Receiving a Uniform Traffic Citation can be a stressful experience. It’s crucial to understand your options and take timely action to avoid further complications. In Florida, when you receive a uniform traffic citation, you generally have three choices: pay the fine, contest the citation, or attend a driver improvement course. You must make your decision within 30 days of receiving the uniform traffic citation. Failing to do so can lead to additional penalties and even the suspension of your driving privileges.
This guide will walk you through each option related to your uniform traffic citation so you can make an informed decision.
Option 1: Paying Your Uniform Traffic Citation Fine
Choosing to pay the fine associated with your uniform traffic citation is the simplest option. This involves paying the civil penalty amount listed directly on your uniform traffic citation to the Clerk of Court in the county where the violation occurred.
To find the Clerk of Court’s office, you can visit the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) locations page: https://www.flhsmv.gov/locations/. Simply click on the county where you received your uniform traffic citation to find their contact information.
For a more convenient option, you can often pay your traffic fine online through the website www.payflclerk.com. This service is available for all sixty-seven counties in Florida, saving you a trip to the courthouse.
Keep in mind that paying the fine for your uniform traffic citation is considered a conviction. This means points may be added to your driving record, depending on the violation.
For certain less severe violations, you might also need to provide proof of compliance to the Clerk of Court. This is in addition to payment and applies if your uniform traffic citation was for:
- Driving with a license expired for less than six months
- Operating a vehicle with registration expired for less than six months
- Failure to present a valid driver’s license
- Failure to present a valid vehicle registration
Important Note: In certain situations, paying the fine is not the only requirement. You must also complete a driver improvement course if you are convicted of any of the following violations after receiving a uniform traffic citation:
- Illegally passing a school bus
- Engaging in racing on highways
- Reckless driving
- Disregarding a red light
- Disregarding a traffic control device
Accumulating points on your driving record from a uniform traffic citation can have negative consequences. It may lead to increased insurance premiums or even driver’s license suspension. For a detailed breakdown of Florida’s point system, refer to the Points & Suspensions page on the FLHSMV website.
Option 2: Contesting Your Uniform Traffic Citation
If you believe you were wrongly issued a uniform traffic citation, you have the right to contest it. To do so, you must contact the Clerk of Court in the county where you received the uniform traffic citation. You can find their contact information through the FLHSMV locations page: https://www.flhsmv.gov/locations/. Click on the relevant county to access the Clerk’s details.
By contesting your uniform traffic citation, you are requesting a hearing. At this hearing, a County Judge, Magistrate, or Hearing Officer will review your case. If they determine that you did commit the offense, they can impose penalties, which may include fines and/or mandatory completion of a driver improvement course.
Option 3: Electing a Driver Improvement Course for Your Uniform Traffic Citation
Choosing to take a driver improvement course after receiving a uniform traffic citation offers several benefits. In Florida, you may be eligible for an 18% reduction in the fine amount, and importantly, points may be withheld from your driving record.
However, it’s crucial to act quickly. You must elect to take a driver improvement course within 30 days of the date you received your uniform traffic citation. After this 30-day period, this option is no longer available.
There are also limitations on how often you can elect this option. In Florida, you can only choose to take a driver improvement course for a uniform traffic citation a maximum of five times throughout your lifetime.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to elect a Basic Driver Improvement (BDI) Course after receiving a uniform traffic citation:
- Contact the Clerk of Court: Within 30 days of receiving your uniform traffic citation, contact the Clerk of the Court in the issuing county to inform them of your decision to take a Basic Driver Improvement Course.
- Pay the Reduced Citation Fine: By electing to attend a BDI course, your uniform traffic citation fine is reduced by 18%. You will still need to pay this reduced fine, along with any applicable court costs imposed by the Clerk of Court.
- Submit Your Completion Certificate: Once you complete the Basic Driver Improvement Course, you must submit the certificate of completion to the Clerk of Court where you made your initial election. Again, you can find the Clerk of Court’s location information on the FLHSMV website: https://www.flhsmv.gov/locations/.
To find a list of FLHSMV-approved Basic Driver Improvement course providers, visit the Basic Driver Improvement page on their website.
If you want to check the status of your driver license, you can use the FLHSMV’s online Driver License Check portal: Driver License Check page.
Understanding your options when you receive a uniform traffic citation is essential for responsible driving and maintaining a clean driving record in Florida. Remember to act promptly and choose the option that best suits your situation within the 30-day timeframe.
