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The Dangers of Improper Passing and Lane Changes in Florida

Driving in heavy traffic can be a stressful experience, and one that increases the likelihood of an accident. Improper passing and lane changes can be especially dangerous and can lead to serious consequences if you are ticketed. If you have been ticketed for improper passing or lane changes in the state of Florida, it’s important to consult a Miami traffic ticket lawyer for legal advice.

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles reports that improper passing and lane changes are one of the leading causes of accidents in the state. To reduce the risk of an accident, it is important to follow the rules of the road. Drivers must pass on the left side of the road and can only pass when it is safe to do so. It is also illegal to pass on a two-way road if there is a no passing zone.

In addition, Florida law requires drivers to use their turn signals when changing lanes and turning. Drivers must also be aware of their surroundings and check their blind spots before changing lanes. It is also important to remember that passing on the right is illegal in Florida, unless the vehicle you are passing is making a left turn.

If you’re ticketed for improper passing or lane changes, it’s important to consult with a Miami traffic ticket lawyer. A skilled attorney can evaluate the circumstances of your case and help you fight the ticket. Your lawyer can also help you understand the legal consequences of a conviction and how it can affect your driving record and insurance rates.

Improper passing and lane changes are serious offenses that can lead to serious consequences. It is important to be aware of the rules of the road and follow them to avoid getting ticketed. If you are ticketed, consult a Miami traffic ticket lawyer for legal advice. A skilled attorney can help you build a strong defense and work to ensure that your rights are protected.

If you wish to contest a traffic violation, such as a speeding ticket, or if you believe you received an unfair red light camera ticket, contact a red light camera violation attorney at Hochman & Goldin, P.A.

What are the Florida Penalties for Hit-and-Run?

In Florida, it is illegal to flee the scene of an accident, generally referred to as “hit and run.” Florida law mandates that you stop after an accident and exchange names, addresses, registration details, and insurance information. Additionally, you are required to offer appropriate assistance in the treatment of any injuries.

If you cause an accident and leave the scene, you will face severe consequences:

Accident Resulting in Property Damage

A judge can impose any combination of the following punishments for leaving the scene of an accident involving property damage:

  • 60 days in jail.
  • Six month probationary period.
  • a $500 maximum fine

Accident Resulting in Injury

If convicted of leaving the scene of an accident involving injury, a judge can impose any combination of the following penalties:

– Five years in jail.

– Probation for five years.

– up to $5,000 in fines.

Accident Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury

A judge may impose any combination of the following punishments if someone is found guilty of leaving the scene of an accident involving serious bodily injury:

  • 15 years in jail.
  • 15 years of probation.
  • Up to $10,000 in fines.

Accident Resulting in Death

A court must impose a mandatory minimum penalty of 4 years in jail but may impose a maximum term of 30 years in prison if someone is found guilty of leaving the scene of a fatal accident, as well as: 

  • 30-year sentence to jail.
  • 30-year probation period.
  • Up to $10,000 in fines.

No matter how minor the collision may be, it is best to remain where you are until law enforcement arrives. However, if you or someone you know has been arrested for fleeing the scene of an accident, contact a Miami traffic attorney for a free consultation regarding your case.


Questions about other traffic violations? Contact a red light camera violation attorney.

Reinstating Your Florida Suspended License: What You Need to Know

If you’ve had your Florida suspended license, you know that the process of getting it back can be daunting. Depending on the reason for the suspension, the process can vary, and the requirements for reinstatement can be complex. It’s important to understand all of the necessary steps to ensure that your license is reinstated quickly and correctly.

The first step in reinstating a suspended license is to determine the reason for the suspension. Suspensions can be caused by a variety of reasons, such as failing to pay a traffic ticket or being convicted of a DUI. Once you know the reason for the suspension, you can begin the process of reinstatement.

The most common requirement for reinstatement is to pay all outstanding fines or fees associated with the suspension. You can contact the Clerk of Court in the county where the violation occurred to get the exact amount of fees and fines owed. You may also need to prove that you have met any other court-imposed requirements, such as attending a driving school or completing community service.

In addition to paying any outstanding fines, you may also need to provide proof of financial responsibility. This can include providing proof of insurance or filing a surety bond for a certain amount of money. Depending on the type of violation you committed, you may need to provide proof of your ability to pay for any future damages if you are found at fault in an accident.

Once you have met all of the requirements, you can submit an application to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles to have your license reinstated. You may need to provide additional documentation, such as a copy of your driver’s license and proof of residency.

It’s important to note that if your license was suspended due to a DUI, you may need to install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle to have your license reinstated. This device requires you to pass a breath test before your vehicle will start.

If you’ve had your Florida suspended license, it’s important to know all of the requirements for reinstatement. If you have any questions or need assistance with the process, it’s best to speak with a qualified Miami traffic ticket lawyer. They can help you understand the requirements, provide guidance on the process, and make sure your license is reinstated correctly.

This update is brought to you by Hochman & Goldin, P.A. A Miami traffic attorney can assist you with criminal traffic violations, and our team is ready to answer your questions. Please call (305) 665-1000 to speak with a red light camera violation attorney.

