Omar Bennett
Florida has a point system for traffic violations, where points are assigned based on the type of conviction. Accumulating points can lead to fines, increased insurance premiums, and license suspensions or revocations. Points remain on a Florida driver's record for at least 36 months from the violation date, and drivers can face harsher punishments for acquiring additional points during this period. To reduce points, drivers can attend state-approved traffic schools or driver improvement courses. Understanding Florida's point system and the types of infractions that add points can help drivers make informed decisions and protect their driving records.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Points remain on a Florida driver's license | 3 years (36 months) |
| Points assigned based on | Type of conviction |
| Points removed automatically after | 3 years (36 months) |
| Accumulating points leads to | License suspension, higher insurance premiums, difficulty obtaining employment |
| Accumulating 12 points within 12 months leads to | License suspension for 30 days |
| Accumulating 18 points within 18 months leads to | License suspension for 3 months |
| Accumulating 24 points within 36 months leads to | License suspension for 12 months |
| Accumulating 15 violations that give points or 3 major offenses within 5 years leads to | License revocation |
| Minors (under 18) accumulating 6 or more points within a year leads to | License restriction for 1 year |
| Minors (under 21) caught with a blood alcohol level of .02% or more leads to | Automatic license suspension for 6 months |
| Students (aged 14 and above) accumulating 15 unexcused absences within 90 calendar days leads to | License suspension until they can prove they have attended school for 30 consecutive school days |
| Out-of-state traffic tickets | Can impact driving record due to Florida being a member of the Driver License Compact (DLC) |
| Ways to reduce points | Completing a state-approved traffic school or driver improvement course, getting a court to dismiss a ticket |
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What You'll Learn
How points are assigned
Florida's point system assigns points to drivers for traffic violations, with consequences such as license suspension and increased insurance rates. The accumulation of points on a driver's license can potentially lead to license suspension, heightened insurance premiums, and other penalties. Points are assigned based on the type of conviction and remain on the driver record for at least five years from the date of disposition (conviction). Points can be given for traffic violations, ranging from minor offenses, such as speeding, to major incidents like leaving the scene of an accident or driving under the influence. Speeding, running a red light, reckless driving, and DUI are common traffic violations in Florida that incur points.
Florida is a member of the Driver License Compact (DLC), an agreement between states to share traffic violation information. So, if a Florida driver receives a ticket in another state, that violation is reported back to Florida. Depending on the severity of the offense, points could be added to the driver's Florida license just as if they had committed the infraction within the state. For example, significant moving violations like speeding, reckless driving, or DUIs will usually result in points being added according to Florida's point system guidelines. On the other hand, parking violations or non-moving violations generally won't affect a Florida driving record.
Florida has specific thresholds for point accumulation that can result in the suspension or revocation of a driver's license. For instance, accumulating 12 points within 12 months will result in a 30-day suspension, while 18 points within 18 months will lead to a three-month suspension. Accumulating 24 points within 36 months can result in a 12-month suspension. Points generally remain on a Florida driver's license for 36 months, after which they are automatically removed. It's important to note that the timeline for point removal begins on the date of the violation rather than when the points were added.
One way to reduce points on a Florida driver's license is by attending a state-approved traffic school or driver improvement course. These courses can help keep points off a driver's record, reduce fines, and avoid increases in insurance rates. However, they can only be used for point reduction once every 12 months and a maximum of five times in a lifetime.
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How long points remain on your license
In Florida, points on your driver's license can have several negative consequences, including increased insurance premiums, license suspension, and even difficulty obtaining certain types of employment. Therefore, it is important to understand how long these points remain on your record.
Points on a Florida driver's license typically remain for 36 months or three years from the date of the violation. This timeline may vary depending on the specific circumstances and the type of conviction. For example, points resulting from a conviction may stay on your record for at least five years from the date of disposition.
During the 36-month period, it is crucial to avoid accumulating additional points, as this can lead to harsher punishments. If you accumulate 12 points within 12 months, your license may be suspended for 30 days. Accumulating 18 points within 18 months can result in a three-month suspension. Finally, if you accumulate 24 points within 36 months, your license may be suspended for a year.
To reduce points or prevent them from being added to your record, you can consider attending a state-approved traffic school or completing a driver improvement course. These courses can help you keep your driving record clean and potentially lower your insurance rates. However, it's important to note that traffic school courses can only be used for point reduction once every 12 months and a maximum of five times in your lifetime.
Additionally, consulting a traffic lawyer or a Florida traffic ticket attorney can provide you with specific guidance on the point system and help you navigate the complexities of traffic laws. They can assist in finding alternatives to awarding points and ensuring your driving privileges remain intact.
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How to check how many points you have
In Florida, accumulating points on your driving license can lead to negative consequences, including increased insurance premiums, license suspension or revocation, and difficulty obtaining certain types of employment. Therefore, it is important to periodically check the number of points on your license and take steps to reduce them if necessary. Here are some methods to check your point status:
Online Driver License Check:
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) provides an Online Driver License Check tool that allows drivers to review the current status of their license, including any points, suspensions, or revocations. To access this tool, visit the DHSMV website and provide the necessary information, such as your driver's license number, date of birth, and/or Social Security number. This service is offered at no cost to the user.
Request a Florida Driving Record:
You can request a copy of your Florida driving record, which will provide details of any citations received, along with the points accrued. There are multiple ways to obtain your driving record:
- Online: You can purchase a 3-year or 7-year driving history directly from the DHSMV website.
