Florida Speeding Tickets

Speeding tickets in Florida carry more than just a fine—they can cost you points, insurance hikes, and even your livelihood if you’re a commercial driver. 

Florida Speeding Laws – Key Statutes.

Speeding citations are issued under these statutes:

• §316.183 – Unlawful Speed
• §316.187 – Speed Limits in Zones
• §316.189 – Municipal/Residential Zones
• §316.1895 – School Zones
• §316.1926 – Enhanced Penalties (50+ mph over)
• §318.14(2) – Mandatory Court Appearances

Admissibility of Radar & Laser Evidence.

In Florida, radar and laser speed readings are only admissible in court if specific technical and procedural requirements are met. This comes up if you decide to contest the ticket at a trial.

Statutes & Administrative Rules Governing Admissibility of Radar and Laser Evidence.

✅ §316.1905 – Speed-Measuring Devices; Evidence; Approval

• Device must be approved by DHSMV
• Officer must have formal training
• Must be tested and properly maintained

✅ §316.1906 – Radar/Laser Use Regulations

• Applies to radar and laser specifically
• Requires pre- and post-shift accuracy testing
• Use restricted to officers with valid certification

✅ FAC Rule 15B-2.014 – Approved Speed Measuring Devices

• Lists officially approved radar and laser models used in Florida

✅ FAC Rule 15B-2.009 – Speed Measurement Device Testing

• Devices must be tested annually by certified technicians
• Tuning forks must be certified

✅ FAC Rule 15B-2.013 – Officer Training & Certification

• Officers must complete a DHSMV-approved certification course
• Training records must be current and valid

Defenses Based on Radar/Laser Use by Police Officer. 

A speeding ticket based on radar or laser can be dismissed if:

• The officer is not properly certified
• The device was not properly calibrated
• There’s no record of shift testing
• The device is not on the approved list
• The citation does not comply with Florida Statutes or FAC Rules

CDL Drivers: Know the Risk

CDL holders face serious consequences even for minor speeding tickets:

• Traffic school is not allowed
• 2 “serious violations” in 3 years = 60-day CDL disqualification
• Violations are reported to employers and can affect your career

Your Legal Options with Speeding Tickets

• Paying the ticket = Admission of guilt, points, record. Don’t Do it!
• Traffic school (non-CDL only) = No points, adjudication withheld
• Fight the ticket in court = Possible dismissal, reduced penalty, or no points

We can appear on your behalf and challenge the ticket based on improper radar/laser use or legal technicalities.

Contact Attorney Kate Mesic for Speeding Ticket Defense

We’re here to protect your license, your record, and your future. With experience in Florida traffic courts and a deep knowledge of radar/laser rules, we can help you fight your speeding ticket the right way.