Traffic Citations Information
A civil traffic infraction is a non-criminal violation which usually can be disposed of by payment of a civil penalty or election to attend a defensive driving course. A court appearance is not required, except in cases where the violation involves an accident with serious bodily injury, a fatality or certain other violations.
Your options for a Traffic Citation
In Sarasota County, you have 30 days from the date of issuance to elect one of the following:
- Option 1: Plead guilty, accept points on your driver license and pay the ticket
- Option 2: Pay the ticket and Elect Traffic School to withhold adjudication off your driving record
- Option 3: Contest the ticket and request a court hearing
Option 1 - Pay the Ticket
By paying the Traffic Civil Penalty, you are admitting guilt and the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) will assess points on your driving record for moving violations.
Pay Online, by mail or in person.
Option 2 - Go To Traffic School
If you choose the school option, notify the Clerk of Court with a signed Traffic Citation Option Form when you pay the ticket and make the traffic school election. You must enroll, attend and return the certificate of completion of the Driver Improvement course within 90 days from the date you paid the fine and filed your election form with the Clerk of the Court. Failure to do so will result in suspension of your license, reinstatement fees and late fees.
If the driver improvement course is completed and the completion certificate timely filed, no points will be assessed against your driver license and the fine may be reduced, depending on the type of violation.
Remember, you may only elect the traffic school option five (5) times in your life and the election can only be made once every twelve (12) months. Failure to complete the school course or timely submit your completion certificate or pay the fine will result in removal of the fee reduction, points being assessed, and suspension of your license and/or late fees being assessed.
Option 3 - Contesting Your Ticket
If you choose to contest the ticket, you must submit your request for a hearing in writing to the Clerk within 30 days of the date of the citation. You will be notified of your court date via U.S. Mail. Please be sure to provide a valid postal address.
Sarasota County Clerk of Court
Mailing Address
Traffic Violations BureauPO Box 3079
Sarasota, FL 34230-3079
Sarasota Main Office
2000 Main Street, Room 102Sarasota, FL 34237
South County Courthouse
4004 S Tamiami Trail, 2nd FloorVenice, FL 34293
Phone: 941-861-7400