- Mail: Complete and submit the Driver License Record Request Form, along with the applicable fee, to the Bureau of Records in Tallahassee, Florida. The cost is $8 for a three-year record and $10 for a seven-year record.
- In-Person: Visit any Florida driver license service center, court clerks who provide this service, or a private vendor to obtain a 3-year, 7-year, or complete driver record.
Enroll in a Traffic School or Driver Improvement Course:
Although this method does not directly provide your point total, enrolling in a state-approved course can help reduce the number of points on your license. These courses can be taken once every 12 months and up to five times during your lifetime. Remember to choose a school approved by the DHSMV and check with your local court to ensure eligibility for point reduction.
It is important to note that points generally remain on your Florida driver's license for 36 months (3 years) from the date of the violation. By keeping track of your point status and taking proactive measures, you can maintain a clean driving record and avoid the negative consequences associated with accumulating too many points.
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Consequences of accumulating points
Accumulating points on your Florida driving license can have several negative consequences. Firstly, points remain on a Florida driver's license for 36 months or three years from the date of the violation. During this period, it is important to avoid accumulating additional points, as this can lead to harsher punishments. One of the main consequences of accumulating points is increased insurance premiums. Insurance companies often consider drivers with points on their records to be higher-risk, resulting in higher insurance rates.
Another significant consequence is license suspension or revocation. Florida has specific thresholds for point accumulation that can result in the suspension or revocation of a driver's license. For example, accumulating 12 points within 12 months can lead to a 30-day suspension, while 18 points within 18 months may result in a three-month suspension. Accumulating 24 points within 36 months can lead to a more severe consequence of a one-year suspension. These thresholds highlight the importance of understanding the point system and taking proactive measures to avoid traffic violations.
The accumulation of points can also impact employment opportunities, particularly for positions that involve driving company vehicles or transporting goods. Employers often require a clean driving record for such roles, and having points on your license may make securing employment more challenging. Additionally, points can result in fines and court costs, further increasing the financial burden on drivers. In some cases, drivers may be required to complete driving school courses or advanced driver improvement programs to reduce points or maintain their driving privileges.
It is worth noting that Florida handles out-of-state traffic tickets differently. As a member of the Driver License Compact (DLC), Florida shares traffic violation information with other states. Significant moving violations, such as speeding, reckless driving, or DUIs, committed in another state can result in points being added to a Florida license. However, minor violations like parking infractions or non-moving violations typically do not affect your Florida driving record. Overall, understanding Florida's point system and taking proactive measures to maintain a clean driving record can help drivers avoid the negative consequences associated with accumulating points.
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How to reduce points
In Florida, accumulating points on your driving license can lead to several negative consequences, including increased insurance premiums, license suspension or revocation, and difficulty obtaining certain types of employment. While it's essential to maintain a clean driving record by obeying traffic laws, there may be times when you need to take steps to reduce points on your license. Here are some ways to do that:
Enroll in a Traffic School or Driver Improvement Course:
One of the most effective ways to lower points on your Florida driver's license is by attending a state-approved traffic school or driver improvement course. These courses can help you remove points from your license or prevent points from being added in the first place. Florida offers options like "driving school" or "defensive driving school" to offset points for certain infractions. Basic driver improvement courses can help you keep a clean driving record by avoiding reckless driving, moving violations, and other basic driver errors.
It's important to choose a traffic school approved by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) to ensure that your point reduction is recognized by the state. Additionally, check with your local court to confirm your eligibility for point reduction through traffic school, as some violations may not qualify. You can only use traffic school for point reduction once every 12 months and a maximum of five times in your lifetime.
Contest Your Ticket:
When you receive a traffic ticket, you have the option to contest it. You can fight the ticket with the clerk of the court, especially for careless driving actions like red-light violations or speeding. However, winning in court is not guaranteed, and you should carefully consider your options before choosing this route.
Check Your Point Status:
It's important to keep track of your point status and know when your points will be removed. You can check your driving record and point status by requesting a copy from the DHSMV or using the Florida driver's license check online tool provided by the DHSMV. Staying informed about your point status will help you take timely action to avoid harsher punishments and keep your driving record clean.
Apply for a Hardship License:
If you have accumulated too many points and your license has been suspended, you may be able to apply for a hardship license through your local Administrative Reviews Office. This option allows you to maintain some driving privileges, but you will need to submit proof of Advanced Driver Improvement (ADI) school completion and pay a reinstatement fee along with other applicable license fees.
Understand the Point System and Avoid Further Infractions:
Familiarize yourself with Florida's point system and the consequences of accumulating points. Points are assigned based on the type of conviction, and the number of points depends on the severity of the offense. By understanding the system, you can make more informed decisions and take steps to avoid further points, such as driving more carefully and obeying traffic laws.
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Frequently asked questions
Florida, like many other states, uses a point system to track traffic violations. Points are assigned when you receive tickets for moving violations. Accumulating points within a certain timeframe can lead to fines and license suspensions.
Points are assigned based on the type of conviction. For example, speeding less than 15 mph over the speed limit is 3 points, while speeding over 15 mph is 4 points. Points remain on your license for 36 months (3 years) from the violation date.
Accumulating too many points can lead to your license being suspended or revoked. For example, accumulating 12 points within 12 months will result in a 30-day suspension, while 24 points within 36 months will result in a 12-month suspension.
You can reduce points by attending a state-approved traffic school or driver improvement course. This can be done once every 12 months and a maximum of five times in your lifetime.
