and other legal consequences.
DUI Offenses: If you are convicted of driving under the influence and it’s your third violation within 10 years, it’s classified as a felony.
This could lead to hefty fines, probation, mandatory community service, and even imprisonment.
Serious Bodily Injury: Causing a traffic accident that results in serious bodily injury can be deemed a felony.
Depending on the circumstances, you might face a lengthy jail sentence and the requirement to pay restitution to the injured parties.
Repeat Offenders: If you continue committing major traffic violations, you may be labeled a habitual traffic offender.
This category particularly applies if you’ve amassed a certain number of points on your license within a specific timeframe.
As a repeat offender, the likelihood of facing felony charges and severe penalties increases.
While penalties vary, felony convictions for traffic violations typically involve:
- Prison Time: Sentences can extend up to several years, especially for DUI-related offenses causing injury or death.
- Fines: Financial penalties can be substantial and are often coupled with other forms of punishment.
- Probation: Instead of, or in addition to, imprisonment, you might be placed on probation.
- Community Service: Courts frequently require a certain number of hours of community service work.
Consequences For Misdemeanor Traffic Offenses
In Florida, there are different kinds of traffic violations that you should know about.
Some more serious violations can lead to criminal charges beyond just a traffic ticket.
- One example is driving with a suspended license. If you get caught, the police can give you a ticket, and you might also have to go to jail, pay a fine, or both.
- Running a red light or not wearing a seat belt are examples of less serious violations that could lead to tickets. These rules keep the roads safe, and the fines can add up and affect your driving ability.
- Driving without car insurance is also against the law in Florida. If you get stopped and can’t show proof of insurance, you might have to pay a fine. If you keep doing it, your license could be suspended.
- Violations that happen when your car isn’t moving, like parking tickets, usually just result in a fine and don’t add points to your driver’s license.
- But violations when your car moves usually add points to your license. If you get too many points, your license could be suspended.
FAQ’s
What constitutes a major traffic violation in Florida?
Major traffic violations in Florida include driving under the influence (DUI), driving while license suspended or revoked, reckless driving, and leaving the scene of an accident involving injuries or property damage.
What is the point threshold for license suspension in Florida?
Your license may be suspended if you accumulate 12 points within 12 months.
For 12 points, the suspension is 30 days; for 18 points within an 18-month period, it lasts for 3 months; and accumulating 24 points within a 36-month period will result in a one-year suspension.
What are the maximum fines for serious traffic violations in Florida?
The maximum fines for serious traffic violations in Florida can exceed $500.
For DUI offenses, fines can range between $500 to $5,000. The amount depends on the number of offenses and the level of blood alcohol concentration.