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
Upon receipt of a traffic ticket for any violation where points may be assessed, you have 30 days from the date of issuance of the ticket to exercise one of three options:
- Option 1: Plead guilty, pay the ticket and accept points on your driver license
- 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
Option1 - Pay the Ticket
If you choose to pay the ticket, points are assessed against your driver license.
Brevard County Payment Center
Option 2 - Go To Traffic School
If you choose the school option, notify the Clerk of Court when you pay the ticket that you are making a traffic school election. You will be then given a deadline to submit a certificate of completion to show compliance in order to satisfy your case.
If you do not have a commercial driver’s license, have not elected to attend the defensive driving course within the past 12 months, and have not elected to attend the defensive driving course more than 5 times in your lifetime, you are eligible to make this election. By making this election, a disposition of adjudication withheld by clerk will be transmitted to DHSMV. No points will be assessed to your driver’s license as a result of your election to attend the course.
An election must be made within 30 consecutive days of your violation date. You will be given 90 days from your violation date to complete the course and return the certificate to the Clerk’s Office. Please note that it is your responsibility to ensure that the Clerk’s Office receives your completion certificate within a timely manner.
If you elect to attend the course but do not complete the course, you will be required to pay an $18.00 change of election fee. The citation’s disposition will be changed to adjudicated guilty with points assessed. A suspension may generate for failure to complete the course within a timely manner. If this occurs, DHSMV will mail a notice of pending suspension to the address on your driver’s license record. Failure to respond to the notice by the date indicated on the letter will result in suspension of your driving privilege and additional fees.
Option 3 - Contesting Your Ticket
You may request a hearing before a judge or hearing officer. A Traffic Hearing Officer is a court appointed attorney who has authority to hear traffic hearings. If you would like a hearing in front of a judge, you must submit your request to the clerk via email or a written request. If your election is not received by the Clerk's Office within your compliance period, you must remit a late fee and, if applicable, pay a reinstatement fee.
Please visit the Brevard County Hearing Request page for more information.
Brevard County Clerk of Court Locations
Historical Titusville Courthouse
506 S Palm AveTitusville, FL 32796
Moore Justice Center
2825 Judge Fran Jamieson WayViera, FL 32940
Melbourne Branch
51 Nieman AveMelbourne, FL 32901
Merritt Island Office
2575 North Courtenay PkwyRoom 129
Merritt Island, FL 32953
Palm Bay Office
450 Cogan Drive SEPalm Bay, FL 32909
