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FAQ's
General Traffic FAQ's
  • Where can I pay my ticket?
  • How many points will be assessed against my driver license?
  • Can I still decide to attend court or traffic school after I have paid my ticket?
  • What should I do if the website or telephone voice response system says my ticket is not in the system?
  • How can I obtain confirmation of my payment?
  • What steps should I follow if I posted a cash bond on a traffic case and now expect a refund?
  • How can I change my trial location?
  • What action can I take if I have received notice of a ticket that I never received?
  • Will Miami-Dade County tickets affect my out of state driver license?
  • How do I change my address if I have a pending case and I now have a different address?
  • Where can I reinstate my driver license?
  • Where do I go to request a hardship driver license?
  • What should I do if my driver license is suspended due to something other than a Miami-Dade County traffic ticket?
  • How can I obtain information on parking violations?
  • How can I obtain a copy of my driving record?
  • Criminal Traffic Ticket FAQ's
  • What is a criminal traffic ticket?
  • What are my options if I received a criminal traffic ticket?
  • What if I cannot attend my hearing on a criminal traffic ticket?
  • What can I do if I did not attend my scheduled court hearing for a criminal traffic ticket?
  • What are the steps to expunge or seal a criminal traffic ticket from my record?
  • Civil Infraction Traffic Ticket FAQ's
  • What is a civil infraction traffic ticket?
  • How soon after issuance must I pay a civil infraction traffic ticket?
  • What are my options if I received a civil infraction traffic ticket?
  • What if I cannot attend my hearing on a civil infraction traffic ticket?
  • What if I was charged with a violation of driver license (expired less than four months), registration or PIP insurance?
  • I received a civil infraction traffic ticket for driver license (expired less than four months), tag, or insurance. Can I pay these tickets over the phone or on the web?
  • What if I was charged with a violation of Florida Statute 316.2935 or 316.610 “Improper or Unsafe Equipment”?
  • What should I do if I received a civil infraction traffic ticket for failing to pay a toll even though I have an active SunPass?
  • Can I plead “Not Guilty” if I cannot attend court in Miami-Dade County on a civil infraction traffic ticket?
  • What can I do if I did not attend my scheduled court hearing for a civil infraction traffic ticket?
  • Traffic School FAQ's
  • When should I attend a traffic school course?
  • What are the benefits of attending traffic school?
  • How long do I have to complete traffic school?
  • How do I know whether I should attend a 4 or 8-hour traffic course?
  • How do I register for the 4 or 8-hour traffic school and where can I find a list of schools?
  • What if I don’t remember whether I have elected traffic school before?
  • What if I received a notice stating I did not complete traffic school?
  • Can I attend traffic school outside Miami-Dade County?
  • What if the court (i.e., the judge or hearing officer) ordered that I attend school?
  • What do I do if I did not complete my traffic school course on time?
  • What is the Child Restraint Offender’s Program (C.R.O.P.) and can I attend this course for my traffic ticket?
  • Can I still avoid points on my driver license for a child restraint violation, if I no longer qualify for the Child Restraint Offender’s Program (C.R.O.P.)?

  • General Traffic FAQ's
    Where can I pay my ticket?
    By mail:  Clerk of Courts, Traffic Division, P.O. Box 02-5450, Miami, FL 33102-5450.

    By phone: (305) 275-1111 - Traffic Division 24 hour voice response system

    In person: Between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Deputy Clerks are available to assist you at the following locations:
    Caleb Center
    5400 N.W. 22nd Avenue
    Miami, FL  33142
    Coral Gables District Court
    3100 Ponce De Leon Boulevard
    Coral Gables, FL 33134
    Hialeah District Court
    11 East 6th Street
    Hialeah, FL 33010
    Miami Beach District Court
    1130 Washington Avenue, Suite 224
    Miami Beach, FL 33139
    North Dade Justice Center
    15555 Biscayne Boulevard, Suite 100
    Miami, FL 33160 
    Richard E. Gerstein Justice Building
    1351 N.W. 12th Street Room 124
    Miami, FL  33125
    South Dade Justice Center
    10710 S.W.  211th Street, Suite 1200 
    Miami, FL 33189
    Sweetwater Sub-Office
    500 S.W. 109th Avenue, 3rd Floor
    Miami, FL 33174

