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09 April 2026

What Is a Civil Traffic Infraction in Florida?

By Yoel Molina, Law Office of Yoel Molina, P.A.

Introduction

If you’ve received a traffic ticket in Florida—especially in Miami-Dade County—you may see it labeled as a “civil traffic infraction.” For many drivers, this raises an important question:

Is this serious? Or is it just a ticket?

The answer lies in understanding the difference between civil and criminal traffic violations.

In this article, we explain what a civil traffic infraction is, how it differs from criminal charges, and what consequences you may face.

Key Takeaways

A civil traffic infraction is a non-criminal violation
It typically results in fines and possible points, not jail time
Most common traffic tickets in Florida are civil
Criminal traffic violations carry more severe penalties
Even civil infractions can impact your license and insurance

What Is a Civil Traffic Infraction?

A civil traffic infraction is a violation of traffic laws that is not considered a criminal offense.

This means:

You are not charged with a crime
There is no jail time
The case is handled as a civil matter

However, that does not mean it is harmless.

Common Examples of Civil Traffic Infractions

Speeding
Running a red light
Failing to stop at a stop sign
Improper lane changes
Failure to yield
Seatbelt violations

These are the most common types of tickets issued in Florida.

Penalties for Civil Traffic Infractions

Even though they are non-criminal, civil infractions still carry consequences.

Possible Penalties Include:

Monetary fines
Court costs
Points added to your driver’s license
Increased insurance premiums
Requirement to attend traffic school

What Is a Criminal Traffic Violation?

A criminal traffic violation is a more serious offense that may involve:

Reckless or dangerous behavior
Harm to others
Intentional violations of the law

Examples Include:

Driving under the influence (DUI)
Driving with a suspended license (knowingly)
Leaving the scene of an accident
Reckless driving (in some cases)

Penalties for Criminal Traffic Violations

Higher fines
Court appearances required
Possible jail time
Criminal record
License suspension or revocation

Key Differences: Civil vs Criminal Traffic Violations

Civil Traffic Infraction	Criminal Traffic Violation
Non-criminal	Criminal offense
No jail time	Possible jail time
Fines and points	Fines, points, and criminal penalties
Often no court appearance required	Court appearance usually required
Less severe	More serious consequences

Do Civil Traffic Infractions Add Points?

Yes—many do.

Examples:

Speeding: 3–4 points
Red light violation: 4 points

Accumulating too many points can lead to license suspension:

12 points in 12 months → 30-day suspension
18 points in 18 months → 3-month suspension
24 points in 36 months → 1-year suspension

Can You Fight a Civil Traffic Ticket?

Yes. You have the right to challenge a civil traffic infraction.

You may be able to:

Reduce fines
Avoid points
Get the ticket dismissed

An attorney can often appear on your behalf in many civil cases, especially in Miami-Dade County.

Common Mistakes

Assuming civil means “not important”
Paying a ticket without reviewing options
Ignoring deadlines
Not checking how many points you have
Missing the chance to attend traffic school
Not consulting a lawyer

Traffic Infraction Checklist

Review your ticket carefully
Confirm it is civil, not criminal
Check points and penalties
Decide whether to pay or contest
Consider traffic school
Consult a traffic attorney

FAQ Section

1. Is a civil traffic infraction a crime?

No, it is a non-criminal violation.

2. Can I go to jail for a civil traffic ticket?

No, civil infractions do not carry jail time.

3. Do civil infractions add points?

Many do, depending on the violation.

4. Do I have to go to court?

Not always. In many cases, a lawyer can appear for you.

5. Will my insurance go up?

It can, especially if points are added.

6. Can I fight a civil ticket?

Yes, and you may be able to reduce or dismiss it.

7. What happens if I ignore a ticket?

You may face additional penalties or license suspension.

8. How do I know if my ticket is civil or criminal?

Your citation will indicate the type, or you can consult an attorney.

A civil traffic infraction in Florida may not be a criminal offense, but it still carries real consequences.

Understanding the difference between civil and criminal violations helps you make informed decisions, protect your driving record, and avoid unnecessary costs.

If you’ve received a ticket, taking the right steps early can make a significant difference.