Getting a traffic ticket can happen to the best of us, no matter how safely we try to drive. In the end, one traffic ticket here or there won't make or break your driving record. The trick is to take care of it quickly and in the right manner so it doesn't have lasting negative effects.

The State of Florida uses a point violation system, where certain infractions are assigned point values, which accumulate on your driving record over time. Accumulate enough points and you can lose your driving privileges. Traffic tickets can also result in higher insurance premiums, unless you take care of the matter through attending traffic school.

When you receive a ticket, your options for resolving the matter are printed on the back of the citation. You need to take action toward one of those options within 30 days of the citation date.

Top Traffic School: A Good Option

If you are ticketed for a moving violation, you may decide to go to traffic school. Attending a basic driver improvement course can result in the following:

• Unless the violation was a crash that was your fault, your insurance rates won't increase and your policy can't be cancelled.

• No points will be accrued on your driving record, your status as a "safe driver" will still be in effect (if applicable), and your fine could be reduced up to 18%.

In Florida, you have the option of attending traffic school once in a 12-month period; additionally, you will have the option only five times in your lifetime.

Top How to Go to Traffic School:

• Notify the court clerk, in the county where you received the ticket, that you intend to go to traffic school.

• Pay a fee to the court clerk.

• Choose a traffic school from an approved course provider. You can find providers by looking in your local phone book under "driving instruction" or "traffic school." Many companies even offer classes by Internet or on DVD.

Top Paying Your Ticket

To take care of a traffic fine, simply send the fee noted on the ticket to the traffic court of the county where you received it. Some traffic court Web sites even let you pay your fine online with a credit card. Check out this site for a central online payment feature for many Florida counties.

If you received the ticket in another state, the point violations (if applicable) will still be reflected on your Florida driving record. Pay the ticket or appear in court in the county where you received the ticket, even if it's in another state. You can call Customer Service at (850) 617-2000 for details about your circumstances or to find out about traffic school to resolve an out-of-state ticket.

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