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    How many points will be assessed against my driver license?
    Upon payment of a civil infraction or an adjudication of guilt by the court on either an infraction or a criminal case, the following points will be assessed to your license:

    1. Non-Moving Violation - 0 points

    2. Moving Violation (non-speeding, no accident) - 3 points

    3. Moving Violation (non-speeding, resulting in an accident) - 4 points

    4.  Speeding less than 15 miles over the speed limit - 3 points

    5.  Speeding 15 miles or more over the speed limit - 4 points

    6.  Speeding resulting in an accident - 6 points

    7.  Passing a stopped school bus - 4 points

    8.  Reckless Driving - 4 points

    9.  Leaving the scene of an accident with damage - 6 points

    10.  HOV Lane Violation - 0 points

    The accumulation of points may cause a revocation of your driving privileges for a period of time. Please visit the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles web site for further details on points suspensions. www.hsmv.state.fl.us/ddl/faqsuspend.html#6
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    Can I still decide to attend court or traffic school after I have paid my ticket?
    Yes. You have 30 days from the date of payment to select another option. You may elect to attend school or request a court date. If you wish to attend court, you must submit your request in writing to the Clerk's Office or call (305) 275-1111. To change your election to a traffic school option, enclose a written statement requesting the change from a payment to traffic school and mail it to 1351 N.W. 12th Street, Room 124, Miami, FL 33125. Remember, the request must be received within 30 days from the date of your first payment and this does not apply to cases that were already ruled on in court.
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    What should I do if the website or telephone voice response systems says my ticket is not in the system?
    Although your case does not appear in the system, you are still responsible for satisfying the requirements within 30 days from the date the ticket was issued. If the web or telephone voice response system is unable to process your request, you must satisfy your citation by mail or in person at any one of the Clerk's Office locations in Miami-Dade County. See the Where can I pay my ticket? FAQ for location and hours of operation.
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    How can I obtain confirmation of my payment?
    You may call our Voice Response System at (305) 275-1111 or visit the following link www.miami-dadeclerk.com/spirit/publicsearch/citationsearch.asp to obtain payment verification. Please be aware that it may take up to 24 hours after your payment was made in order for it to post to your case.
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    What steps should I follow if I posted a cash bond on a traffic case and now expect a refund?
    If you are entitled to a refund, you may go to the Bond Unit located at 1351 NW 12 ST, 9th Floor, Miami, FL. You must bring the cash bond receipt in order to claim the refund.
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    How can I change my trial location?
    All trial calendars are set according to the issuing police officer's work schedule and area of patrol; therefore, requests for a change in the trial location cannot be granted.
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    What action can I take if I have received notice of a ticket that I never received?
    If you have reason to believe that you are not the person that has been cited for a citation you may do the following: If the ticket is a civil infraction you may set the case for trial within 30 days from issuance of the citation. You should also file an Affidavit of Identity form with the Clerk’s Office at the time you request the hearing. If it has been more than 30 days since the ticket was issued, you must submit a motion to set aside driver license suspension and an Affidavit of Identity form. If a case is a criminal traffic ticket you will be notified of a hearing date. At the hearing, you should inform the court that you are not the person cited for the citation. In either case, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a Deputy Clerk, in person, at any Clerk's Office location.
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    Will Miami-Dade County tickets affect my out of state driver license?
    Yes, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles reports tickets issued in Miami-Dade County to other states.
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    How do I change my address if I have a pending case and I now have a different address?
    If you have moved, please send the following: Name, Case Number, Driver License Number and your new address to Clerk Of Courts, Traffic Division, P.O. Box 02-5450, Miami, FL 33102-5450. Please include an explanation asking our office to change your address in our system.
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    Where can I reinstate my driver license?
    If your driver license was suspended due to failure to comply with a Miami-Dade County traffic citation, upon compliance, you may reinstate your driver license at any of the Miami-Dade County Clerk's Office or Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles locations. Please visit the Where can I pay my ticket? FAQ or Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles web site at www.hsmv.state.fl.us/offices/dade.html for locations and hours of operation. If you are suspended for any other reason, please see the What should I do if my driver license is suspended due to something other than a Miami-Dade County traffic ticket? FAQ.
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    Where do I go to request a hardship driver license?
    You can appear in person at the Florida Department of Highway Safety & Motor Vehicles office located at 2515 West Flagler Street, Miami. FL or call (305) 643-7569 for further information.
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    What should I do if my driver license is suspended due to something other than a Miami-Dade County traffic ticket?
    If your driver license is suspended for any of the following reasons:

  • Points Suspension
  • DUI revocation
  • Habitual Traffic Offender
  • PIP Insurance Cancellation
  • Judgment
  • Worthless Check
  • Child Support
  • Out of State suspension
  • Out of County suspension
  • Any other suspension/revocation that is not for failure to pay or appear for a traffic violation in Miami-Dade County.

