Navigating the Motor Vehicles Website
To find traffic tickets online, you will need:
- Your driver’s license
- Your social security number
- Internet access
Visit the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Website (flhsmv.gov). In the top left corner of the page, click on the “+” sign to the right of the “Driver Licenses & ID Cards” tab. We circled it for you.
Next, you will be taken to a drop-down menu with multiple options. Select “Driver License Check & ID Tracking System. It should be the third option in the leftmost column.
If you’re using a mobile device, simply go to flhsmv.gov and click on the menu. It should be the third option available under the “Driver Licenses & ID Cards” tab.
Next, you will be asked to enter your driver’s license number and then retype the character from the captcha below. On the following screen, you will be asked for the last four digits of your social security number to verify your identity. Once you have, your driver history will appear.
On this page, you should be able to find information about any traffic citation that you’ve received and whether you’ve paid it or not. If you have tickets that require your attention, you should figure out what you want to do with them.
Traffic Tickets: Your Three Options
In our post about why you need to contest your traffic tickets, we explained that you have three options when you receive a traffic ticket. You can:
- Pay it
- Go to traffic school
- Contest it
When you pay your ticket, you’ll receive points on your license and risk an increase in your insurance premiums. Going to a traffic ticket can get your ticket dismissed and your premiums reduced, but it also costs money and is a timely affair. Contesting your ticket is usually your best option. However, no matter what option you choose, make sure you choose one within the first 30 days of receiving the ticket in the mail.
What Happens If You Don’t Pay on Time?
Florida is nicknamed the “citation state” for good reason. They give out a lot of traffic tickets, and they’d prefer you to pay them quickly. Your fine will increase if you miss your 30-day deadline. If you ignore it for too long, the state will eventually suspend your driver’s license.
If you’re stopped by a police officer while a driver with a suspended license, you may even end up in jail. People get arrested for what started as a red light ticket before, and it happens more often than you think.
Check for Traffic Tickets: Final Thoughts
We all lead busy lives – even during a pandemic. Don’t let something as trivial as an unpaid parking ticket becomes more drama than it’s worth. If you think that there’s a chance that you’ve forgotten to pay or contest a traffic citation, check online. It takes just a minute and can save you a lot of stress.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find out if I have a driving ticket in Florida?
You can check if you have a driving ticket in Florida by visiting the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) website and using their Online Driver License Check. This tool provides access to your driving record, including citations. You may also contact the Clerk of Court in the county where you suspect the ticket was issued.
How do I check if I got a red light ticket in Florida online?
To check for a red light ticket online, visit ViolationInfo.com, where many Florida municipalities post red light camera violations. You’ll need the notice number and PIN, which are typically mailed to the registered vehicle owner. Alternatively, you can contact the local Clerk of Court or law enforcement agency.
How do I check the status of my tickets?
You can check the status of your tickets using the FLHSMV’s Online Driver License Check. Many county Clerk of Court websites also offer online portals where you can search by your driver’s license number or citation number to view ticket information.
How long does it take for a citation to show up online in Florida?
A citation typically takes a few days to two weeks to appear online in Florida, depending on the processing time of the issuing agency. If your ticket doesn’t appear after two weeks, contact the Clerk of Court in the county where it was issued.
How do I see if I have a red light ticket in Florida?
To check for a red light ticket in Florida, look for a Notice of Violation sent by mail to the registered vehicle owner. You can also use ViolationInfo.com with your notice number and PIN. For further confirmation, contact the local traffic court or enforcement agency in the area of the violation.
How long does it take to get a ticket from a red light camera in Florida?
In Florida, a Notice of Violation for a red light camera infraction is usually mailed within 30 days of the incident. The notice provides details of the violation and payment or contest instructions.
How do I get out of a red light camera ticket in Florida?
To contest a red light camera ticket in Florida, you can request a hearing with the Clerk of Court in the county where the ticket was issued. At the hearing, you can present evidence to dispute the ticket. Common defenses include proving your vehicle was stolen, showing it wasn’t your vehicle in the incident, or demonstrating a legitimate emergency. Consulting a traffic attorney may improve your chances of a favorable outcome.