Orlando Harmon
Getting a speeding ticket in Florida can be a frustrating experience, and it may lead to a hike in your insurance premium. However, there are several ways to keep a ticket off your record and prevent your insurance rates from increasing. Firstly, you can contest the ticket and request a hearing, but if you lose, the ticket will go on your record and you will have to pay the fine. Secondly, you can opt for a defensive driving course, which can result in your ticket being dismissed, but this may be a one-time option. Thirdly, you can delay your court date, and if the officer who issued the ticket is no longer with the police during that time, you can request a dismissal. Finally, you can ask for a continuance, which can push your court date by almost a year, and the longer the gap between the incident and your court date, the less you'll pay in increased insurance rates.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ticket impact on insurance | A speeding ticket can affect your insurance premium for at least three years |
| First-time speeding ticket impact on insurance | In most cases, your first ticket will increase your insurance rates |
| Second speeding ticket impact on insurance | Second ticket results in much higher insurance premiums, with an average increase of 43% |
| Multiple tickets impact on insurance | Multiple traffic tickets show the insurance company that you are a much higher risk of an accident, and rates will increase even more |
| Ticket dismissal methods | Contest the ticket, seek traffic school, or deferred adjudication |
| Defensive driving course | In some states, attending and passing a defensive driving course will result in your ticket being dismissed |
| Driver improvement course | Taking a driver improvement course within 30 days of your citation can reduce your citation fees by 18% and avoid additional points on your record |
| Basic driver improvement course | For all speeding violations of under 30 mph over the limit, you can take a BDI course, and Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles will not add points to your driving record |
| Continuance | Asking for a continuance can push your court date by almost a year. If the ticketing officer is no longer with the police during that time, you can ask for a dismissal |
| Mitigation | If it's been years since your last ticket, you may be able to ask for mitigation. While this will not always keep the ticket off your record, it could lower the fine |
| Non-moving violation | In some jurisdictions, contacting the court clerk or the prosecutor handling your case and asking to have your offense downgraded to a non-moving violation is possible |
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What You'll Learn
Contest the ticket
If you want to fight a traffic ticket in Florida, there are a few options available to you. You can plead not guilty and request a hearing with the county court, or you can opt for a 'withhold of adjudication', which means that while you don't contest the ticket, you also don't accept guilt, and this can keep points off your license. Another option is to attend a basic driver improvement course, which can result in the ticket not impacting your insurance rates.
To plead not guilty and request a hearing, you must respond to the ticket within 30 days of receiving it. You can do this by mail, online, or in person at the county court. At the hearing, you will have the opportunity to present your case and any evidence that supports your argument. If the judge finds you not guilty, the ticket will be dismissed, and you won't have to pay any fines or face any penalties. However, if you are found guilty, you will likely have to pay a fine and may also receive points on your license, which can lead to increased insurance rates.
When considering whether to plead not guilty, it's important to weigh the potential benefits against the time and effort required to prepare and attend the hearing. If you have a strong case and feel confident that you can present your argument effectively, pleading not guilty may be a worthwhile option. However, if your evidence is weak or you don't have a clear argument, it may be more prudent to explore other options, like the 'withhold of adjudication'.
Opting for a 'withhold of adjudication' means that you are not contesting the ticket but also not accepting guilt. To be eligible for this option, you must plead no contest and request the withhold from the judge. If granted, you will typically have to pay a fine but will not receive any points on your license. This can be a good option if you want to avoid the potential consequences of having points on your record, including increased insurance rates. However, even if you successfully avoid points, your insurance company may still find out about the ticket and use it as a reason to increase your rates.
Another strategy to keep a ticket off your record and avoid insurance increases is to enroll in a basic driver improvement course. Florida law allows drivers to elect to attend this course to dismiss a ticket and avoid points. You will need to pay a fine and potentially other fees, but the ticket will not impact your insurance rates. This option is especially useful if you don't have a strong case to contest the ticket but still want to mitigate its impact on your driving record and insurance premiums.
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Complete a defensive driving course
Completing a defensive driving course is a great way to keep a ticket off your record and avoid insurance increases in Florida. This option is often referred to as "traffic school" and can be an effective way to dismiss your ticket and avoid any long-term consequences. Here's what you need to know about this process:
First, check your eligibility. Not all violations or tickets qualify for this option, and it may depend on the specific court handling your case. Typically, minor traffic violations, such as speeding tickets, running a stop sign, or failing to yield, are eligible for dismissal through a defensive driving course. More serious offenses, such as DUI or reckless driving, usually do not qualify. Check with the clerk of the court or the officer who issued the ticket to see if your violation is eligible.
Once you've confirmed your eligibility, find an approved defensive driving course. You can usually find a list of approved courses on the website of the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles or the specific court handling your case. These courses are typically offered online or in-person and will cover various topics, including traffic laws, safe driving techniques, and driver attitude.
Enroll in the course and ensure you complete it within the allotted time frame. The timing will depend on the court's requirements and the specific course you choose. You'll likely need to pay a fee for the course, which varies depending on the provider, so be sure to factor that into your decision. During the course, you'll need to participate and demonstrate your understanding of the material.
After successfully completing the course, you'll receive a certificate of completion. This document is crucial, as you'll need to present it to the court to dismiss your ticket. Be sure to keep it in a safe place and make copies if needed. Submit the certificate to the appropriate court or clerk's office, following their specific instructions. There may be additional fees associated with this step, such as a dismissal or administrative fee, so be prepared for potential extra costs.
