A standard traffic ticket has the potential to add points to your driver's license, cause your license to be suspended or revoked, or cause you to be designated as a Habitual Traffic Offender. If you pay the civil fine associated with your traffic ticket, you will be adjudicated guilty. An adjudication of guilt may be used against you if you receive another traffic ticket. Learn more about the different types of traffic tickets, their penalties, and their consequences below.
Moving and Non-Moving Infractions:
Civil traffic tickets are either "moving" infractions or "non-moving" infractions, which carry different consequences.
Non-Moving Infractions:
A "non-moving" infraction is just what it sounds like. These are tickets that are not related to driving. These can be for faulty equipment, a suspended license, illegal tint, or not having a valid registration or insurance. In most counties, if you provide proof that you have fixed the problem, the Clerk of Court will dismiss the citation. Every county is different, but you can find your local Clerk of Court here: Find a Clerk.
Moving Infractions:
Moving infractions are related to your driving. The most common moving infractions involve speeding. Moving infractions can add points to your license if you are adjudicated guilty. It is important to know how many points are on your license before paying a fine for a moving infraction because if you collect too many points in a certain time period, your license can become suspended or revoked. Read more about suspensions and revocations below.
Common Moving Infractions and their Points:
A list of all moving violations and their associated points can be found in Florida's Uniform Traffic Citation Manual, but the most common infractions are listed below.
Point Suspensions in Florida:
The first thing you have to worry about when you receive points on your license is whether your license will become suspended. Accumulating too many points within certain periods of time will cause the Department of Motor Vehicles to automatically suspend your license. If you want to see how many points you currently have on your license, you can go to the DMV's website and order your driving record through the MyDMV Portal. You can also see if your license is pending suspension or is currently suspended by going to the DMV's License Check and entering your Driver's License number.
Even if your license is suspended due to points, you may be eligible for a Hardship License. Once the applicable time period for suspension has passed, your license is not automatically reinstated. You must apply for reinstatement, enroll in an Advanced Driver Improvement course, and pay a reinstatement fee at your local DMV office.
Habitual Traffic Offender:
Florida's Habitual Traffic Offender statute may cause your driving privilege to become revoked for five years. There are certain enumerated offenses that "count toward" becoming designated as a Habitual Traffic Offender. Read below to see these offenses and see if you may be eligible for a Hardship license.
