Florida Traffic Violation Defense: Protect Your License

How the Florida Point System Affects Your Driving Privileges

Traffic violation points are a means of keeping Florida drivers aware of the cumulative effect that traffic tickets have on their driving record. When a driver pays a citation for speeding, careless or reckless driving and others, there is an admission of guilt that also results in points being added to your license. If 12 or more points are assessed to a drivers' license within a 12-month period, then driving privileges may be restricted. Subsequent traffic tickets can quickly increase the restriction, and so the need to fight traffic tickets and avoid these points is absolutely critical if you want to maintain your right to drive.

In Florida, different traffic violations carry different point penalties. For example, a speeding offense that results in an accident will warrant a 6-point addition to your license whereas an improper lane change may warrant only 3. In either event, subsequent violations can quickly lead to license restrictions. A Florida traffic ticket lawyer with experience in state traffic laws should have a deep understanding of the Florida points system, should be aware how many points may be assessed to a license for any given infraction, and should also know which measures can be taken to avoid point assessment, and lessen the costs associated with your ticket.

If you have questions about Florida's point system or if you are in need of a Florida traffic ticket lawyer, contact us today!

Point Penalties for Traffic Violations in Florida

In the state of Florida, when you accumulate 12 points in a period of 12 months, your driver's license will be automatically suspended for 30 days. If you accumulate 18 points within 18 months (including points from a 12 point suspension), your license will be automatically suspended for 3 months.

When a person accumulates 24 points within 36 months (including points from a 12 or 18 month suspension), their license will be automatically suspended for one year.

The following are some examples of common infractions and their point values in Florida:

• Speeding less than 15 mph above the speed limit – 3 points
• Speeding over 15 mph above the speed limit – 4 points
• Speeding that results in a collision – 6 points
• Moving violation that results in a collision – 3 points
• Passing a stopped school bus – 4 points
• Reckless driving – 4 points
• Violating a child restraint law – 3 points
• Littering – 3 points
• Hit and run resulting in property damage over $50 – 6 points