Careless Driving
Florida law defines particular traffic violations for both careless driving and aggressive careless driving. Please see the reckless driving page of this website for further information on reckless driving violations in Florida.
Careless Driving
Simply put, drivers on any street or highway in Florida must operate their vehicles in a manner that is "careful and prudent." In addition, the law requires drivers to pay attention to "width, grade, curves, corners, traffic," or any potentially dangerous condition on the road. Drivers must also not drive in any way that would put any person or property in danger. If you fail to drive in this manner, you can be cited for careless driving.
Aggressive Careless Driving
You can be cited for aggressive careless driving if you do any two or more of the following at the same time or in succession:
- Speeding in excess of 15 miles per hour of the posted speed limit
- Unsafely or improperly changing lanes
- Following another vehicle too closely
- Failing to yield to the right of way
- Improperly passing
- Violating traffic control and signal devices
Harsh Punishments for Careless Driving
Any person cited under the careless driving or aggressive careless driving statute is given a noncriminal moving violation, which carries serious consequences. The penalties include large fines, three points on your driving record (or more, if a crash occurs because of the careless driving), and a potential increase in your car insurance premium. Additionally, if you have multiple traffic violations or points already on your record, the points from this infraction could result in a suspension of your license.
If you have been cited for careless or aggressive careless driving, the Law Office of Eduardo Meire, P.A. can help you avoid getting points on your driving record and a resulting increase in your car insurance premium. Contact us today so that we can begin preparing your defense.
