Criminal Defense
Since 1993
Since 1993
Can You Seal a Speeding Ticket to Hide Your Personal Info?
By: John Guidry
(Note: This article only applies to non-criminal traffic infractions like speeding or running a red light. If you are trying to seal a criminal traffic offense like DUI or Reckless Driving, different rules apply.)
It is official: there is way too much personal information online.
In the name of “transparency,” the court system makes it incredibly easy for criminals to steal your identity. If you get a speeding ticket in Orange County, the Clerk of Court publishes a scanned copy of that citation for the world to see—including hackers in Russia.
What exactly is out there? Free of charge, anyone can look up your citation and see:
- Your Name and Address
- Driver’s License Number
- Date of Birth
- Height, Weight, and Race
- Vehicle Make and Tag Number
- Your Signature
It is creepy, and it is dangerous. The question is: Can you seal these non-criminal traffic citations from public view?
The answer is: Yes. Maybe.
Worried about identity theft from public records?
You might have grounds to seal your citations. Call John today at (407) 423-1117.
The Legal Breakdown: Rule 2.420
As a general rule, Florida is the “Sunshine State,” meaning there is a heavy bias toward keeping records public. A judge won’t seal your ticket just because you are embarrassed about your weight or don’t want people to know your birthday.
However, Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.420 (“Public Access to and Protection of Judicial Records”) provides a pathway to privacy in specific situations.
1. Confidential Information
If your citation contains information deemed “confidential” under the law (e.g., social security numbers, certain medical info), you can file a motion to have that specific information redacted or the document sealed.
2. Threat of Harm
A judge has the discretion to seal a record if publishing it would lead to imminent harm.
- Example: When Casey Anthony was on probation, her address was kept private for her safety.
- Identity Theft: If you are a victim of identity theft and can prove that the traffic ticket information facilitated that theft (or puts you at specific risk), a judge may remove those records from public view.
3. The “Ends of Justice” Argument
The Florida Supreme Court has given judges broad power here. In Johnson v. State, 336 So. 2d 93 (Fla. 1976), the Court stated:
“From time immemorial courts have exercised their discretion… to seal their records from public view wherein the ends of justice may be served.”
How to Ask the Court
If you want to try to seal a non-criminal traffic ticket to protect your privacy, you need to file a formal motion with the judge. It is not guaranteed, but it is possible. Your motion should reference the court’s inherent authority. It might look something like this:
“Pursuant to this Court’s authority to seal its own records, Defendant asks this Honorable Court to seal from public view citation number [INSERT CITATION #], and cites Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.420, as well as the Florida Supreme Court’s opinion in Johnson v. State, which states that ‘from time immemorial courts have exercised their discretion… to seal their records from public view wherein the ends of justice may be served.'”
Note: This same procedure can sometimes be used to seal other non-criminal civil records, such as Domestic Violence Injunctions or Stalking Injunctions that were denied or dismissed.
Protect Your Data
You shouldn’t have to risk your identity just because you drove a little too fast. While the default is “public,” the law gives us tools to fight for privacy when the exposure creates a real danger.
If you are concerned about your personal information floating around on the Clerk’s website, let’s see if we can get it taken down.
Call me at (407) 423-1117. Let’s protect your privacy.
About John Guidry II
John Guidry II is a seasoned criminal defense attorney and founder of the Law Firm of John P. Guidry II, P.A., located in downtown Orlando next to the Orange County Courthouse, where he has practiced for over 30 years. With more than three decades of experience defending clients throughout Central Florida since 1993, Guidry has successfully defended thousands of cases in Orange, Seminole, Osceola, Brevard, Lake, and Volusia counties. He has built a reputation for his strategic approach to criminal defense, focusing on pretrial motions and case dismissals rather than jury trials.
Guidry earned both his Juris Doctorate and Master of Business Administration from St. Louis University in 1993. He is a member of the Florida Bar and the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. His practice encompasses the full spectrum of Florida state criminal charges, with a particular emphasis on achieving favorable outcomes through thorough pretrial preparation and motion practice.
Beyond the courtroom, Guidry is a prolific legal educator who has authored over 400 articles on criminal defense topics. He shares his legal expertise through his popular YouTube channel, Instagram, and TikTok accounts, where he has built a substantial following of people eager to learn about the law. His educational content breaks down complex legal concepts into accessible information for the general public.
When not practicing law, Guidry enjoys tennis and pickleball, and loves to travel. Drawing from his background as a former recording studio owner and music video producer in the Orlando area, he brings a creative perspective to his legal practice and continues to apply his passion for video production to his educational content.