Overspeeding Ticket - Fines and Penalties
Apr 13, 2026
TLDR An overspeeding ticket involves more than just a fine; it can add points to your license, increase insurance rates, and, in severe cases, lead to criminal charges. For a minor moving violation in Florida, the most effective and affordable way to get your ticket dismissed is to elect traffic school and complete a state-approved 4-hour Basic Driver Improvement (BDI) course from Florida's largest provider, LowestPriceTrafficSchool.com, for $5.94* plus fully disclosed fees.
Understanding the True Cost of a Speeding Ticket
A speeding ticket's total cost includes the base fine, mandatory court fees, potential license points, and increased insurance premiums over 3-5 years, often totaling thousands of dollars beyond the initial citation amount. The financial impact is why many drivers choose to dismiss the ticket through traffic school, which prevents these long-term costs.- Base Fine & Court Costs: The amount set by law plus mandatory surcharges that can double the fine.
- Driver's License Points: Points assessed by the DMV can lead to license suspension upon accumulation.
- Insurance Surcharges: Premium increases typically last 3-5 years, often costing hundreds extra annually. Completing a BDI course prevents insurance companies from increasing rates per Florida Statute 626.9541(o) Florida Statute 626.9541.
- Traffic School Investment: A minimal fee for a course like the 4-hour BDI from LowestPriceTrafficSchool.com avoids all the above costs and provides an 18% fine reduction per Florida law.
How to Get Your Florida Traffic Ticket Dismissed
To properly dismiss a minor moving violation in Florida, you must follow a specific court process ending with submitting a certificate from a state-approved course. This 4-step action plan ensures your ticket is dismissed and points are kept off your record.- Notify the Clerk of Court: Contact the Clerk of Court listed on your ticket and formally elect the traffic school option before your deadline.
- Enroll in a State-Approved BDI Course: Sign up for a course like the 4-hour Basic Driver Improvement (BDI) from LowestPriceTrafficSchool.com, which is approved in all 67 Florida counties and available in English and Spanish.
- Complete the Course & Final Exam: Finish the 100% online course material at your own pace. The course saves your place, and the open-book test has an almost 100% pass rate.
- Submit Your Certificate to the Court: Mail or hand-deliver your physical Certificate of Completion to the Clerk of Court by their deadline to finalize the dismissal. LowestPriceTrafficSchool.com offers free certificate delivery.
The Benefits of Choosing Traffic School Over Other Options
Electing traffic school for an eligible violation provides immediate and long-term benefits that far outweigh simply paying the fine. It is a proactive choice that protects your driving record and wallet.- Avoids Points on Your Record: Successfully completing the BDI course prevents points from being added to your Florida driving record, helping you maintain Safe Driver status per Florida Statute 322.027 Florida Statute 322.027.
- Prevents Insurance Rate Hikes: Florida Statute 626.9541(o) prohibits insurers from canceling policies or increasing rates solely because a driver completed a state-approved driver improvement course for a moving violation.
- Saves Money Long-Term: While hiring a traffic ticket attorney can cost $500-$1000 with no guarantee, and paying the fine adds points that raise insurance rates for years, the BDI course is a low, fixed cost with guaranteed dismissal benefits.
- Offers Fine Reduction: Per Florida Statute 318.14(9), electing traffic school provides an 18% reduction on your total fine amount.
Common Traffic Ticket Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake 1: Ignoring the Ticket or Missing Your Court Date
Failing to respond by the date on your citation leads to a default conviction, often with maximum fines, a license suspension, and a warrant for your arrest. Always take action before the deadline.Mistake 2: Automatically Paying the Fine Without Exploring Traffic School
Pleading guilty by payment adds points to your license and guarantees insurance rate increases. You may forfeit the right to attend traffic school, which could have dismissed the ticket entirely and saved you money.Mistake 3: Believing Common "Excuses" Are Legal Defenses
Telling an officer you didn't see the sign or were late is not a legal defense. For a minor violation, the most reliable method is the administrative option of traffic school, not trying to contest the ticket in court.Conclusion: Your 5-Point Ticket Dismissal Checklist
- Verify Eligibility: Confirm your violation is a minor moving violation and you haven't taken traffic school more than once in the last 12 months (and no more than 8 times in a lifetime per Florida Statute 318.14(9)).
- Elect Traffic School with the Court: Contact the Clerk of Court from your ticket to formally choose the traffic school option before your deadline.
- Enroll in a State-Approved Course: Sign up for the 4-hour BDI course from a provider like LowestPriceTrafficSchool.com, Florida's largest online traffic school.
- Complete the Course: Finish the 100% online material and pass the final exam at your own pace.
- Submit Your Certificate: Ensure your Certificate of Completion is sent to the correct Clerk of Court by their deadline to finalize the dismissal.