    You must go to any Florida Department of Highway Safety & Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) office to obtain information on how to satisfy any other type of suspension/revocation other than for a traffic ticket. The Clerk’s Office only handles suspensions in regards to traffic tickets issued in Miami-Dade County. All other driver license issues are addressed by the state of Florida DHSMV. Please visit the DHSMV web site for further details on how to satisfy these other types of suspensions http://www.hsmv.state.fl.us/ddl/help.html
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  • How can I obtain information on parking violations?
    If you would like information regarding Miami-Dade County parking violations, you may call the Parking Information line at (305) 275-1133 or choose Parking Violations Bureau from the Clerk's Home Page.
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    How can I obtain a copy of my driving record?
    You may obtain a copy of your driving record by visiting any Miami-Dade County Clerk of Courts that accepts payments for tickets. The cost is $8.10 per page plus $1 for each additional page. The Richard E. Gerstein Building is the only location where you can obtain a copy immediately. If you visit any other location, it will take approximately two weeks for you to receive your driving record by mail. Please visit the Where can I pay my ticket? FAQ for addresses and hours of operation. You may also visit the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles web page at www.hsmv.state.fl.us/ddl/dlfaqans.html#2to order your record from their office.
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    Criminal Traffic FAQ's
    What is a criminal traffic ticket?
    A criminal traffic ticket is a case in which a person is suspected of committing a traffic violation which is punishable as a misdemeanor offense. Under the laws of the State of Florida, these violations can be punishable with a variety of penalties which may include, but are not limited to, incarceration. Most cases are closed with fines and costs assessed as well as some form of rehabilitation program. Most cases are not disposed of with incarceration but it is a possibility if a defendant is found guilty of this type of violation. (Examples are DUI, knowingly driving with a suspended license, reckless driving, etc.)
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    What are my options if I received a criminal traffic ticket?
    If you receive a criminal traffic ticket, you must wait for your hearing date to come to you by mail. You must appear in court. At that time, you may enter your plea to the violation. Failure to appear in court could result in a bench warrant being issued for your arrest. The Clerk of Courts can accept NO payment until your case has been disposed and the judge has ordered you to pay fines and/or costs. If your address has changed please see the How do I change my address if I have a pending case and I now have a different address? FAQ to see how to change your mailing address.
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    What if I cannot attend my hearing on a criminal traffic ticket?
    If you cannot attend your scheduled hearing on a criminal traffic ticket then you should contact the judge who is assigned to your case. The judge’s name should be listed on your notice to appear. Visit the web site for the Eleventh Judicial Circuit of Florida - www.jud11.flcourts.org and then select Judge’s Directory for the telephone numbers of specific judges. If your case is a civil infraction traffic ticket, see the What if I cannot attend my hearing for a civil infraction traffic ticket?FAQ.
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    What can I do if I did not attend my scheduled court hearing for a criminal traffic ticket?
    If the case is a criminal traffic violation, you must file a motion to set aside bench warrant and contact the Judge's Assistant to have the case set on the judge's calendar. Visit the web site for the Eleventh Judicial Circuit of Florida - www.jud11.flcourts.org and then select Judge’s Directory for the telephone numbers of specific judges.
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    What are the steps to expunge or seal a criminal traffic ticket from my record?
    Pursuant to Section 943.059, Florida Statutes, and Florida Rule of Criminal Procedure 3.692, you may expunge a criminal traffic citation. You are only eligible provided you have not secured a prior records expungement or sealing. If you were adjudicated guilty of a charge, you are NOT entitled to expunge or seal the record. This includes incidents outside of Miami-Dade County. A fee of $47.50 must be paid upon filing a motion to seal/expunge records. Please visit the Sealing and Expunging Criminal Records link at: www.miami-dadeclerk.com/dadecoc/Criminal_FAQs.asp#SealingandExpungingCriminalRecords
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    Civil Infraction Traffic Tickets FAQ's
    What is a civil infraction traffic ticket?
    Under the Florida statutes, a civil infraction traffic ticket is a case in which a person is suspected of committing a non-criminal traffic infraction. These violations are classified as either moving or non-moving. A moving violation normally assesses points against the driver license while non-moving violations do not. These violations are not punishable by incarceration and there is no right to trial by jury or to court appointed counsel. Examples of Moving Violations are careless driving; fail to yield at a stop sign, etc. Examples of Non-Moving Violations are no seat belt, improper parking, etc.
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    How soon after issuance must I pay a civil infraction traffic ticket?
    Upon receipt of a traffic ticket issued to you for a civil infraction, you have 30 days from the date of issuance to satisfy your obligation. Failure to satisfy your citation(s) by selecting one of the options within 30 days of the issue date will result in the suspension of your driver license and will require the payment of late fees.
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    What are my options if I received a civil infraction traffic ticket?
    If you are charged with a civil infraction traffic ticket you may:

