It’s estimated that more than 40 million people receive speeding tickets each year. And according to the National Motorists Association, Florida tops the list as the state most likely to issue them.
What does that mean for your driving record, driver’s license, and insurance rates? All three can be negatively affected if you’re caught breaking the speed limit. The consequences of a speeding ticket can include losing your ability to drive and being burdened with an ongoing financial penalty.
The Impact On Your Driving Record
Each traffic citation you receive, whether it’s for speeding, careless driving, or driving under the influence, results in points earned on your driving record. Once earned, a point can stay on your record for three years (and even longer in some states).
In Florida, if you’re caught speeding up to 15 miles per hour over the posted speed limit, you’ll earn three points. If you’re caught breaking the speed limit by more than 15 mph, you’ll earn four points. And if your speeding causes an accident, you’ll earn six points.
As you’ll see below, these points can severely hamper your freedom to drive. This is the reason you should always hire an experienced traffic lawyer to help you fight your speeding tickets.
The Impact On Your Driver’s License
A single speeding ticket received during the course of a year won’t affect your ability to drive. But when enough points accumulate on your driving record, your driver’s license can be put in jeopardy.
In Florida, your license can be suspended under the following circumstances:
- you receive 12 points with 12 months (a 30-day suspension)
- you receive 18 points within 18 months (a 90-day suspension)
- you receive 24 points within 36 months (a 1-year suspension)
If you receive a ticket for driving above the speed limit, don’t just accept the charges and pay the fines. You have the right to contest the charges, which may help you to retain your driving privilege.
The Impact On Your Insurance Rates
Auto insurers calculate premiums with the help of a complicated, proprietary risk model. Part of that model involves the status of your driving record. From the insurer’s point of view, the more points you have on your record, the greater the likelihood you’ll be involved in an accident.
If your driving record was previously spotless and you recently received a citation for speeding, don’t be too concerned. Your insurer is unlikely to automatically raise your rates. (You should still fight the ticket to keep your record clean.) However, if your record was already littered with points, higher insurance rates are almost guaranteed.
Don’t let a speeding ticket rob you of your right to drive. Let Skubiak & Rivas help you retain your driving privilege. Our lawyers have decades of combined experience successfully fighting charges related to speeding. Contact us at 407-894-4449 or fill out the form on this page for a free, private consultation.
