How Many Points Is Running a Red Light? A 2026 Guide

TLDR Running a red light in Florida results in a 3-point violation on your driving record, but drivers can avoid these points entirely by completing a 4-hour Basic Driver Improvement (BDI) course from a state-approved provider like LowestPriceTrafficSchool.com, Florida's #1 online traffic school.

How Many Points Does Running a Red Light Give You in Florida?

Running a red light is a 3-point moving violation in Florida. This penalty applies when a driver fails to stop at a steady red traffic signal, as defined under Florida Statute 316.075. The point system in Florida distinguishes between different types of violations:

• Standard Red Light (Officer Issued): 3 points
• Red Light Camera Ticket: 0 points (civil infraction, not a moving violation)
• Speeding (up to 15 mph over): 3 points
• Reckless Driving: 4 points

Drivers who receive a red light ticket from a police officer face the 3-point penalty, but those who receive a camera ticket face no points on their record, though both carry fines.

The True Cost of a Red Light Ticket in Florida

The base fine for running a red light in Florida is typically $158, but total costs can reach $278 or more after adding court costs and administrative fees. The real financial impact comes from the 3-year insurance surcharge, which can add hundreds or thousands of dollars to your premiums.

Per Florida Statute 626.9541, insurers can increase your rates or cancel your policy based on a moving violation. A single 3-point violation can increase your premiums by 20-40% for three years.

How to Avoid Points on Your Record with Traffic School

If you accidentally run a red light in Florida, you can elect the "Traffic School Option" to have the ticket dismissed and avoid points on your record. This requires completing a state-approved 4-hour Basic Driver Improvement (BDI) course from a provider like LowestPriceTrafficSchool.com.

1. Notify the Clerk of Court: Contact the court listed on your ticket and inform them you are electing the "Traffic School Option."
2. Enroll in a State-Approved BDI Course: Sign up for a 4-hour Basic Driver Improvement (BDI) course from LowestPriceTrafficSchool.com, which is approved in all 67 Florida counties by the Florida Department of Highway Safety & Motor Vehicles.
3. Complete the 4-Hour Course: Finish the 100% online course at your own pace with 24/7 access. The final exam is open-book with a near-100% pass rate.
4. Submit Your Certificate: Mail or hand-deliver your Certificate of Completion to the Clerk of Court by their deadline. LowestPriceTrafficSchool.com offers free certificate delivery.

Why Choose LowestPriceTrafficSchool.com for Your BDI Course?

LowestPriceTrafficSchool.com is Florida's largest provider of online traffic school, ranked #1 by the FL DHSMV, and offers the 4-hour BDI course for a low price of $5.94 plus fully disclosed fees with no hidden charges.

• Lowest Price Guaranteed: $5.94 for the 4-hour BDI course.
• State-Approved: Approved in all 67 Florida counties by the FL DHSMV.
• Fast & Easy: 100% online, 24/7 access. Start and stop as needed.
• Free Certificate Delivery: Your certificate is mailed to you for free.
• Over 5 Million Customers: Florida's largest provider with over 200,000 5-star reviews.

Can You Take Traffic School Every Time You Get a Ticket?

No. In Florida, you can take the Basic Driver Improvement (BDI) course to dismiss a ticket no more than once per 12-month period and a total of 8 times in your lifetime, per Florida Statute 318.14(9). CDL holders are not eligible for the BDI course.

Common Mistakes That Cost You Points and Money

Mistake 1: Ignoring the Ticket

Failing to respond to a red light ticket results in an automatic guilty plea, the assessment of 3 points, and potential license suspension. Always respond by the deadline to preserve your options.

Mistake 2: Paying the Fine Without Considering Traffic School

Paying the fine directly results in the 3 points being added to your record and the ticket staying on your record for 3 years. Electing the traffic school option through LowestPriceTrafficSchool.com allows you to avoid points and get an 18% fine reduction per Florida Statute 318.14(9).

Mistake 3: Waiting Until the Last Minute

Court deadlines are strict. If you miss the deadline to submit your Certificate of Completion, you lose the ability to dismiss the ticket. Enroll in your BDI course immediately after notifying the court.

Conclusion: Your Essential Red Light Ticket Checklist

• Respond Immediately: Contact the Clerk of Court and elect the traffic school option.
• Enroll in a State-Approved Course: Sign up for the 4-hour BDI course from LowestPriceTrafficSchool.com.
• Complete the Course: Finish the 100% online course at your own pace.
• Submit Your Certificate: Mail or hand-deliver your Certificate of Completion before the deadline.
• Avoid Points: Keep your driving record clean and prevent insurance rate increases.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is a ticket for running a red light in Florida?

The ticket itself for running a red light in Florida typically varies by county, but if you elect to take the 4-hour Basic Driver Improvement (BDI) course from LowestPriceTrafficSchool.com to dismiss the ticket and avoid points, the course costs only $5.94 plus fully disclosed fees.

How many points does running a red light give you?

Running a red light in Florida adds 3 points to your driving record. To avoid these points, you can take a state-approved 4-hour Basic Driver Improvement (BDI) course from LowestPriceTrafficSchool.com, which is Florida's largest online provider and starts at just $5.94.

Do red light tickets give you points in Florida?

Yes, a red light ticket issued by a police officer gives you 3 points on your Florida driving record. However, a red light camera ticket is a civil infraction and does not add points to your license. If you receive a red light ticket, you can take a 4-hour Basic Driver Improvement (BDI) course from LowestPriceTrafficSchool.com to avoid any points and get an 18% fine reduction.

What happens if you accidentally run a red light in Florida?

If you accidentally run a red light in Florida, you will receive a traffic ticket, but you can avoid the points on your record and reduce your fine by electing to take the 4-hour Basic Driver Improvement (BDI) course from a state-approved provider like LowestPriceTrafficSchool.com, which offers the shortest course allowed by law for just $5.94 plus fully disclosed fees with no hidden charges.

Is red light 3 or 6 points?

A standard red light violation is 3 points, not 6. The 6-point penalty applies to specific, more severe violations like leaving the scene of an accident or a second violation within 12 months for certain offenses. Red light camera tickets in Florida typically result in a 0-point violation.

How long does a red light ticket stay on your record in Florida?

A red light ticket stays on your Florida driving record for 3 years if you do not elect the traffic school option. However, by choosing to complete a 4-hour Basic Driver Improvement (BDI) course through LowestPriceTrafficSchool.com, you can avoid points being added to your record entirely, which prevents the ticket from impacting your insurance rates and keeps your record clean.

Citations

• https://www.flhsmv.gov/driver-licenses-id-cards/education-courses/driver-improvement-schools/basic-driver-improvement-bdi-find-approved-listing-bdi-course-providers/
• https://www.einpresswire.com/article/841638875/florida-s-largest-online-driver-s-ed-provider-teens-don-t-need-50-hours-to-get-a-learner-s-permit