Proposed Bill to Catch Speeders in School Zones
To improve safety, Florida lawmakers are considering allowing cities and counties to deploy cameras to catch speeders in school zones. Those caught driving 10 miles per hour or more over the speed limit could be issued a ticket, and in need of a Miami traffic attorney.
If the bill is passed in its current form, it would allow cameras to start rolling half an hour before school started and stop half an hour after classes ended. According to the bill, the cameras would identify vehicle speed as you drove through a school zone. The speed cameras would function in a similar way as red light cameras. The registered owner of every car caught on camera would receive a speeding ticket in the mail within 30 days of the incident, without ever engaging with a police officer.
The bill’s phrasing does give offenders some discretion, allowing them a free “warning” for a first violation. Following that, fines rise in proportion to the driver’s speed, reaching $500 for exceeding the speed limit by 30 miles per hour or more. All electronic images, videos and documentation of the vehicle as measured by a speed detection system would be available for review to those ticketed. A hearing can also be requested by those cited.
Under the present version of the bill, proceeds from each ticket would go to the state Department of Revenue, the local county or municipality, and the school district where the infraction happened. The funds will be used entirely on school transportation and safety programs.
Questions about other traffic violations? Contact a red light camera violation attorney.
Most Common Ways to Dispute a Red Light Violation
Many areas around Florida now have red light cameras in place to catch lawbreakers. In fact, Florida has some of the highest red-light violations in the country. However, just because you get a red light ticket doesn’t mean you have to pay the fine. If you received a red light ticket, working with an experienced red light camera violation attorney Miami who can assess your case is critical to challenging your ticket. Three of the most common ways to fight a red light violation in Florida are outlined below:
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It wasn’t you in the driver’s seat.
Although red-light camera violations are assessed to the vehicle owner, in Florida, the violation is applied to the driver, not the vehicle owner. That means that if someone else drives your car and runs a red light, that person is accountable for paying the ticket.
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Your car did not activate the camera.
If more than one vehicle shows in the photo, you can claim that the camera was activated by another vehicle. Pedestrians, onlookers, other drivers and passengers, may be able to produce evidence that another vehicle ran the red light.
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A defective red light camera was to blame.
Occasionally, red light camera systems make mistakes. You have the option of requesting documentation that the camera was recently maintained and was in great working order when it took the photo or video of your car.
Received a traffic violation? Our attorneys at Hochman & Goldin, P.A., offer legal assistance for traffic tickets in the Miami area. We may be able to lower the fine amount or possibly have your ticket dismissed entirely. Visit us online or call us today (305) 660-1000.
The Role of Technology in Traffic Violations
Technology has become as much a part of our life as the bed in which we sleep. We look at our phones never to question if the time on the clock is correct. But what if it was wrong? What if your phone’s clock was 30 minutes off and you missed your non-refundable flight as a result?
It may appear to be a ridiculous question. But in an autonomous world, where everyday more and more cars are driving themselves, the inherent faith and trust placed in technology has resulted in fewer questions to be asked. This is especially true when it comes to legal issues. One such question often not asked until it’s too late, is who’s accountable if a car on autopilot causes a traffic violation?
In the vast majority of cases, the answer is the driver. And by that, we refer to the person behind the wheel. Because, according to the legislation and the corporations behind such automotive technologies, self-driving cars are not as autonomous as we may think. Self-driving cars are still a relatively new technology, and most experts believe they lack the judgment required to determine liability, as it stands now.
Big law is slow to change. Even while the law will never progress at the same rate as technology, many people feel that as technology advances, liability will move from the driver to the vehicle. But, until then, it is still the obligation of the human driver to always pay attention to the road, and especially not your phone.
More questions about traffic violations? Contact a Miami traffic ticket lawyer.
Stay Safe for the Big Game
Super Bowl weekend is almost here, and though the big game this year will be played 3,000 miles away, millions of Floridians will still be joining in on the excitement. Our Miami traffic attorney team wants to ensure you are prepared and ready to do so responsibly.
All across the state this weekend, Law enforcement agencies will be placing additional patrols on roads to help keep the roads safe. Patrols will be focused on impaired drivers, speeding violations and seat belt enforcement throughout the weekend.
If you’re planning a night out or attending a party for the Super Bowl, make plans ahead of time that will prevent you or anyone else from getting behind the wheel of a vehicle after drinking. Remember that it is never okay to drink and drive, even if you’ve had only one alcoholic beverage. Always designate a sober driver or plan to use public transportation, taxi or a ride sharing service to get home safely, such as Lyft or Uber.
Driving drunk could result in injury or death for you or others on the road. If you see a drunk driver on the road, contact law enforcement immediately.
For the past 20 years, Hochman & Goldin, P.A., has provided legal representation to individuals charged with various traffic violations throughout Miami-Dade and Broward.
Visit us online to learn more.
What Happens If You Drive Over 100 MPH?
Speeding is not usually a criminal offense, but the consequences can be more severe if you are caught driving over 100 mph.
Most speeding tickets will only lend you a fine and points on your driving record, which can be fought with the help of a Miami traffic attorney. However, not every speeding ticket is a non-criminal/traffic offense. Certain tickets can actually be classified as a misdemeanor or felony, leading to jail time, hefty fines, and license suspension.
Driving over 100 mph is not always a felony unless someone is injured in an accident or there are fatalities. However, in Florida, it is a felony. Driving 50 miles over the speed limit is considered a felony already.
In fact, just driving 30 miles over the speed limit in Florida is classified as a criminal offense, and speeds 30 to 49 miles per hour over the speed limit is considered a misdemeanor.
Driving over 50 miles per hour in Florida can end up being a third-degree felony, which involves arrest (all felonies in Florida involve arrest.) Third-degree felonies can end up being five years in prison, license suspension for up to 10 years, and near;y $5,000 in fines.
Hochman & Goldin, P.A. offers legal assistance for traffic tickets in the Miami area. Visit us online to learn more.
This information is for educational purposes only. It should not be construed as legal advice. Please speak to an attorney if you have specific questions regarding traffic signals and the law. If you have questions regarding a red light ticket, please contact a red light camera violation attorney.
Avoid These 3 Bad Driving Habits
The longer you drive, the chances are that you become more comfortable behind the wheel. While experienced drivers continue to improve their driving skills, they can also pick up bad habits. Drivers may not even notice they are doing them, but the key is to be aware, so you can practice safe driving.
If you need assistance with your traffic ticket in the Miami area, a Miami traffic attorney from Hochman & Goldin, P.A., may be able to help. Call or visit us online to set up a consultation.
One of the biggest bad habits drivers engage in is what is known as the “California Stop.” This happens when a driver does not come to a complete stop at a stop sign and just coasts through it instead. The law states that drivers must completely stop at a stop sign, so avoid making this mistake, even when you are in a rush.
Not using the appropriate turn signals could also leave you with a traffic ticket. Failing to use turn signals may even cause accidents, especially when changing lanes. Avoid this mistake to keep you and others safe on the road.
Running red lights is not something people usually do on purpose. In fact, many drivers can seek out the help of a red light camera violation attorney if they feel that their red light violation occurred because they were attempting to make the safest and smartest decision in the situation. However, you should always follow the speed limit and follow a safe distance behind the car in front of you to avoid running red lights.