    A) PAY THE CIVIL PENALTY. Points will be assessed against your license when applicable. You may pay in person, by mail, or by phone. Payment can be in the form of cash, check, money order or by Visa or MasterCard.

    If you are paying by mail, send your payment to P.O. Box 02-5450, Miami, FL. 33102-5450. Be sure to include the yellow citation along with the driver license number and defendant’s name to ensure proper payment application. DO NOT SEND CASH IN THE MAIL. If you are paying by using your Visa or MasterCard, you must indicate which credit card you are using, enter the credit card number, the expiration date, print your name as it appears on the credit card and sign your name.

    Please be aware, should the clerk receive your payment more than 30 days from the issue date you may be subject to a driver license suspension by the State of Florida.

    Civil Penalty Fee Schedule:

    Violation

    Paid within 30 days

    Paid after 30 days

    Bicycle Violations

    $43.50

    $61.50

    Child Restraint Violations

    $115.50

    $133.50

    Failure to Stop for a School Bus

    $155.50

    $173.50

    Illegal Parking in Disabled Space

    $141.50

    $159.50

    Moving Violations (non-speeding)

    $115.50

    $133.50

    Non-Moving Violations

    $71.50

    $89.50

    Pedestrian Violations

    $43.50

    $61.50

    Seat Belt Violations

    $71.50

    $89.50

    Toll Facility Violations

    $85.50

    $103.50

    Loads on Vehicles

    $141.50

    $159.50

    Failure to move over/slow down for emergency vehicle

    $85.50

    $103.50

    Illegal railroad crossing

    $155.50

    $173.50

    All terrain vehicle violations

    $66.50

    $84.50

    Speeding Violations-Speeding in Posted Zone 

    M.P.H. 

    Over the Limit

    Paid within 30 days

    Paid after 30 days

    *1-5 M.P.H.

    Warning

    Warning

    6-9 M.P.H.

    $80.50

    $98.50

    10-14 M.P.H.

    $155.50

    $173.50

    15-19 M.P.H.

    $180.50

    $198.50

    20-29 M.P.H.

    $205.50

    $223.50

    30 M.P.H. & Over

    $305.50

    $323.50

    Speeding Violations-Speeding in School/Construction Zone

    M.P.H. 

    Over the Limit

    Paid within 30 days

    Paid after 30 days

    *1-5 M.P.H.

    $105.50

    $123.50

    6-9 M.P.H.

    $105.50

    $123.50

    10-14 M.P.H.

    $255.50

    $273.50

    15-19 M.P.H.

    $305.50

    $323.50

    20-29 M.P.H.

    $355.50

    $373.50

    30 M.P.H. & Over

    $555.50

    $573.50

     

    B) ATTEND A DEFENSIVE DRIVING COURSE. Points will not be assessed against your license. This option does not apply to tag, registration, driver license or P.I.P. insurance violations. You are eligible to elect a 4-hour course once every 12 months, for a maximum of 5 times in a lifetime. If you are not eligible for the 4-hour course, you may request an 8-hour course only once in your lifetime. If you elect to attend traffic school and do not comply within 120 days of election, you will be subject to a license suspension, point assessment and additional fees.

    Please be aware, should the clerk receive your payment more than 30 days from the issue date you may be subject to a driver license suspension by the State of Florida.