By completing a defensive driving course and following the necessary steps for your ticket dismissal, you can keep the violation off your driving record and avoid any insurance increases. This option is a great way to take responsibility for your driving behavior and maintain a clean record, which can have long-term benefits for your insurance rates and driving privileges. Remember to act promptly, as there are usually time limits for completing the course and submitting the necessary documentation to the court.
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Seek a deferral
If you've been issued a speeding ticket in Florida, you may be able to seek a deferral to keep it off your insurance record. A deferral means the court finds you guilty but defers entering those findings for a certain period, typically a year. If you can avoid any further citations during this time, the ticket will be dismissed or marked "adjudication withheld". This approach can be particularly effective if you don't usually get speeding tickets or other traffic violations.
To pursue a deferral, you'll need to contact the Clerk of Court in your area, who is typically located in the county courthouse. The contact information for the Clerk of Court may be listed on your citation or found online. When you speak to the Clerk, ask about the possibility of a deferral or a reduction of your citation to a non-moving violation, which won't impact your insurance premiums. Even if you get a deferral, you'll likely still need to pay the fine and any court costs associated with the ticket.
It's important to note that there may be a limit on the number of deferrals granted, and you're unlikely to be offered one if you have a checkered driving record or if your violation occurred in a school zone. Additionally, a deferral won't prevent your insurance company from learning about the ticket when they review your driving record during policy renewal. At that point, you can expect to see an increase in your insurance rates.
If you're concerned about the impact of a speeding ticket on your insurance rates, you may also want to explore other options, such as taking a Basic Driver Improvement (BDI) course. In Florida, if you complete a BDI course approved by the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles for speeding violations of under 30 mph over the limit, no points will be added to your driving record. This means your insurance company won't be able to raise your rates, cancel your policy mid-term, or fail to renew your policy.
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Avoid future tickets
The best way to avoid tickets affecting your insurance is to avoid getting tickets in the first place. Here are some tips to help you avoid future tickets:
- Always be aware of the speed limit and stick to it. Speeding is one of the most common reasons for getting a ticket, so make sure to check the speed limit regularly and adjust your speed accordingly.
- Pay attention to road signs and traffic signals, especially in school zones, construction areas, and residential neighbourhoods. These areas often have lower speed limits and stricter enforcement.
- Avoid making illegal U-turns. In Florida, most U-turns are actually legal as long as they can be made safely and without interfering with other traffic. However, if you make an illegal U-turn, you may receive a ticket.
- Put away distractions like your phone. Texting while driving is another common reason for getting a ticket. Keep your eyes on the road and avoid any distractions that may take your attention away from driving.
- Follow the rules of the road at all times. This includes signalling when turning, stopping at stop signs, and yielding when necessary.
- Be especially cautious in areas with heavy police presence or speed traps. These areas may have a higher likelihood of you being pulled over for a violation.
- Keep your vehicle in good working condition. Ensure your lights, turn signals, and brakes are all functioning properly. A malfunctioning vehicle may attract the attention of law enforcement.
- Familiarize yourself with Florida's traffic laws and regulations. Knowing the laws will help you avoid any unintentional violations. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles website is a great resource for this.
- Take a defensive driving or driver improvement course. These courses can help improve your driving skills and knowledge of the rules of the road, making you a safer driver and less likely to get pulled over.
- Be courteous and respectful to other drivers and follow the rules of the road. Aggressive or reckless driving will make you more likely to be pulled over.
Remember, the best way to avoid tickets is to drive safely, follow the rules of the road, and be a cautious and attentive driver.
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Shop around for insurance quotes
If you have received a speeding ticket in Florida, you may be worried about how it will affect your insurance rates. While a speeding ticket will eventually appear on your driving record, it doesn't automatically translate to a higher premium. Florida insurance companies consider various factors when setting automobile insurance rates, and a single speeding ticket, especially a minor one, may not significantly impact the overall cost.
However, if you were convicted of going 30 miles per hour (mph) or more over the posted speed limit, you are likely to see your insurance premium increase. On average, you can expect your premium for car insurance in Florida to increase by 19% after a speeding ticket.
To keep your insurance rates low, it is recommended to shop around for insurance quotes and compare them. Getting quotes from multiple companies allows you to compare coverage and cost and find the best rate. This is especially useful after a speeding ticket, as your current insurance provider may increase your rates due to the ticket. By shopping around, you may find companies that offer better rates based on your updated driving record.
Additionally, consider taking a defensive driving course. Many insurance companies offer discounts to drivers who complete approved defensive driving courses, as they demonstrate your commitment to safe driving habits. You can also look into negotiating the ticket by pleading no contest to a lesser charge with fewer points or requesting a continuance to delay your court date.
Remember, insurance rates are determined by various factors, including your driving history, demographic factors like your ZIP code, and your credit score. By shopping around for insurance quotes and maintaining a good driving record and credit history, you can work towards keeping your insurance rates low, even with a speeding ticket on your record.
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Frequently asked questions
You can take a Basic Driver Improvement (BDI) course to avoid having points added to your driving record. Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles will not add points to your driving record if you take a BDI course for speeding violations of under 30 mph over the limit. This means your insurance company won't be able to raise your rates, cancel your policy mid-term, or not renew your policy at the end of its term.
If you were caught speeding at 30 mph or more over the posted limit, the ticket will remain on your driving record indefinitely. Your insurance premium will likely increase, and you may lose your car insurance discounts for safe driving. However, you can still take steps to minimize the impact on your insurance rates, such as taking a driver improvement course, which could help you avoid an insurance rate hike.
Yes, you can contest a ticket and ask for a hearing to prove that you were not speeding. You can do this by yourself or with a lawyer. Alternatively, you can ask for a continuance to delay your court date and, in some cases, get the ticket dismissed if the officer that issued it is no longer with the police force.
