Speeding Less Than 30 mph Attorney in Florida

In Florida, the legal and financial consequences of a speeding ticket for driving 30 mph or more over the speed limit depend on the specific circumstances, including the exact speed, location, and other relevant factors.

Fines and Court Costs

For speed limit violations of 30 mph or less over the limit in Florida, fines typically range from $25 to $250, depending on the severity of the offense. For example, speeding 6-9 mph over the limit may incur a fine of around $125, while speeding 15-19 mph over the limit could cost closer to $200. If the violation occurs in a school or construction zone, fines can double. Additionally, court costs and administrative fees, typically ranging from $50 to $100, may be added.

Driver’s License Points

Florida’s Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles assigns points to your driving record for speeding violations. Speeding under 15 mph over the limit usually results in 3 points, while 15-29 mph over the limit incurs 4 points. Getting 12 points within 12 months results in a 30-day license suspension, 18 points within 18 months triggers a 3-month suspension, and 24 points within 36 months result in a one-year suspension.

Points also increase the risk of being labeled a habitual traffic offender, which can result in additional penalties. Attending a Basic Driver Improvement (BDI) course can prevent points from being added if completed within the allowed timeframe and approved by the court.

A speed limit ticket attorney in Florida can contest your posted speed limit violation and may negotiate for a zero-points resolution to protect your driver’s license.

Higher Insurance Premiums

A speed limit violation of 30 MPH or less can lead to higher auto insurance premiums, as insurers view speeding violations as indicators of risky driving behavior. In Florida, a single speeding ticket may increase premiums by 10-20% on average, though this varies by insurer and driver profile. For example, a driver with a clean record might see a smaller hike than one with prior violations. The increase typically lasts 3-5 years, depending on your insurer’s policies. Electing a BDI course to avoid points can reduce this impact.

Other Legal Consequences

Exceeding the posted speed limit by 30 MPH or less can lead to other problems. If your speeding violation was in a school zone or a construction zone, the ticket cost may be higher. Additionally, you may be charged with reckless driving, which could require a court appearance.

Can a Florida attorney help me avoid points for speeding under 30 mph?

Yes. Your Ticket Fighter lawyer could help you avoid points on your license. One of the primary ways they can help is by negotiating to have the ticket dismissed or reduced to a non-moving violation, which does not carry points.

For instance, your attorney might challenge the accuracy of the speed measurement device or question whether proper procedures were followed during the traffic stop.

If the evidence is weak, such as an improperly calibrated radar gun or a lack of officer certification, the ticket could be dismissed entirely. Or, your attorney may negotiate a plea to a lesser offense, such as a non-moving violation like a seatbelt infraction, which avoids points on your record.

Can an attorney get a speeding ticket under 30 mph dismissed or reduced?

Yes, depending on the circumstances of the case. For example, your lawyer can question the accuracy of the speed-measuring device, whether it was calibrated correctly, or if the officer was adequately trained. They could also argue that the officer misidentified your vehicle, especially in heavy traffic, or that the ticket contains technical errors, such as incorrect statutes or missing signatures. If a necessary witness, like the issuing officer, fails to appear at a hearing, your attorney can move for dismissal. These defenses can lead to the ticket being dismissed entirely, avoiding fines and points.

Is a speeding less than 30 mph violation a criminal offense in Florida?

In Florida, speeding by less than 30 miles per hour over the posted speed limit is generally not considered a criminal offense. It is usually a non-criminal traffic infraction. This is important because it affects the penalties, legal processes, and long-term consequences for drivers. This violation doesn’t involve potential jail time, unless the speeding was combined with other offenses, such as reckless driving, etc.

What happens if I ignore a speeding ticket of 30 mph or less in Florida?

Failing to respond to a speeding ticket within 30 days of receiving it can result in additional fees and the loss of your right to contest the ticket in court. In Florida, you typically have 30 days to either pay the fine, enroll in a driver improvement course, or request a court hearing to fight the ticket. If you ignore the ticket, the court may issue a notice of delinquency, which adds administrative fees to the original fine. These extra costs can significantly increase the financial burden of the ticket cost.

Failing to address the ticket can also result in a suspended driver’s license. If you fail to pay the fine or appear in court, the court may issue a D-6 suspension, which suspends your driving privileges until the matter is resolved. Driving with a suspended license is another offense that can result in additional fines, points on your record, or even criminal charges in some cases.