Careless Driving
Careless Driving is the most common citation that law enforcement issues after investigating a traffic accident. Florida Statute 316.1925 provides that all drivers must drive in a careful and prudent manner, having regard for the width, grade, curves, corners, traffic, and all other attendant circumstances, so as to not endanger the life, limb, or property of any person. The failure to drive in such a manner constitutes Careless Driving.
Common Careless Driving Cases
The “catch-all” nature of the Careless Driving captures almost every variation of “imperfect” driving. However, there are several factual scenarios that are commonly associated with the issuance of a Careless Driving citation in Pinellas County. These include:
- Rear-end collisions;
- Right-of-way accidents;
- Blind spot lane change crashes; and
- Parking lot “fender benders.”
Possible Penalties Associated with Careless Driving
Careless Driving is classified under Florida traffic law as a moving violation. A conviction for Careless Driving will result in the imposition of 3 points against your driver’s license. The minimum fine associated with Careless Driving is $166.00.
Other possible penalties for Careless Driving include:
- Required attendance at the Basic Driver Improvement School, Advanced Driver Improvement School or Aggressive Driving Course;
- In the case of Careless Driving resulting in Serious Bodily Injury to another, a driver’s license suspension of at least 90 days;
- A conviction for Careless Driving resulting in the death of another will result in a driver’s license suspension of at least 1 year; and
- Increased fines for Careless Driving resulting in the serious bodily injury to, or death of, another person.
How Can a Top-Rated Traffic Ticket Defense Lawyer Help?
If you have been charged with Careless Driving in St. Petersburg, Clearwater, or surrounding cities, call our highly-experienced traffic defense attorneys for a free consultation to discuss the options that exist in your case. During your free consultation, we will discuss:
- The facts of your case to evaluate whether you have any defenses that could result in a Not Guilty verdict;
- Whether there are any witnesses to the incident that led to your citation;
- The likelihood of avoiding points on your driver’s license.
During your no-pressure consultation, a member of our traffic ticket defense team will explain all of the options that exist in your case and develop a coordinated strategy to best defend your case.
