21 August 2025

 Illegal Turns: How to Fight This Common Traffic Ticket in Miami-Dade County

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

 

Making an illegal turn may seem like a minor mistake, but in Miami-Dade County, a civil traffic ticket for an improper turn can carry fines, points on your license, and higher insurance premiums. What many drivers don’t realize is that these tickets are often defensible with the right legal strategy.

As a former traffic ticket prosecutor and former supervising traffic prosecutor in Miami-Dade County, I’ve seen firsthand how judges and hearing officers handle these cases. Now, with over 20 years of experience defending drivers and a 4.9-star Google rating based on real client reviews, my firm is dedicated to helping motorists fight civil traffic violations like illegal turn tickets—saving money, protecting licenses, and keeping driving records clean.

 

What Counts as an Illegal Turn in Florida?

 

Florida law requires drivers to follow strict traffic rules when making turns at intersections, driveways, and roadways. Some of the most common illegal turn scenarios in Miami-Dade include:

  • Failure to yield before turning left across oncoming traffic.

  • Making a prohibited U-turn where signage clearly forbids it.

  • Turning from the wrong lane, such as turning left from a center lane not designated for turns.

  • Wide turns that swing into the wrong lane and interfere with traffic.

  • Failure to use turn signals, which can be cited in conjunction with an improper turn.

Even if no accident occurs, an officer can issue a ticket for any of these violations.

 

Penalties for an Illegal Turn Ticket

 

A civil traffic infraction for an improper turn in Miami-Dade can come with:

  • Fines (typically $150–$250 depending on location and circumstances).

  • 3 points on your driver’s license under Florida’s point system.

  • Insurance increases if points are added to your record.

  • Risk of license suspension if you accumulate too many points within a 12-month period.

For example, in Florida:

  • 12 points in 12 months = 30-day suspension

  • 18 points in 18 months = 3-month suspension

  • 24 points in 36 months = 1-year suspension

That’s why fighting even a single illegal turn ticket can protect you from long-term headaches.

 

How an Attorney Can Help Fight Your Illegal Turn Ticket

Many people assume paying a ticket is the easiest solution—but it’s often the costliest choice in the long run. Hiring an experienced Miami-Dade traffic attorney like myself offers several advantages:

1. Challenge the Officer’s Observations

Illegal turn cases often come down to the officer’s perspective. Was the lane properly marked? Was the U-turn actually prohibited? Was traffic truly obstructed? A skilled attorney can raise reasonable doubts.

2. Identify Technical Defenses

Tickets can sometimes be dismissed for procedural errors, such as improper documentation, incorrect statute numbers, or missing officer signatures.

3. Keep Points Off Your License

The biggest advantage of hiring an attorney is avoiding points—which helps prevent insurance hikes and license suspension.

4. Save Time and Stress

In most cases, you won’t need to appear in court. Our office handles the hearings on your behalf so you don’t miss work or spend hours at the courthouse.

 

Real-World Example

A Miami driver recently contacted our office after receiving a ticket for an “improper left turn” at a busy intersection. The officer claimed he turned from the wrong lane. After reviewing photos of the intersection and the officer’s notes, we argued that the lane markings were faded and confusing. The case was dismissed, saving the driver nearly $200 in fines and keeping 3 points off his license.

 

Why Choose the Law Office of Yoel Molina, P.A.?

  • Former Prosecutor Advantage: Attorney Yoel Molina served as both a traffic ticket prosecutor and supervising traffic prosecutor in Miami-Dade County, giving him unique insight into how these cases are prosecuted.

  • Over 20 Years of Experience: We’ve handled thousands of civil traffic violations, including improper turns, speeding, red-light tickets, and more.

  • Proven Client Satisfaction: With a 4.9-star rating on Google, clients consistently praise our responsiveness, professionalism, and results.

  • Affordable & Convenient: You can hire us online in minutes—it’s cheaper and faster than calling in, and we handle the rest.

 

Common Mistakes Drivers Make After Getting an Illegal Turn Ticket

  • Paying the ticket immediately – This is essentially an admission of guilt and guarantees points.

  • Ignoring the ticket – Failing to respond can result in license suspension and additional penalties.

  • Trying to fight it alone – Without legal knowledge, it’s difficult to raise the right defenses or negotiate effectively.

 

If you’ve received a civil traffic ticket for an illegal turn in Miami-Dade County, don’t make the mistake of thinking you have no options. With the right defense, you can often avoid fines, points, and insurance increases.

 

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: https://hi.switchy.io/Onlineloymticketsugnup

📧 Prefer to speak with someone or have questions? Email us at info@molawoffice.net or call us at (786) 828-6074. We’re happy to help.