    Traffic School Fee Schedule:

    Violation

    Paid within 30 days

    Paid after 30 days

    Child Restraint Violation (**See Note)

    $110.70

    $128.70

    Child Restraint Violation (Reduced Fine)

    $61.50

    $79.50

    Failure to Stop for a School Bus

    $161.50

    $179.50

    Moving Violation (except speeding)

    $110.70

    $128.70

    Speeding Violations-Speeding in Posted Zone 

    M.P.H. 

    Over the Limit

    Paid within 30 days

    Paid after 30 days

    *1-5 M.P.H.

    Warning

    Warning

    6-9 M.P.H.

    $82.00

    $100.00

    10-14 M.P.H.

    $143.50

    $161.50

    15-19 M.P.H.

    $164.00

    $182.00

    20-29 M.P.H.

    $184.50

    $202.50

    30 M.P.H. & Over

    $266.50

    $284.50

    Speeding Violations-Speeding in School/Construction Zone

    M.P.H. 

    Over the Limit

    Paid within 30 days

    Paid after 30 days

    *1-5 M.P.H.

    $102.50

    $120.50

    6-9 M.P.H.

    $102.50

    $120.50

    10-14 M.P.H.

    $225.50

    $243.50

    15-19 M.P.H.

    $266.50

    $284.50

    20-29 M.P.H.

    $307.50

    $325.50

    30 M.P.H. & Over

    $471.50

    $489.50

     *1-5 M.P.H./Payment required only on speeding in a School Zone. 

    **Note:  You may receive a reduced fine and a withhold of adjudication by attending the Child Restraint Offender's Program (C.R.O.P).

    C) REQUEST A COURT HEARING. You may plead not guilty and request a court hearing. There are 3 categories for requesting court. Please refer to the scenario that applies to your case:

    1. Your ticket was issued within the last 30 days: You may submit a request for trial either in person, by mail or by phone within 30 days of the date of issuance of the ticket. You will receive notice of your hearing date, time and location within six to eight weeks at the address listed on the citation.

    2. Your ticket was issued between 31 and 90 days ago: You may pay an $18.00 fee to have your case set for court. This fee can be paid either in person, by mail or by phone. You will receive notice of your hearing date, time and location within six to eight weeks at the address listed on the citation. If your driver license is, or is about to be suspended and you have paid the fee, you will need a D-6 clearance form. You will need to present this D-6 clearance form at the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles office or the Clerk’s Office in order to update the status of your driver license. Please inform the clerk, at the time of payment, that you need a D-6 clearance form.

    3. Your ticket was issued more than 90 days ago: In order to have your case set for court, you must submit a motion to the administrative traffic judge. The motion should state why you failed to comply with your ticket on time and that you are requesting to have your case set for court. If your driver license is, or is about to be suspended, be aware that the filing of this motion will have no affect on your driver license suspension until such time that the judge grants your motion. You should receive a response from the judge by mail and it may take up to 3 weeks to receive this response. If the judge grants your motion, you will need to pay a fee of $18.00 at the Clerk’s Office and you may also be required to present a D-6 clearance form at the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles office in order to update the status of your driver license. Please request a D-6 clearance form from the Deputy Clerk at time of payment. Should the judge deny your motion, you should either contact an attorney or select option A or B above.

    At a court hearing, if it is determined that a violation has been committed, the court may impose a civil penalty not to exceed $500.00 or require attendance at a traffic school, or both. On violations involving death or speeding in a school/construction zone, the fine shall not exceed $1,000.00. Failure to appear, failure to complete court ordered traffic school or failure to pay court costs will result in your driver license being suspended until all requirements are met.

    If you have a pending case with the court and you change your mailing address, please refer to the How do I change my address if I have a pending case and I now have a different address? FAQ for details on how to change your mailing address.
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    What if I cannot attend my hearing for a civil infraction traffic ticket?
    If the case is a civil infraction you may elect to pay the civil penalty or to attend traffic school. You may also file a motion for continuance in person or by mail at least five working days prior to your scheduled court hearing. This motion is ONLY a request and is subject to denial by the judge/hearing officer. If your case is a criminal traffic ticket, see the What if I cannot attend my hearing on a criminal traffic ticket?FAQ.
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    What if I was charged with a violation of driver license (expired less than four months), registration, or PIP insurance?
    These violations will be DISMISSED if you submit proof that before the citation was issued you had valid documentation. A $7.50 dismissal fee is required.

