The state of Florida issues millions of tickets per year. In fact, back in 2003 over 4,o00,000 tickets were issued throughout the state of Florida. Most of these tickets were written for speeding, careless driving, car accidents, improper lane change, running red lights, and other moving violations.
Satisfying a Tampa Traffic Citation
If you receive a ticket you are required to address it within 30 calendar days. How you can handle the citation will depend on your driving record. If your drivers license is in good standing you generally have three options:
1) Attend traffic school
2) Pay the penalty
3) Request a court appearance
Going to Tampa Traffic School
If you get a traffic citation and have the option of attending driving school then your insurance premiums can not go up and it also can not be canceled because of the infraction. If you complete a school approved by the state of Florida and submit your proof of completion to the Hillsborough Clerk of Court by the specified deadline then adjudication is withheld. This means that you are not considered guilty and you received no points.
State of Florida Policy for Electing Traffic School
Florida Statute 626.9541(1)(o) 12 States: “No insurer shall impose or request an additional premium, cancel a policy, or issue a non renewal notice on any insurance policy or contract because of any traffic infraction when adjudication of guilt is withheld and no points have been accessed pursuant to s.318.14(9) and (10). However, this subparagraph does not apply to traffic infractions involving accidents in which the insurer has incurred a loss due to the fault of the insured.”
Pay the Penalty
If you decide not to attend driving school and just pay the penalty then points will applied against your drivers license when applicable and your Tampa car insurance may go up or even could possibly be canceled.
Go to Tampa Traffic Fines to view the cost of various traffic infractions in the county of Hillsborough.
If you pay the full fine points will be applied against your drivers license when applicable and your auto insurance rates may go up or your policy may be cancelled.
Request a Court Appearance
Instead of paying the fine or attending driving school you can request a court appearance for the violation. In Court you could determined innocent or if the court determines that you committed the infraction then the Court may adjudicate you guilt, assess points against your drivers license, impose a civil penalty not to exceed $500 ($1,000 for infractions involving a death or speeding in school/construction zones). Court can also require you to attend a state approved traffic school or all of the above. To add insult to injury your insurance company can raise your rates or even cancel your policy.
