Civil Traffic Tickets and Points

Most traffic tickets, such as speeding, failing to stop, improper lane changes, and careless driving, are civil infractions, not crimes, and there's no jail. The exception is extreme speeding: since July 1, 2025, driving 50+ mph over the limit, or 100+ mph in a dangerous manner, is a criminal offense with a court date. For ordinary tickets, though, each conviction can add points to a Florida license, raise insurance costs, and, for some drivers, put the license itself at risk.

Your Options After a Ticket

• Pay it: this is treated as a conviction, and points are assessed.

• Elect a basic driver improvement course (where eligible): this usually avoids points. Eligibility is limited by how often you've used it.

• Request a hearing: contest the ticket in traffic court, where the officer must show the violation occurred.

You have 30 days to choose

Under § 318.14, you generally have 30 days after a noncriminal ticket to choose one of three options:

Pay the civil penalty. Paying counts as admitting the infraction, and points are assessed. The base penalty for many moving violations is $60 under § 318.18, before county costs and fees.
Elect a basic driver improvement course. Adjudication is withheld and no points are assessed. You can't elect a course if you elected one in the past 12 months, and you're limited to 8 times in your life.
Request a hearing. A judge or hearing officer decides, and the infraction must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. Points are assessed only if you're found to have committed it.

Should I just pay it?

Paying is the fastest option, but it is an admission, and the points stay on your record. If you already have points, a commercial license, or an upcoming insurance renewal, it may be worth looking at the course or a hearing first.

Frequently asked questions

What if I miss the 30-day deadline? Missing the deadline can lead to a license suspension and added fees. Contact the clerk or a lawyer right away.

Can a lawyer go to the hearing for me? In many noncriminal traffic cases, a lawyer can appear for you. Ask us about your ticket and county.

When to Talk to a Lawyer

• You already have points, prior suspensions, or a commercial driver's license (CDL)

• The ticket is for a serious speed (50+ mph over can now be a crime) or involved a crash

• You were also charged with something criminal, like Driving While License Suspended

• You're unsure whether your license is currently valid

See also: Criminal traffic offenses. Call or text 407-846-8008 before you pay.

Attorney Chad M. Seibel, Of Counsel at Perez LaSure Law. Office in Kissimmee. Consultations and meetings available throughout Florida by appointment. Hablamos español. Atendemos em Português.