Do you pride yourself on being a careful driver, but now you’re facing a traffic violation you believe is unfair? The frustration of being charged—especially when your license and livelihood are at risk—can feel overwhelming.
Whether the accusation involves speeding, running a red light, or distracted driving, learning about the most common Florida traffic violations can help you better understand your situation and take steps to protect your rights. Let’s start by looking at one of the most common reasons drivers face traffic charges: speeding.
Speeding remains one of the most frequent traffic violations in Florida. According to state law, exceeding the posted speed limit by even a small margin can result in fines or points on your license. For example:
Florida law emphasizes safe driving speeds based on conditions. Even if you're driving under the posted limit, you can be cited for driving too fast for weather or traffic conditions.
Intersections are hotspots for accidents, and running red lights or stop signs contributes significantly to crashes in Florida. This violation not only comes with fines but also adds points to your license.
Red-light cameras are active in many areas, and violations caught on camera may result in fines mailed to you. These penalties are separate from those issued by law enforcement, making it essential to stop fully and obey traffic signals.
Florida takes distracted driving seriously. Under the Florida Ban on Texting While Driving Law, texting while driving is a primary offense. This means officers can pull you over for texting without needing any other reason.
Hands-free operation is required in designated school and construction zones. Failing to comply not only risks a ticket but also endangers others on the road.
Florida law mandates that all vehicles on the road have valid insurance and registration. Driving without either can result in serious penalties, including fines, suspension of your license, and vehicle impoundment.
Failing to yield is another common traffic violation, often leading to accidents at intersections or while merging onto highways. Florida law requires drivers to yield the right-of-way in several situations, including:
This violation often comes with fines and points on your license, making it crucial to drive attentively and cautiously.
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is not only a severe violation but also a criminal offense in Florida. A DUI conviction can result in license suspension, hefty fines, and possible jail time.
Florida’s legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.08%. However, drivers under 21 are subject to stricter limits, with penalties for a BAC as low as 0.02%. See Florida Statute 316.193 for full details.
Reckless driving involves operating a vehicle with disregard for the safety of others or property. This offense can be subjective, but examples include excessive speeding, weaving through traffic, or aggressive behavior behind the wheel.
Florida law allows officers to charge reckless driving even without an accident occurring if they believe your actions pose a danger.
Florida’s Move Over Law requires drivers to change lanes or slow down when approaching emergency vehicles stopped on the side of the road. This includes police cars, fire trucks, tow trucks, and utility vehicles with flashing lights. Failing to comply can result in a fine and 3 points on your license.
You can read more about the Move Over Law here.
Tailgating, or following too closely, is not only a traffic violation but also a leading cause of rear-end collisions. Florida law requires a safe following distance based on speed, weather, and traffic conditions.
Tickets for tailgating typically come with fines and points on your driving record, and repeated offenses can lead to higher insurance rates.
Even minor infractions can add up quickly, leading to higher insurance premiums, loss of driving privileges, or worse—accidents that could change lives forever. Florida’s point system increases penalties as violations accumulate:
Driving in Florida comes with responsibilities, and staying informed about traffic laws can keep you and others safe. Traffic violations may seem minor, but their consequences can escalate quickly. If you’ve received a citation or been involved in an accident, consulting a criminal traffic attorney could help you address the situation effectively.
Being charged with a serious traffic violation in Florida can feel overwhelming, especially when your license, your record, and even your livelihood are on the line. Contesting these charges requires more than just showing up in court; it demands a strategic approach from someone who understands Florida traffic laws and knows how to challenge the evidence against you.
Ronald S. Chapman, a trusted criminal defense attorney in West Palm Beach, has over 30 years of experience defending clients just like you. Whether you’re accused of reckless driving, DUI, or another serious offense, Ron will examine every aspect of your case to build a strong, personalized defense.
Your case is too important to leave to chance. If you’ve been searching online for a “drivers license lawyer” or “West Palm Beach criminal defense lawyer,” call Ron Chapman today at (561) 832-4348 to schedule your consultation. You can also fill out our confidential online form, and we’ll get back to you promptly. Don’t let one traffic charge dictate your future—take the first step toward protecting your rights and clearing your name. Reach out now.
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The information in this blog post (“post”) is provided for general informational purposes only and may not reflect the current law in your jurisdiction. No information in this post should be construed as legal advice from the individual author or the law firm, nor is it intended to be a substitute for legal counsel on any subject matter. No reader of this post should act or refrain from acting based on any information included in or accessible through this post without seeking the appropriate legal or other professional advice on the particular facts and circumstances at issue from a lawyer licensed in the recipient’s state, country, or other appropriate licensing jurisdiction.
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(561) 832-4348
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