The Traffic Department maintains all records pertaining to Traffic Citations issued to persons in Columbia County. We also collect all fines, provide a list of approved driving schools, and set court dates for those who wish to contest their infraction violation.
If you are charged with a criminal violation (D.U.I., driving with a suspended license, driving without a valid drivers license etc.), you must call the County Criminal Department (Misdemeanor) within 10 days of the citation by calling (386) 758-1048.
If you are charged with a civil infraction (careless driving, speeding etc.) you must elect one of the following three options within 30 days of the citation.
Pay the fine
Plead not guilty
Elect to attend a driving school and pay a fine to avoid having points assessed - DHSMV's List of statewide traffic schools.
Penalties for Failure to Complete Course and/or Pay Costs and Fees
Your Driver's License will be suspended and points will be assessed. Before your license can be reinstated, YOU MUST: Pay the balance of the original fee, pay a $18 cancellation fee, pay a $19 late fee and pay a $47.50 reinstatement fee to the State of Florida (if applicable)
Traffic Fines:
Type of Fine
Fine Amount
School Option
Pedestrian Violations
$47.50
Nonmoving Infractions
$89.00
Moving Infractions
$139.00
$135.20
Seat belt Infractions
$89.00
Child Restraint Infraction
$139.00
$135.20
Bicycle Violation
$47.50
Speeding 6-9 over limit
$104.00
$106.50
Speeding 1-9 over limit (School/Construction Zone)
$129.00
$127.00
Speeding 10-14 over limit
$179.00
$168.00
Speeding 10-14 over limit (School/Construction Zone)
$279.00
$250.00
Speeding 15-19 over limit
$204.00
$188.50
Speeding 15-19 over limit (School/Construction Zone)
$329.00
$291.00
Speeding 20-29 over limit
$229.00
$209.50
Speeding 20-29 over limit (School/Construction Zone)
$379.00
$332.50
Speeding 30+ over limit Mandatory Court
NA
NA
Speeding 30+ over limit (School/Construction Zone) Mandatory Court
NA
NA
Red Light Violation
$204.00
Railroad Crossing
$179.00
Disabled Parking
$156.00
All Terrain Vehicles
$84.00
Load Dropping
$259.00
Failure to Stop for School Bus
$179.00
Bicycle Helmet
$47.50
Move Over Act
$139.00
$135.20
A violation of the following Florida Statutes will be dismissed by the Clerks Office and the defendant will be charged a $10.00 fee if they show the Clerk a valid drivers license, registration, or proof of insurance issued prior to the date of the citation.
The following charges are nonmoving violations with a fine of $89.00. However, within 30 days from the date of the citation, the defendant may have the proper equipment corrected, pay a $4.00 fee to a Law Enforcement Officer to sign an affidavit stating such, and pay a reduced fine of $10.00 to the Clerk. Otherwise the fine is due within 30 days from the date of the citation.
Frequently asked questions about Traffic Citations:
How much will my Traffic Citation cost and where do I pay?
It depends on what violation you were charged with and whether you pay it within the alloted 30 days after the date of the citation. If you pay after 30 days late fees will be assessed. See the table above for specific traffic fines if paid within 30 days.
How do I make arrangements to go to driving school to avoid points being assessed.
First, contact the Clerks Office at (386) 758-1046. You will have to sign an affidavit electing to attend a driving school, and pay the Clerks Office the associated costs for this option within 30 days of the date of the citation.
Next, contact a driving school of your choice that is approved by the State of Florida and complete the course within 90 days from the date of the citation. The schools will advise you of their associated costs for taking the approved driving program.
Finally, provide the Clerks Office with a copy of the Certificate of Completion that will be issued to you by the school. This option may only be used once in a 12 month period, and no more than 5 times in your lifetime. Failure to provide the Certificate within 90 days will result in your license being suspended.
How do I make a plea of not guilty or request Court Date?
Submit a written plea of not guilty with your signature, address, phone number, and a copy of your citation.
Request a hearing, or, if you are unable to appear, request an affidavit of defense which shall be used for your testimony.
Enclose a self addressed, stamped envelope.
The Clerks office cannot reschedule an infraction court appearance date.
By entering a plea of not guilty you are waiving your right to pay the fine or elect traffic school. If you are found guilty by the court, additional penalties may be imposed.
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS YOU MAY CALL Monday through Friday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Eastern time. (386) 758-1044 (386) 758-1046 (386) 719-7588
Or write: P. DeWitt Cason, Clerk of Courts PO Box 2069 Lake City, Fl 32056-2069
Overnight: P. DeWitt Cason, Clerk of Courts ATTN: TRAFFIC 173 NE Hernando Ave Lake City, Fl 32055
May I file an extension to pay my traffic infraction?
If you request an extension, you waive your right to attend traffic school or have a hearing.
You may obtain an additional 14 days to pay by coming in person to the Columbia County Courthouse at 173 NE Hernando Ave, Lake City, Florida, or by mailing your request in writing or call 386-758-1046. Please enclose a copy of your citation.
How do I obtain a copy of my driving record and points?
You may purchase a copy at the Clerks Office, 173 NE Hernando Ave, Lake City, Florida. The cost for a 3 year record is $3.10 + an additional $1.00 per page if more than 1 page.
