• A traffic violation in Florida can be costly.fines higher sign image by kolesn from Fotolia.com
  
  In the state of Florida, a traffic infraction is defined as a non-criminal offense. Usually, for certain minor violations---improper lane change, running red lights or speeding---the officer will write you a ticket that you must answer by paying a fine, among other options depending on your driving record, according to the Florida Department of Motor Vehicles.
  
  

Traffic Violations Bureau

• According to Florida Statute 6.100 of the Florida Bar Rules, the state of Florida has provided for the establishment of a Traffic Violations Bureau in every county. The function of this office is to hear non-criminal traffic cases, to collect fines and to accept non-criminal hearing waivers.
  
  

Speedy Trial

• According to Rule 6.325, if you have committed a non-criminal traffic infraction in Florida, you must have your day in court within 180 days of the violation. If your hearing does not happen within that time frame, your case is likely to face dismissal, except in cases where the lack of trial was your fault or that of your lawyer.
  
  

Citation Satisfaction Options

• According to the Florida Department of Motor Vehicles website, if your driving record is basically in good standing, you have three options to satisfy your infraction. You can attend traffic school; you may pay the assessed fines in full or you can appear in court. If you go to traffic school, you must enroll in a 4-hour basic driver improvement course. Also, under Florida law, your insurer cannot penalize you for an infraction in which the Department of Motor Vehicles hasn't assessed you points, whether it be by revoking coverage or threatening to do so.
  
  

Uniform Traffic Citations

• In the state of Florida, according to Rule 6.320, policemen must assign all drivers who commit infractions a uniform traffic citation. This piece of paper---otherwise known as a traffic ticket---must look the same, whether it's coming from Broward County, Charlotte County, Daytona Beach County or any other Florida County.
  
  

Payment of Penalty

• According to Rule 6.480, an official cannot make you pay any penalty stemming from a traffic infraction until at least 30 days have passed since the citation. However, if it has been more than 30 days, and the state has granted you numerous extensions, and you still have not paid, the Department of Motor Vehicles has the right to place you on record for failure to comply and to take action against your driving license that it deems appropriate.