    If renewal was obtained after the issuance of the citation, submit proof of the renewed document along with a civil penalty in the amount of $71.50. This payment option is available on Tag, Registration, PIP Insurance violations and on Driver License violations, if license was expired for 4 months or less. Under certain statutes involving Tag or Driver License violations, you may be eligible to pay a fine without renewing the document. There is a civil penalty of $122.50 for this option and a guilty disposition will reflect on your driving record. If you have not renewed your P.I.P. Insurance at the time you attempt to pay the ticket, you will be required to post a $157.50 cash bond and the case will be set for a court hearing. Bonds must be posted in person at the Richard E. Gerstein Justice Building ONLY.
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    I received a civil infraction traffic ticket for driver license (expired less than four months), tag or insurance. Can I pay these tickets over the phone or on the web?
    No. These violations require that you show proof that you are now in compliance with the law. You must either visit the nearest Clerk’s Office or mail in your proof of compliance (i.e., copy of driver license, registration or insurance). The fees for these violations differ depending on when you came into compliance. Be aware, these cases DO require payment. The Clerk does NOT have the authority to close these cases without payment. You are still required to pay a fee even if the Clerk is able to dismiss your case. Please visit the What if I was charged with a violation of driver license (expired less than four months), registration or PIP insurance? FAQ for further information.
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    What if I was charged with a violation of Florida Statute 316.2935 or 316.610 "Improper or Unsafe Equipment"?
    You may receive a reduced penalty on these violations if you repair the defect within 30 days of the issue date. Send written proof within 30 days that the defect has been corrected. A $49.00 civil penalty is required.
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    What should I do if I received a civil infraction traffic ticket for failing to pay a toll even though I have an active SunPass?
    You should contact SunPass at 1-888-865-5352 for assistance. An operator from SunPass will assist you.
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    Can I plead "Not Guilty" if I cannot attend court in Miami-Dade County on a civil infraction traffic ticket?
    Yes, you may submit a plea of not guilty in absentia by posting a bond by mail (cashier's check or money order only) in the amount of the civil penalty plus a $7.50 clerk’s fee along with a notarized affidavit of defense sent to: Clerk of Courts, P.O. Box 02-5450, Miami, Florida 33102-5450. The affidavit can only be submitted for civil infraction violations and will act as your testimony in court. Upon completion of the case, the court will notify you of the outcome. If fines and/or court costs were assessed, they will be deducted from the bond. If the case is dismissed or you are found not guilty, your bond amount will automatically be refunded.
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    What can I do if I did not attend my scheduled court hearing for a civil infraction traffic ticket?
    If the case is a civil infraction you may elect to pay the civil penalty or to attend traffic school. You must include an $18.00 late charge to the initial penalty amount. You may also file a motion by mail or in person to set aside driver license suspension and request to have the case reset for court. Your driver license will remain suspended until the judge grants your motion. Be aware, some motions are not granted and may be denied by the judge.
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    Traffic School FAQ's
    When should I attend a traffic school course?
    You should only consider attending a traffic school course if your violation carries points against your driver license. Most moving (includes speeding) violations carry points against the driver license. Non-moving violations and HOV lane violations do not carry points. The accumulation of too many points could cause the suspension of your driving privileges. Please visit the Florida DHSMV site for further information on points suspensions. www.hsmv.state.fl.us/ddl/faqsuspend.html#6
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    What are the benefits of attending traffic school?
    The benefits of attending traffic school are:

  • Adjudication of guilt is withheld. This means no record of conviction.
  • No points are imposed against your driving record.
  • You may keep your insurance rates from increasing.
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  • How long do I have to complete traffic school?
    You have 120 days from the date you paid your citation, or the date you attended court, to complete your traffic school (4 or 8 hours only – the Child Restraint Offender Program is only 60 days). If you fail to complete the course within the allotted time then you may be subject to a license suspension, points to be assessed against your driver license and additional monetary penalties.
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    How do I know whether I should attend a 4 or 8-hour traffic course?
    There are 2 types of courses that can be elected on a civil infraction traffic ticket, either the 4 or 8-hour course.

