Tampa Bay Criminal Defense Lawyer Blog
Driving is incredibly convenient and allows us to go from one place to another. This can be handy in Florida, where there are many iconic locations to travel to, like Disney World, Kennedy Space Center and Miami Beach. However, Florida is also notorious for having one of the highest tickets issued to drivers. This is why it has been dubbed by many as the Citation State. In fact, it has the most tickets issued after the states of California and New York. As a result, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles earns about $1.4 billion every year. Therefore, it helps to learn about traffic violations in the state to avoid paying fines and contributing to such a vast amount of money from tickets. If you are unsure where to learn about violations, we have you sorted out. This article will look at some essential things you should know about traffic violations in Florida.
The categories of traffic violations
Traffic violations come in three categories that are ranked based on the severity of the acts or actions. These are:
Infractions
Traffic infractions are the least severe violations that are acts prohibited by the law. However, these violations technically do not come under a crime category. However, committing infractions still leads to penalties that you will have to pay. There are hundreds of traffic infractions, and the penalties will vary depending on their severity. Some common infractions include the following:
- Speeding, which is the most common infraction. It is recommended to take note of speed limits as they tend to change frequently in residential areas and cities. If you believe the cause is your transmission, consider going to a transmission expert like My Transmission Experts.
- Running a stop sign
- Running a red light
- Driving without headlights turned on at night
- Broken taillight
- Tailgating
- Performing an illegal U-turn
- Not signalling with the indicator before making a turn.
These may be minor violations, but this does not mean that you should not take them seriously. For example, speeding or running a red light can put other drivers and pedestrians at serious risk.
Misdemeanors
Misdemeanors are more serious than infractions and are the middle category of traffic violations. They also come in varying degrees and penalties. These penalties can range from hefty fines and jail times of a maximum of 1 year. Some common misdemeanors include:
- Driving with a suspended license
- Committing a DUI, i.e. driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Driving without a license
- Driving without insurance
- Possession of weed
- Commiting a hit-and-run with no one dead or injured
- Reckless driving.
Felonies
Felonies are the most severe violations that you can commit. This can result in a 5-year prison sentence and hefty penalties, such as a $10,000 fine. Some of these felonies include:
- Committing a hit-and-run with severe injuries and death.
- DUI Manslaughter
- Commiting a DUI for the third time with in 10 years or four plus DUIs.
- Driving with a suspended license for the third time.
Traffic violation duration on record
After receiving a traffic violation ticket, it can stay on your record for ten years. You also receive points based on violations you commit depending on the seriousness of events. If you receive 12 points within a year, it can result in a license suspension. Additionally, if you get a license suspension, it can remain on your record for 11 years.
Information about court procedures
The violation you commit will decide the court procedures you must follow. These procedures and penalties will vary depending on the violations. For infractions, you go to the traffic court to challenge them, and for misdemeanors and felonies, you go to the criminal court. Traffic court is less formal, and you are penalized regardless of whether you had the intent to commit it or not. On the other hand, criminal court is much more formal, and you have the right to a jury trial and a court-appointed lawyer.
Wrapping up
The state of Florida is notorious for its drivers receiving many tickets for all sorts of violations. It helps to understand how traffic violations work to avoid being one of these drivers, i. You will be able to save money while understanding why these traffic laws exist. There are three categories of traffic violations that vary based on their severity alongside their penalties. They can also stay on your record for many years. Additionally, there are varying court procedures that you will have to follow, which will also depend on the traffic violation you commit. We hope this article proves insightful and helps you understand traffic violations in Florida. Thank you for reading!