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Careless Driving

Careless Driving Charge in South Florida

An offense of careless driving may sound like a common occurrence. However, this charge includes a steep fine and will add points to your driving record that can cause complications in the future. You don't have to simply accept the ticket and its fees. If you received a careless driving ticket in Palm Beach County or Broward County, then contact an experienced traffic ticket attorney at Meltzer & Bell, P.A., "The Traffic Stop." We represent clients cited for careless driving throughout Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Pembroke Pines, Delray Beach, Hollywood, Palm Beach Gardens, and Belle Glade.

The maximum fine for careless driving is $500 plus court costs if you are adjudicated guilty. In Palm Beach County, the average fine is just over $160.00 for a person who simply pays the ticket. The main problem with paying the ticket is that you are entering a guilty plea, and you will be convicted or adjudicated guilty of the offense and points are accessed. 

Additionally, you are essentially admitting guilt which can be detrimental should the other party decide to sue your or attempt to claim injuries and/or assert your liability from the accident in a separate civil lawsuit.

Careless Driving Attorney in Palm Beach County, FL

A conviction for careless driving has long lasting consequences that could lead to a spike in your insurance rates for years to come. At Meltzer & Bell, P.A., "The Traffic Stop,” our experienced traffic ticket attorneys offer a money back guarantee — no points, no school or your money back. Some restrictions apply, and court costs and fees may apply, in addition to the attorney fee.

Overview on Careless Driving Infraction

• What is Careless Driving?
• Aggressive Careless Driving

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What is Careless Driving?

Careless driving in Florida is a noncriminal or civil moving violation under Florida Statutes Annotated § 316.1925. Careless driving prohibits the failure to drive upon the streets or highways in the State of Florida in a careful and prudent manner.

The term "careful and prudent manner" generally means driving with regard for the width, grade, curves, corners, traffic, and all other attendant circumstances, so as not to endanger the life, limb, or property of any person. The civil infraction of careless driving is not a lesser included offense of the criminal charge of reckless driving. See C. D. v. State, 356 So. 2d 1249 (Fla. Dist. Ct. App. 3d Dist. 1978).

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Aggressive Careless Driving

Florida Statute § 316.650(1)(a) requires a law enforcement officer to check a special box on the traffic citation when the officer believes that the traffic violation or crash was due to "aggressive careless driving as defined in s. 316.1923."

The term "aggressive careless driving" means that a driver committed more than one of the following acts simultaneously or in succession:

• Exceeding the posted speed as defined in s. 322.27(3)(d)5.b; 

• Unsafely or improperly changing lanes as defined in s. 316.085; 

• Following another vehicle too closely as defined in s. 316.0895(1); 

• Failing to yield the right-of-way as defined in s. 316.079, s. 316.0815, or s. 316.123; 

• Improperly passing as defined in s. 316.083, s. 316.084, or s. 316.085; or

• Violating traffic control and signal devices as defined in ss. 316.074 and 316.075.

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Finding a Careless Driving Defense Attorney in West Palm Beach, FL

If you were charged with careless driving or if the law enforcement officer accused you of aggravated careless driving, contact an experienced traffic ticket attorney in West Palm Beach, Florida.

At Meltzer & Bell, P.A., "The Traffic Stop," we help protect our clients from the expensive and lasting consequences of paying a ticket and receiving a conviction for a moving violation like careless driving.

This article was last updated on Friday, November 4, 2016.