You got your first speeding ticket – now what?

When was the first speeding ticket ever written?

You’re not alone in getting ticketed for speeding. The first speeding ticket ever written was handed to a man named Walter Arnold on January 28, 1896. He was traveling at 8 mph when the speed limit was 2 mph (shame) and was given the first speeding ticket ever written… which resulted in him being fined 5 shillings. Seems pretty tame compared to nowadays, right?

It’s kind of funny to think about now, but even back then, speed limits existed for a reason – safety. Fast forward to today, and while cars are much more advanced, the importance of following speed limits is even greater because of traffic volume, road conditions, and pedestrian safety.

What should you do when you get your first speeding ticket?

The first thing to remember when you get your first speeding ticket is that it’s not just going to go away – you have to face the music and deal with it. Ignoring it can lead to much bigger issues down the road, including additional fines, a suspended license, or even a warrant in extreme cases. If you don’t take care of it, you can face points on your driver’s license, which can eventually lead to suspension of your license privileges in the state of Florida. Points on your license can also jack up your car insurance rates, which is something no one wants.

Here’s how the points system works in Florida:

• 12 points within 12 months can lead to a 30-day suspension
• 18 points within 18 months can lead to a three-month suspension
• 24 points within 36 months can lead to a one-year suspension

A speeding ticket will automatically tack 3 points on your license. Keep in mind, however, that the points can be more if you’re speeding excessively or have any other citations given to you by the officer who pulled you over.

Another thing to consider is how those points can affect you long-term. Insurance companies regularly check your driving record, and even one ticket can increase your premium. That’s why it’s important to weigh your options carefully before deciding how to handle your first speeding ticket.

What to Do If You Get Pulled Over

If you do get pulled over, stay calm and respectful. Pull over safely, keep your hands visible, and follow the officer’s instructions. Being polite won’t necessarily get you out of a ticket, but it can make the situation smoother and less stressful for everyone involved.

How do you handle a speeding ticket in Florida?

Option #1: Pay the fine and move on.

One option is to pay the ticket and move on with your life (and hopefully drive slower). You can pay your ticket online in Orlando – follow the instructions on the citation and make sure you pay it before the due date to avoid further problems or fines. This is usually the quickest and easiest route, especially if you don’t want to deal with court or additional steps. However, don’t forget that the points from the citation will still be added to your license and can lead to a suspension if you’re not careful. This leads us to option #2.

Option #2: Pay the fine and attend traffic school.

If this is your first speeding ticket, you may not know about the option of traffic school. Traffic school is a Certified Basic Driver Improvement course that’s regulated by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. It’s a four-hour course that walks you through the basics of safe, responsible driving. You do have to pay for the course, but you can take it completely online for convenience and it will allow you to avoid incurring points on your driver’s license. (Plus, it can help you avoid future tickets by refreshing your memory when it comes to safe driving and the rules of the road in Orlando.)

This option is especially helpful for first-time offenders because it gives you a second chance without the long-term consequences on your driving record. However, there is a caveat – you have to take the course within 60 days of receiving your ticket. Further, you can only take the course once every 12 months, and five times within your lifetime. So while it’s a great option, it’s not something you can rely on forever.

Option #3: Hire a lawyer and fight the ticket.

You can always fight the ticket, too. If you feel that it was undeservedly given to you, you can show up yourself to court OR hire a Florida traffic ticket attorney to represent you in court and defend your case. An Orlando traffic ticket attorney can help reduce your fines and the number of points on your license, or even get the ticket dismissed entirely.

This route may make sense if there are unique circumstances, like unclear signage or errors on the ticket. The only thing to remember is that you do have to pay the fee for the attorney, so weigh your costs. It might be cheaper to pay the fine and do traffic school unless you truly feel that the ticket was not deserved.

Tips for avoiding speeding tickets

Whether you’ve gotten your first speeding ticket and are trying to avoid future citations or are trying to avoid being ticketed at all, Toyota of Orlando has tips.

• Know the rules of the road – pay attention to the speed limit and follow it. Speed limits can change quickly, especially in construction zones or school zones, so keep an eye out for posted signs.
• Stay off your phone and avoid distracted driving so you can focus on safely navigating your Orlando Toyota. Even a quick glance at your phone can cause you to unintentionally speed.
• Come to a full stop at stop signs and red lights. Rolling stops can sometimes lead to tickets just like speeding can.
• Use cruise control on highways when it’s safe enough to do so – this will help regulate your speed (and save you gas, too!). It’s a simple tool that can make a big difference on long drives.
• Use your best defensive driving skills and pay close attention to your surroundings. Being aware of traffic flow can help you avoid speeding without even thinking about it.

Another helpful tip? Give yourself extra time when heading to your destination. Rushing is one of the biggest reasons drivers end up speeding. Leaving just a few minutes earlier can help you stay calm and within the speed limit.

Find a safe new Toyota at Toyota of Orlando

Now that you know how to avoid and handle speeding tickets, it’s time to find a safe new Toyota to help you get the peace of mind you deserve on the road. Many newer Toyota models come equipped with advanced safety features like adaptive cruise control and speed management systems that can actually help you maintain safe driving habits.

We’re open seven days a week until 10 pm at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 across from the Mall at Millenia. Call us to learn more about our new cars at (407) 298-4500!