What Is the Difference Between Traffic School and Defensive Driving School?

You have an option to elect a state-approved  4-hour traffic school program of education on driving safety and traffic laws and pay a fine amount if you receive a traffic ticket. The 4-hour basic driver improvement course in Florida is intended to refresh your understanding of safe driving practices, current traffic rules, the risks of distracted driving, and DUI laws.

Florida gives you the option of taking formal sessions with a teacher or finishing the driving course via an online self-study course. “No points” are added to your driving record once you pay the citation, successfully complete the course, and turn in the completion certificate to the county clerk of courts office.

If you elect a court hearing, and the case is not dismissed, a judge may sometimes also order you to attend defensive driving school. This may occur if you are found “guilty” or the verdict is “withheld.” However, a judge may take your driving record into consideration and waive the traffic school requirement if the judge doesn’t feel the sanction is necessary in your situation. The citation is not dismissed when adjudication is “withheld,” but instead “no points” will be given as long as you finish the court-ordered course within the judge-specified time limit. If the judge does impose a school requirement, you are usually also liable for paying a fine and/or court fees.

Court-ordered classes may be the 4-hour course, but they may also be the 12-hour advanced driving course, the 8-hour intermediate course, or the 8-hour course on aggressive driving. The seriousness of the offense and your driving history are often factors in the type class that the court assigns.

If you wish to contest a traffic violation, such as a speeding ticket, or if you believe you received an unfair red light camera ticket, contact a red light camera violation attorney at Hochman & Goldin, P.A. 

Understanding Florida’s Right-Of-Way Laws: What You Need to Know to Avoid Violations

In Florida, the right-of-way is a crucial factor in preventing traffic collisions and keeping drivers safe. Right-of-way laws state that certain vehicles have priority over others, and that all drivers must yield to them when appropriate. Unfortunately, many drivers in Florida are unaware of these laws and end up violating them, resulting in a traffic ticket.

In this blog, we’ll provide an overview of Florida’s right-of-way laws and the consequences of violating them. We’ll also discuss how to avoid a violation and what to do if you are issued a ticket.

First, let’s take a look at the right-of-way laws in Florida. When it comes to intersection rights-of-way, the following vehicles have priority:

  • Vehicles traveling straight on a two-way street have the right-of-way over vehicles making a left turn.
  • Vehicles turning left have the right-of-way over vehicles turning right.
  • Vehicles turning right have the right-of-way over vehicles going straight.

In addition, vehicles already in a roundabout have the right-of-way over vehicles entering the roundabout. Lastly, vehicles entering a highway have the right-of-way over vehicles already on the highway.

If you violate any of these right-of-way laws, you will most likely be issued a traffic ticket. The fine for right-of-way violations can range from $100 to $500, depending on the severity of the violation. In addition, you may also be assessed points on your license.

To avoid a violation, make sure you know and understand the right-of-way laws in Florida. Always yield to the appropriate vehicles and be extra cautious when entering an intersection. Also, make sure you pay attention to signs, signals, and other drivers to prevent any confusion.

If you do receive a ticket for a right-of-way violation, it’s important to contact a Miami traffic ticket lawyer as soon as possible. A lawyer can help you understand the charges and explore your defense options. In some cases, they may be able to help you avoid the points and fines associated with the ticket.

By understanding Florida’s right-of-way laws and taking the appropriate steps to avoid a violation, you can stay safe and avoid traffic tickets. If you do receive a ticket, make sure to contact a Miami traffic ticket lawyer right away to discuss your defense options.

This update is brought to you by Hochman & Goldin, P.A. A Miami traffic attorney can assist you with criminal traffic violations, and our team is ready to answer your questions. Please call (305) 665-1000 to speak with a red light camera violation attorney.

What Happens If You Run a Red Light By Accident?

Even though it does happen, the majority of people do not purposefully run red lights. The vast majority of people who run red lights are stopped because they narrowly miss the warning of a yellow light. If your car was caught running a red light, you can anticipate paying about $158 in fines, and if you were stopped by a police officer, even more.

Your license will receive four additional points, and your insurance rates will increase. If you accumulate too many points, your license will be suspended.

What if you unintentionally ran a red light?

Usually, there is substantial evidence to support the claim that you did run a red light. Red-light cameras photograph your license plate and display in plain view where your car was when the incident occurred. If you think this was an error, you can dispute it with a red light camera violation attorney.

Some red-light violations are even issued in situations where they shouldn’t be, like when you weren’t the driver or when you were making a legal right turn on red. Technology and machines occasionally have issues.

If you receive one of these tickets, you can argue that you avoided the danger by driving through a yellow light or that you were forced to do so in order to avoid it.

Sometimes it’s not your fault that you get a red light ticket. A Miami traffic ticket lawyer can assist you in establishing your innocence if you have reason to believe your ticket was wrongfully issued.

If you wish to contest a traffic violation, such as a speeding ticket, or if you believe you received an unfair red light camera ticket, contact a red light camera violation attorney at Hochman & Goldin, P.A. 

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