Florida Traffic Ticket Update: October 22, 2026

Careless vs. reckless driving tickets, extra points after a crash, and what traffic school really does

Driver’s Guide: What’s the Difference Between a Careless Driving and a Reckless Driving Ticket in Florida?

Careless driving is the ticket many Florida drivers get after a fender-bender in Miami-Dade, Broward or Palm Beach. Under Florida law it means failing to drive with reasonable care for traffic, road and other conditions. It is a noncriminal moving violation, handled like most traffic tickets, with a $60 base civil penalty plus county court costs (s. 316.1925; s. 318.18(3)(a)). A careless driving ticket normally carries 3 points. If the violation resulted in a crash, it carries 4 points (s. 322.27(3)(d)).

Reckless driving is much more serious. It means driving with willful or wanton disregard for the safety of people or property, and it is a criminal charge. A first conviction can bring up to 90 days in jail and a fine of $25 to $500. If someone is injured or property is damaged, it becomes a first-degree misdemeanor, and serious bodily injury makes it a felony (s. 316.192). Reckless driving also adds 4 points to your license (s. 322.27(3)(d)).

Points add up quickly. 12 points within 12 months can lead to a suspension of up to 30 days, and 18 points within 18 months can lead to a suspension of up to 3 months (s. 322.27(3)).

What this means for you: Read your ticket carefully. A careless driving citation is a civil traffic ticket with points, while reckless driving is a criminal case that needs a court appearance. Know which one you have before you pay anything.

Source: Florida Statutes — https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2026/316.1925, https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2026/316.192, https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2026/322.27

Common Questions

Does traffic school make my ticket go away?
No, it doesn’t dismiss the ticket. Eligible drivers who elect a basic driver improvement course get adjudication withheld and no points, and the civil penalty is reduced by 18%. You can elect it once in any 12-month period and no more than 8 times in your lifetime. Commercial driver license holders can’t use this option (s. 318.14(9)).
Source: Florida Statutes s. 318.14 — https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2026/318.14

Can I take traffic school if I was caught going 30+ mph over the limit?
No. Speeding 30 mph or more over the limit requires a mandatory court hearing, so you can’t just pay the ticket or elect traffic school (s. 318.19(5)).
Source: Florida Statutes s. 318.19 — https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2026/318.19

In Miami-Dade, how long do I have to turn in my traffic school certificate?
The Miami-Dade Clerk says it must receive your completion certificate within 120 days of your payment or court appearance. If the certificate is late, your license can be suspended, points are assessed and extra fees apply.
Source: Miami-Dade Clerk of Court — https://www.miamidadeclerk.gov/clerk/traffic-school.page

Do I have to call the police after a minor fender-bender?
You must report a crash immediately if anyone is hurt or killed, or if apparent property damage is at least $2,000. Failing to report is a nonmoving traffic infraction (s. 316.065).
Source: Florida Statutes s. 316.065 — https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2026/316.065

Got a ticket? Talk to us before you pay. Traffic Ticket Team handles traffic tickets in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties. Call (954) 967-9888 or visit trafficticketteam.com for a consultation.

Sources

This post is for general information only and is not legal advice. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

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