Learning how speed traps work and the different ways you can address a speeding ticket is a valuable defense. Also, contacting a traffic lawyer if you are facing significant charges is in your best interest.
If you are caught in a speed trap in Florida and receive a speeding ticket, a Miami traffic defense attorney could help you mitigate the damage to your driving record.
How a Speed Trap in Florida Works
Florida police often set up speed traps in school zones, where posted speed limits are typically half the normal limits or even less. These changes in the posted limits are sometimes time sensitive, and drivers who are not familiar with the area may be caught unaware by the sudden change.
You should always proceed with caution when you are in an area around a school, not only because of the likelihood of a speed trap, but also because children walk around the area.
The Florida Highway Patrol has also been known to set up speed traps in places that are statistically indicative of high speed limits.
These speed traps can last a single day, or as long as a week. If you have been issued a speeding ticket, speak with an attorney who can help defend your rights and who may be able to challenge the validity of the speed trap that was used to issue your ticket.
There is an argument that a speed trap is a form of entrapment, and the typical response from the state is that speed traps are intended to deter drivers from speeding or otherwise driving recklessly. When you see another car being pulled over, like the rest of us, you instinctively slow down, or at the very least check your cruising speed.
However, there are some circumstances in which the setup of a speed trap in Florida crosses certain legal boundaries. Speak with an attorney about the specific details of your case to find out more about whether or not the speed trap that caught you was fully within legal bounds.
Options to Address a Speeding Ticket
In Florida, you have a few options available to you for handling your speeding ticket. You may pay the civil fine and accrue the points on your license, which may raise your car insurance rates.
You may also elect to attend traffic school, which can decrease the amount of your civil penalty and will prevent points from being assessed against your license. You may only elect driver's school once per 12 months, and no more than 5 times in your life.
If you contest the traffic ticket, you may request a hearing. It is advisable that you contact an attorney who can represent you at the hearing, because if you are found guilty of the infraction, the penalty may be harsher than it would have been otherwise and you will be responsible for court fees as well. f you have been issued a speeding ticket in a Miami speed trap, you have options.
