When it comes to traffic violations versus criminal charges, the truth is that it can depend on what offense the driver has committed. For example, going 10 m.p.h. over the speed limit may just be a traffic citation, resulting in a few points on a person’s license. However, driving 30 m.p.h. over the speed limit may be charged as reckless driving, which can be a criminal charge. While traffic citations might not mean any time spent in jail, criminal charges may come with a trip to the local jail. One thing is certain; traffic violation and criminal charges both can affect a person’s insurance rate.
Value Penguin reports that drivers in Miami-Dade are more likely to get away with criminal traffic violations than in any other county.
Most drivers know that a traffic citation or violation doesn’t always end in fines or points or jail time. Violations that are both criminal and non-criminal can be dismissed or have the adjudication withheld.
According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, the chances of drivers paying a penalty in Florida can depend upon where they live.
An analysis took a look at the three most common criminal traffic violations: DUI, hit-and-run, and driving on a suspended or revoked license. The analysis also looked at three of the most common non-criminal traffic violations: speeding, running a red light, and lacking proof of insurance.
Drivers in Miami-Dade came out to be penalized at a much lower rate than other areas for the most common criminal traffic violations. They also tended to be pretty forgiving when it came to non-criminal violations.
Okaloosa, Manatee, and Polk Counties are all counties where the penalization rate is high for criminal traffic citations.
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