24 September 2025

Careless Driving in Miami-Dade: How a Civil Traffic Lawyer Can Help You Avoid Points

By Yoel Molina, Esq., Owner and Operator of the Law Office of Yoel Molina, P.A.

 

Introduction

 

Being cited for careless driving in Miami-Dade County is frustrating and stressful. Many drivers are surprised to learn that careless driving is one of the most common civil traffic infractions in Florida, and while it may not carry criminal penalties, the consequences can still be severe.

A careless driving ticket can add points to your license, increase your insurance premiums, and even put you at risk of suspension if you have prior violations. The good news is, with the help of an experienced civil traffic lawyer near me, you can often fight the ticket and avoid the long-term consequences.

 

What Is Careless Driving Under Florida Law?

 

Florida Statute §316.1925 defines careless driving as operating a vehicle “without regard for the width, grade, curves, corners, traffic, and other attendant circumstances.” Unlike reckless driving, which is a criminal offense, careless driving is considered a civil traffic violation—but it still carries serious penalties.

 

Examples of careless driving include:

 

  • Following another car too closely

  • Failing to signal while changing lanes

  • Not adjusting speed in rain or heavy traffic

  • Drifting between lanes due to distraction

  • Driving at a speed unsafe for conditions, even if under the limit

Because this law is broad and somewhat vague, many tickets depend heavily on the officer’s judgment, which gives drivers more room to fight back.

 

Penalties for Careless Driving in Miami-Dade

 

If you receive a careless driving ticket, here’s what you could face:

  • Fines: Typically between $160 and $200 depending on circumstances

  • Points on License: 4 points added to your record

  • Insurance Increases: Insurance companies often treat careless driving as a red flag, raising rates significantly

  • License Suspension: Too many points in a short time can lead to suspension of driving privileges

This makes it crucial to consider legal help before simply paying the ticket.

 

How a Civil Traffic Lawyer Can Help You Fight a Careless Driving Ticket

 

1. Challenging the Officer’s Subjective Judgment

Because the law is broad, an attorney can argue that your actions did not actually meet the definition of careless driving.

2. Examining Evidence

Your lawyer may request dashcam footage, body cam video, or witness testimony to cast doubt on the citation.

3. Negotiating Outcomes

Even if evidence exists, an attorney may negotiate with the court to reduce fines, remove points, or send you to driving school instead.

4. Protecting Your Record

For many drivers, keeping points off their license is more important than avoiding the fine. A lawyer’s goal is to preserve your driving record and keep your insurance rates from skyrocketing.

Example: A Miami driver ticketed for careless driving after a minor fender bender avoided points on her license after Attorney Yoel Molina argued that traffic conditions, not negligence, caused the incident.

 

Why Hire Attorney Yoel Molina?

 

Attorney Yoel Molina is not only a seasoned traffic lawyer—he is a former traffic ticket prosecutor and former supervising traffic prosecutor in Miami-Dade County. With over 20 years of experience and a 4.9-star Google rating based on reviews from real clients, he has the background and proven results to defend drivers against careless driving citations.

Hiring Yoel Molina means working with a lawyer who understands how prosecutors and judges view these cases—and how to build the strongest defense for you.

 

Common Mistakes Drivers Make

 

  • Paying the Ticket Immediately – This counts as admitting guilt and puts 4 points on your license.

  • Thinking You Don’t Need a Lawyer – Having a lawyer can mean the difference between points on your license and walking away clean.

  • Missing Deadlines – Failing to act quickly can result in additional fines or a suspended license.

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Conclusion & Call to Action

 

A careless driving ticket in Miami-Dade County doesn’t have to damage your driving record or raise your insurance. With the right defense, you can often avoid points and keep your costs low.

Don’t face your traffic ticket alone—Attorney Yoel Molina and his team are here to help you protect your driving record and avoid unnecessary penalties.

👉 Hire us online now for your Miami-Dade civil traffic ticket—it's cheaper than calling in!Visit: getformly.app/lLnpm3

Prefer to speak with someone or have questions? Email us at fd@molawoffice.com or call us at +1 305-548-5020, option 1. We’re happy to help.