Receiving a moving violation in Florida can be stressful and costly, impacting your driving record and your bank account for years. These violations are broadly defined to include almost any infraction that occurs while the vehicle is in motion, such as speeding, running a red light, making illegal lane changes, or failing to yield.

While many drivers mistakenly think these tickets are minor problems they should just pay, doing so means an automatic admission of guilt. This can lead to serious, long-term consequences that far outweigh the initial fine:

• Hefty Fines and Fees: The initial fine itself can cost hundreds of dollars, and late fees or court costs quickly add to that amount.
• Mandatory Points on Your License: Conviction results in points being added to your driving record, which are the primary trigger for license suspension.
• Skyrocketing Insurance Premiums: Your car insurance company will often treat a conviction as a signal of increased risk, leading to rate increases that cost you thousands of dollars over the next three to five years.
• Driver’s License Suspension: In severe cases, or if you accumulate too many points too quickly, you risk losing your driving privileges entirely.

At 305 Ticket Defense, we know how vital your ability to drive is for your daily life and livelihood. Our experienced traffic attorneys are here to help you fight these charges, minimize their impact, and work toward getting the ticket dismissed or reduced to protect your record. Don’t just pay it—fight it!

What Are Common Moving Violations in Florida?

Moving violations in Florida can range from minor infractions that add a few points to serious offenses that carry criminal penalties. Some of the most common violations our firm fights include:

• Speeding:
  • Exceeding the posted speed limit is one of the most frequently issued traffic citations. The points assessed depend on how far over the limit you were driving; the faster you were going, the higher the fine and the more severe the points added to your license.
• Running a Red Light or Stop Sign:
  • Ignoring traffic signals can result in hefty fines and three points on your license. This includes not only running a red light but also tickets issued by red light cameras, which must be addressed quickly to avoid having points added later.
• Improper Lane Changes:
  • Failing to signal, illegally cutting off other drivers, or passing improperly can all lead to a moving violation. These tickets often stem from an officer observing driving they deem aggressive or dangerous and result in points that contribute to an eventual license suspension.
• Reckless Driving:
  • Driving with a clear disregard for the safety of others is considered a serious criminal misdemeanor in Florida. This charge carries the risk of jail time, significant fines, and a criminal record, requiring a skilled defense lawyer immediately.
• Failure to Yield:
  • Not giving the right of way to another driver or a pedestrian can cause dangerous situations and result in a citation. This violation typically adds three points to your driving record and can significantly increase your insurance rates if you are convicted.
• Driving Without a Valid License or Insurance:
  • Both a valid license and mandatory insurance coverage are required in Florida and can lead to severe criminal penalties if you are caught driving without them. These are complex issues that often require an attorney to help you clear up underlying suspension causes and address the criminal charges.

Civil Traffic Violations

• Speeding Tickets
• Careless Driving
• Right of Way
• Suspended License
• Red Light Camera
• Stop Sign
• Improper Passing/Lane Changes
• Improper Backing
• No Proof of Insurance/Registration/License Seatbelt
• Expired Drivers License of 6 Month
• and more

Criminal Traffic Violations

• Reckless Driving
• DUI
• Bench Warrant
• Suspended/Revoked License
• Nonvalid Drivers License
• Failure to Register Vehicle
• Unlawful Tag
• Hit and Run
• Street Racing

Consequences of Moving Violations

Getting a moving violation conviction always results in points being added to your driving record, which is a severe and lasting penalty. Accumulating points too quickly can easily cause your driver’s license to be suspended, immediately impacting your ability to live and work.

Florida Point Suspension System

The State of Florida has a strict cumulative system. Once your points reach these thresholds, your license will be automatically suspended for the duration listed:

• 12 points within 12 months = 30-day suspension
• 18 points within 18 months = 3-month suspension
• 24 points within 36 months = 1-year suspension

Financial and Insurance Impact

On top of the suspension risk, even a single moving violation conviction can trigger a massive increase in your car insurance rates. Insurance companies view points as a major risk factor and can raise your premiums, costing you hundreds or even thousands of dollars over the three to five years the violation remains on your record. By fighting the ticket, our goal is not just to save you the fine, but to protect your record from points and, most importantly, keep your insurance rates low. We fight to protect your record!