Most Common Traffic Violation in Florida
If you have lived in Florida for a while, it may not come as a surprise that the most common traffic violation is speeding. Speeding is the most frequently issued non-criminal moving traffic citation by a large margin.
In 2024, out of nearly 1.88 million traffic tickets issued statewide across 22 different moving violations, about 744,082 were for speeding, which is far more than any other offense. The next most common violation, red-light camera citations, trailed significantly with 245,666 tickets.
A moving violation happens when a driver fails to obey a law while a vehicle is in motion. Examples include driving over the speed limit, running a traffic signal, or texting behind the wheel. Many of these violations carry points against a driver’s license under Florida’s point system, which can lead to suspensions if enough points accumulate.
Speeding citations continue to climb. In 2024, there was a 5.6% increase compared to the previous year, adding more than 155,000 additional tickets statewide. Miami-Dade County, Florida’s most populous jurisdiction, issued the highest number, accounting for more than 12% of all statewide speeding tickets. Other counties also saw sharp rises in speeding enforcement.
Penalties for speeding vary based on how far over the limit a driver was traveling and any prior violations, with higher fines and potential court appearances for more extreme speeds. The penalties vary by jurisdiction. For example, in the Palm Beach area, a driver going 6 to 9 miles above the speed limit will pay a fine of $131. For 10 to 14 miles above the speed limit, the fine increases to $206. For 15 to 19 miles above the speed limit, the fine increases to $256. For 20 to 29 miles above the speed limit, the fine increases to $281. Anything above 30 miles per hour above the limit results in a $356 fine, plus a court appearance is required. Also, keep in mind that fines tend to double in school or construction zones.
Excessive speeding (which means going more than 50 miles per hour over the posted limit or driving at 100 or more miles per hour) may be treated as a criminal offense with tougher penalties, including:
- Mandatory court appearance.
- Fines of $500 or more.
- Up to 30 days in jail for a first offense.
In addition, speeding tickets can lead to points on your driving record. Florida uses the following point system:
- Up to 15 mph over: 3 points
- More than 15 mph over: 4 points
- If the speeding caused a crash: 6 points
Points remain on your record for many years and can increase insurance rates. They can also result in driver’s license suspension if you accumulate too many.
Contact Us Today
Traffic violations are not always minor offenses. Some can lead to license suspension and even criminal charges.
A Fort Myers traffic violation attorney from Hollander & Hanuka can help you fight traffic violations in appropriate situations and protect your driving privileges. Schedule a consultation today by filling out the online form or calling (239) 332-3300.
Source:
slashgear.com/2024035/florida-most-common-traffic-ticket-violation-moving/
