Florida has fourth-lowest rate of speeding tickets in U.S.

speeding ticket
The state still has a high number of reckless drivers, however.

When it comes to paying heed to speed limits on the roadway, Floridians follow the law pretty regularly compared to motorists in other states.

A new study by MarketWatch Guides shows Florida has the fourth-lowest share of drivers who receive speeding tickets among all U.S. states.

The MarketWatch analysis used speeding ticket databases from law enforcement across the U.S. to compile the report. The data shows there are, on average, about 100,000 speeding tickets issued by law enforcement to drivers every day. Those citations amount to about $6 billion in fines for exceeding the speed limit in America each year.

The MarketWatch study found that 6.92% of Florida drivers get a speeding ticket each year.

Connecticut had the lowest percentage of drivers who get nailed for speeding, at 4.74%.

The MarketWatch analysis credited Connecticut with strict roadway enforcement of speed limits for its low percentage of drivers who get cited.

“Going over the speed limit in Connecticut is strictly enforced and dependent on the conditions — you can be given a speeding ticket if you are deemed to be going unreasonably fast. This is based on weather, the width of the road, and traffic,” MarketWatch concluded.

New Jersey came in second, with 5.52% of the drivers in that state being administered speeding tickets. MarketWatch noted that stiff fines in New Jersey likely contribute to more cautious drivers there.

“New Jersey punishes with a fine ranging from $85 to $260, depending on how far over the speed limit you are. You’ll also pay double the fine if you exceed a 65 mph speed limit by 10 mph or more,” the MarketWatch analysis said.

Nevada has the third-lowest share of drivers who get speeding tickets, with 6.5% of its motorists behind the wheel who get speeding tickets.

Rounding out the Top 5 was Kentucky, with a 7.24% ticket rate.

While Florida drivers might have a low percentage of drivers who get cited for exceeding the speed limit, that factoid seems counterintuitive to another statistic that makes the Sunshine State seem a bit more deadly on the road.

In July, a study by The Barnes Firm published a study that showed Florida was the fourth-worst state in the nation for reckless drivers.

Drew Dixon

Drew Dixon is a journalist of 40 years who has reported in print and broadcast throughout Florida, starting in Ohio in the 1980s. He is also an adjunct professor of philosophy and ethics at three colleges, Jacksonville University, University of North Florida and Florida State College at Jacksonville. You can reach him at [email protected].


4 comments

  • Joe

    September 15, 2024 at 5:40 am

    That’s because the speed limit is barely enforced in Florida. We have first responders, not law enforcement. You have the proof in your article. That’s why there are so many reckless drivers, idiots texting everywhere, cars with loud exhaust, and an extremely high pedestrian fatality rate. Not enough officers/lack of enforcement

  • Michael

    September 15, 2024 at 7:24 am

    ‘When it comes to paying heed to speed limits on the roadway, Floridians follow the law pretty regularly compared to motorists in other states.’

    There is something flawed in this conclusion when the same website shows Florida has the 2nd highest cost for auto insurance of all states. ‘Floridians’ obviously don’t follow the law when it comes to driving without required insurance because uninsured motorist and personal injury protection coverage cost is astronomical. I’d much rather have a higher chance of getting a speeding ticket because that means the police would be doing more checking of drivers’ insurance cards.

  • Carpetbagger

    September 15, 2024 at 8:43 am

    Counterintuitive? On a recent drive to Fort Myers on I-75 I drove in the right lane with cruise control locked on the speed limit (70 mph) and was continually passed like I was standing still. There’s nothing counterintuitive about it: speed limit enforcement on Florida highways is nil and everyone knows it.

    • rick whitaker

      September 15, 2024 at 9:40 am

      CARPETBAGGER, i thought desantis was a law and order politician. ron desantis is florida’s worst nightmare.

Comments are closed.


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