  • You are eligible for the 4-hour course if you have not elected a 4-hour traffic course within the last 12 months or 5 times in your lifetime – OR – if you have NEVER before elected a 4-hour traffic school course.
  • If you do not qualify for a 4-hour course, you may be eligible to attend an 8-hour course. The 8-hour course is only available to you once in your lifetime and you should only register for the 8-hour if you do not qualify for the 4-hour course. Be aware, once you elect the 8-hour course it becomes mandatory and YOU ARE REQUIRED TO COMPLETE THIS 8-HOUR COURSE.
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  • How do I register for the 4 or 8-hour traffic school and where can I find a list of schools?
    You can register for traffic school by contacting any of the traffic schools listed in your local telephone directory or search the internet for a driver improvement school. Please be sure to ask the traffic school whether they are certified to offer driver improvement courses and whether their course complies with the requirements of the state of Florida.
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    What if I don’t remember whether I have elected traffic school before?
    If you do not remember the last time you elected traffic school, you can check with the traffic school that you last attended or order a copy of your driving record. Please visit How can I obtain a copy of my driving record? FAQ to see how to obtain this record. Your driving record will not provide you the date you last attended school but may provide you with a list of the tickets in which you received a withhold of adjudication.
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    What if I received a notice stating I did not complete traffic school?
    If you received a notice stating that you failed to complete traffic school, you either did not complete the traffic school timely or the Clerk of Courts has not received your certificate of completion. In either case, please contact the Clerk of the Courts in person or by phone for further information on how to satisfy your ticket. Please visit the Where can I pay my ticket? FAQ for the addresses and/or phone number to contact.
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    Can I attend Traffic School outside Miami-Dade County?
    Yes, you may attend traffic school in any county within the state of Florida. You may also attend traffic school on-line via the World Wide Web. The Miami-Dade County Clerk of Courts must receive a certificate of completion within 120 days of the date of payment or court appearance. Schools outside Miami-Dade County or on the web will not mail the certificate to: the Clerk’s Office. You should mail this certificate to Clerk of Courts, P.O. Box 02-5450, Miami, FL 33102-5450.
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    What if the court (i.e., the judge or hearing officer) ordered that I attend school?
    If you attended court and were told to attend traffic school, you must complete the course to avoid the suspension of your driver license. Once your license is suspended for failing to comply with this court order, you must complete the course prior to having your driver license reinstated. This order does not count as an election of traffic school. Therefore, you may elect to attend a traffic school course within the same year if you receive another moving violation.
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    What do I do if I did not complete my traffic school course on time?
  • If the court ordered you to attend traffic school and you have failed to complete the required course, your driver license will be suspended. To remove the suspension, you must present the Clerk with written proof of program completion, and pay the appropriate delinquent fees. This also applies to a voluntary 8-hour school.
  • If you elected to attend 4-hour traffic school (not court ordered), and you failed to complete, the withhold of adjudication will be changed to guilty and your license will be suspended. In order to remove the suspension, you must pay the difference between the traffic school civil penalty and the original fine as well as the applicable delinquent fees. The case will retain an adjudication of guilty and points will be assessed on your driving record.
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  • What is the Child Restraint Offender’s Program (C.R.O.P.) and can I attend this course for my ticket?
    The C.R.O.P. is a 90-minute program specifically designed for drivers who have been charged with a child restraint violation. C.R.O.P. can only be elected once in a lifetime. If you elect to attend this course, the civil penalty for your case will be reduced. If you were NOT charged with a child restraint violation, you should NOT attempt to attend this course. Participants must bring their child restraint seat to class and points will not be assessed if the course is elected. The program is held at Miami Children's Hospital, 3100 S.W. 62 Avenue, Miami, FL 33155. To register for the course, call the hospital at (305) 663-6865 and the recorded message will provide you with all the additional information to register. You will have 60 days, from either the date the ticket was paid or from the date you attended court, to complete the course. If you fail to complete this course within 60 days, additional penalties will be assessed, your license will be suspended and you will still be required to complete the course.
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    Can I still avoid points on my driver license for a child restraint violation, if I no longer qualify for the Child Restraint Offender’s Program (C.R.O.P.)?
    You can still avoid points on your driver license for a child restraint violation if you do not qualify for the C.R.O.P. You can elect either the 4 or 8-hour traffic school courses. The qualifications for those courses still apply. To learn more about qualifying for the 4 or 8-hour courses please visit the How do I know whether I should attend a 4 or 8-hour traffic course? FAQ.
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