Traffic

Traffic Tickets

What types of cases are heard in Traffic Court?

The Traffic Division of the County Court hears criminal traffic cases and civil infractions. Criminal traffic cases are heard by the county Judge.

What is a criminal traffic charge?

A criminal traffic charge, such as driving under the influence, requires a court appearance and subjects a person to penalties which include a fine and/or the possibility of a jail term. Payment of the ticket cannot be made automatically to the Clerk's Office.

What is a civil traffic infraction?

A civil traffic infraction is a non-criminal charge that usually can be disposed of by payment of a civil penalty or an 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 to another. Payment can be made by mail by using the traffic envelope provided by the officer; by mailing the payment to Traffic Department, P.O. Drawer 510, Marianna, Florida 32447, by paying in person at the Traffic Division of the Clerk's office, or by phone with Visa, Mastercard or Discover 850-482-9699.

How soon after issuance must I pay the ticket?

Infraction violations must be paid within 30 calendar days from the date the ticket was issued.

What happens if the ticket is not timely paid?

A suspension will be entered against your driver's license which could affect your insurance rates and subject you to additional penalties.

Are there other options available to me?

Yes, payable civil infractions may be satisfied by entering a plea of not guilty, by electing to attend a driver improvement course, or by submitting an Affidavit of Compliance in cases involving safety equipment violations that you have corrected. Also, traffic tickets issued for no valid driver's license, no registration certificate, or no proof of insurance can be dismissed for $7.50, if you furnish proof that you had the document at the time you were charged.

How do I enter a not guilty plea to a civil traffic infraction?

You must notify the Clerk's Office, in person or in writing, within the 30 days required time period. Your case will be scheduled for an infraction hearing, at which you will be formally advised of the charge against you. You may change your plea at that time and the hearing will take place.

Who will be present at the hearing?

The officer who issued the traffic ticket, any witnesses called by the officer, and any witnesses you wish to call, will be present at the hearing.

What happens if the court finds me guilty?

If you are found guilty of a civil traffic infraction, the court may assess the fine and costs up to $500.00, order you to attend a defensive driving course, or impose other penalties. If you fail to pay the fine and costs in the time allotted by the court, a suspension will be issued against your driver's license and additional penalties will be imposed.

Can the Clerk's Office advise me about points assessed against my license?

No, deputy clerks cannot offer advice concerning the number of points assessed against your license or how points will affect your insurance. You must address these concerns to the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles and/or your insurance agent.

Defensive Driving School

Who may make an election to attend Defensive Driving School?

A person charged with a moving violation may be eligible to attend a defensive driving course. A person charged with a violation involving driver licenses, vehicle registration, proof of insurance, or leaving a child under the age of 6 unattended in a vehicle is not eligible.

What are the benefits of attending defensive driving school?

There are three benefits. One, no points will be assessed against your driver's license. Two, attending a defensive driving course to satisfy the violation will be entered on your driver history record as an "adjudication withheld." Three, the civil penalty you must pay will be reduced by 18 percent.

What is the cost of defensive driving school?

School costs vary, depending on the school you attend. You must pay the civil penalty for the offense, plus the costs for the driving course; the civil penalty, less a percentage deduction, is required by law. There is also a cost for the driving course.

How do I enroll?

You may visit the Jackson County Clerk's Office to make your election, or make your election by mail. You must enroll, attend and complete an approved driving course within 60 calendar days from the date you elect to attend. You must pay for the course at the time you enroll.

What steps do I take after I complete the defensive driving course?

Whether you attend a defensive driving school in Jackson County or in another County, you must present proof of completion of the driving course to the Jackson County Clerk's Office within 60 calendar days of the date you elect to attend the course.

What happens if I do not attend the defensive driving course I elected?

If you elect to attend a defensive driving course, you must complete the course and submit your completion certificate to the Jackson County Clerk's Office within 60 calendar days of your election. If you fail to meet any these requirements for any reason, you will be required to pay the 18 percent fine reduction amount and a $15.00 processing fee; failure to pay this amount may result in suspension of your driver's license. Additionally, points will be assessed against your driver's license.

How many times can I elect to attend a defensive driving course?

You may make an election to attend a defensive driving course to satisfy an eligible traffic violation one time in a 12 month period, but no more than 5 times in your lifetime. If you elect to attend, but fail to satisfy the requirements, the election will still count toward the 5 allowed.

What if I receive a ticket outside of Jackson County?

You must make your election and pay the fines and costs in the county where your ticket was issued. However, you may attend a defensive driving course approved by the State of Florida in the location of your choice.

Who may I contact for more information about an election?

You can reach the Traffic Division of the Jackson County Clerk's Office at (850) 482-9699. You may contact the approved driver improvement schools directly for information on hours and costs. As per Florida Statutes, the Clerk can not recommend a driver improvement school. For a list of these schools, you may consult the yellow pages of the telephone book.