Florida Traffic Ticket Update: October 26, 2026

New school-zone speed cameras, wearing headphones while driving, and when you get a camera warning first

Part 1: What’s New

More School-Zone Speed Cameras Go Live in Florida

The Alachua County Sheriff’s Office switched on four new school-zone speed cameras on October 26 near three Gainesville-area schools. Drivers get warning notices through November 24. After that, the sheriff’s office says a $100 fine will be mailed for driving 11 mph or more over the limit in an active school zone. School-zone camera programs keep spreading across Florida, including in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties. Florida law sets the $100 camera penalty in s. 318.18(3)(d).

What this means for you: A camera ticket is mailed to the registered owner, so watch your mail. Under s. 322.27, camera violations don’t add points to your license, but ignoring the notice can lead to bigger problems.

Source: Alachua Chronicle — https://alachuachronicle.com/alachua-county-adds-four-new-school-zone-speed-enforcement-cameras/
Source: Florida Statutes s. 318.18 — http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0300-0399/0318/Sections/0318.18.html

Part 2: Driver’s Guide

Is It Illegal to Drive With Headphones or AirPods in Florida?

Yes, in most cases. Florida Statute s. 316.304 says you may not drive any vehicle while wearing a headset, headphones or another listening device. That includes earbuds in both ears. Hearing aids and other devices that correct hearing loss are allowed.

The law has a few narrow exceptions. You may use a headset with a cell phone if it plays sound in only one ear and leaves the other ear free. Motorcyclists may use helmet speakers that don’t touch the ears. Police officers and emergency vehicle operators are exempt while on duty.

A headphone ticket is a nonmoving traffic infraction. Florida law sets a $30 base penalty for nonmoving violations under s. 318.18(2), and court costs and fees in Miami-Dade, Broward or Palm Beach will add to that. It’s a small ticket, but it can be one more reason for a traffic stop.

What this means for you: Keep at least one ear open. Better yet, play music and calls through your car’s speakers.

Source: Florida Statutes s. 316.304 — https://m.flsenate.gov/Statutes/316.304
Source: Florida Statutes s. 318.18 — http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0300-0399/0318/Sections/0318.18.html

Part 3: Common Questions

Can I wear one earbud for phone calls while driving in Florida?

Generally yes. Section 316.304(2)(d) allows a headset used with a cell phone if it delivers sound to only one ear. Remember that Florida’s separate wireless-device laws still apply, especially the hands-free rules in school and work zones.

Source: https://m.flsenate.gov/Statutes/316.304

Does a headphone ticket put points on my Florida license?

A headset violation is a nonmoving infraction under s. 316.304(4). Florida’s point schedule in s. 322.27(3)(d) doesn’t list it, so it shouldn’t add points. The base penalty is $30 under s. 318.18(2).

Source: http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0300-0399/0322/Sections/0322.27.html

Do new school-zone speed cameras have to give a warning first?

Only in some cases. Under s. 316.0776(3)(b), a county or city starting its first-ever school-zone camera program must run a public-awareness campaign of at least 30 days and issue only warnings during that time. A new camera added to an existing program doesn’t have to come with a warning period, although some agencies give one anyway.

Source: http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0300-0399/0316/Sections/0316.0776.html

Can I wear headphones while riding a motorcycle in Florida?

Only helmet-mounted speakers that don’t touch your ears and let you hear surrounding sound are allowed under s. 316.304(2)(c). Regular earbuds or headphones under the helmet aren’t covered by that exception.

Source: https://m.flsenate.gov/Statutes/316.304

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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