What To Do If You Get A Speeding Ticket in Florida? Experts Answer.

November 10th, 2023 by

Uh oh – you got your first speeding ticket. You may not know what to do if you get a speeding ticket in Florida. First, remind yourself to breathe, you aren’t the first person to get a speeding ticket and you most likely won’t be the last. However, Toyota of Clermont experts are here to help you so this first speeding ticket doesn’t backfire later on. Let’s get into it. First Speeding ticket in Florida

When was the first speeding ticket written and why? 

We can all thank Walter Arnold for getting the first speeding ticket ever written, although he definitely wouldn’t be the last. He was going way too fast for his time at a whopping 8 MPH, how dare he pass the 2 MPH speed limit. However, don’t be too startled, those were different times. 

What to do if you get a speeding ticket in Florida?

Ok, so unfortunately you have a speeding ticket, Thankfully, it’s not the first speeding ticket ever written. So, now you are wondering, “What do I do now?”. Well, there are a couple of important factors to consider. According to the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, in the State of Florida traffic violations related to lost points against your driver’s license, lead to possible suspension of your license privileges. Next, let’s take a look at the duration of suspension for each point accumulation: 

  • 12 points within 12 months can lead to a 30-day suspension
  • 18 points within 18 months can lead to a three-month suspension
  • 24 points within 36 months can lead to a one-year suspension

The amount of points deduced from receiving a speeding ticket is 3 points. However, there are three different ways to handle your speeding ticket in Florida. Let’s take a look at each option. 

Your Best options in Handling a Speeding Ticket

#1 Attend Traffic School

First, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles regulates a Certified Basic Driver improvement course that takes around four hours to complete and costs a fee. This allows you to avoid incurring the points added to your driving record and can help with future incidents. HOWEVER, You must complete this course within 60 days of receiving your speeding ticket, and you are only allowed to take advantage of this once in 12 months and five times in your life. 

#2 Pay the Fine and Move On

Next, you can decide to just pay the fee associated with the first speeding ticket, but these fees can be expensive, depending on how fast you are driving against the speed limit. The negative points will be added to your driving record, but if you already used your Traffic School course within the year, this might be the easiest option (unless you want to fight the ticket). However, if you can, it’s best to attend traffic school because the points on your driving record can lead you to higher insurance rates. Also, accumulating too many points can even suspend your driver’s license. 

#3 Hire a Lawyer and Fight the Ticket

Lastly, you can always fight the first speeding ticket by either showing up yourself at the elected time or hiring an experienced Florida traffic ticket attorney to show up and defend your case. They may be able to reduce your charges, reduce the amount of points on your record, or even dismiss your case. It may cost more upfront, but in the long run, it could help your driving record and future headaches. 

Safe driving tips to AVOID getting pulled over!

Step #1 Follow Traffic Laws and Regulations by utilizing Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to help you track the changing speed limits. 

Step #2 Maintain your Clermont Toyota and make sure your lights are working properly, tires have good tread, and more! Silly Tickets can be caused by the downfall of neglecting your routine maintenance. 

Step #3 Be aware of your surroundings and be mindful of the speed-limit reductions, school zones, construction zones, etc. 

Toyota of Clermont has answers to all of your safe driving questions

So, you have more questions? We’ve always got answers straight from the experts. Call Toyota of Clermont today at (352) 404-7000 or follow us on social media for more safe driving tips!

Posted in Clermont Toyota Tips