The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DMV) keeps a record of each driver's moving violation convictions using a point system. Each traffic conviction is assigned a point value, and drivers who accumulate too many points face license suspension.
The following list indicates the number of points assigned for various violations.
|
Violation |
Points Assessed |
|
Reckless driving |
4 |
|
6 |
|
|
Crash due to speeding or cellphone use |
6 |
|
Passing stopped school bus |
4 |
|
Causing injury by passing stopped school bus |
6 |
|
Speeding up to 15 miles per hour over the limit |
3 |
|
Speeding over 15 miles per hour over the limit |
4 |
|
4 |
|
|
Unlisted moving violation |
3 |
|
Unlisted moving violation resulting in crash |
4 |
|
Littering |
3 |
|
Interfering with traffic control device |
4 |
A violation that also includes unlawful use of a cellphone in a school zone adds two points.
When a driver accumulates a certain number of points in a set amount of time, the DMV will send a notice indicating the length and terms of the driver's license suspension.
A driver can also be revoked if deemed a "habitual violator." Having 15 minor violations or three major traffic violations within five years can lead to a habitual violator designation.
The driver must also provide the DMV with proof of valid insurance or face vehicle registration suspension.
All points expire after three years. Additionally, after reinstatement from a first suspension, the DMV will deduct three points from the driver's record.
For certain traffic offenses, the driver will be eligible for a driver improvement course. By completing this course, the driver can avoid the points for the violation. A driver can do a driver improvement course only once every 12 months.
A suspended driver who wishes to appeal a notice of suspension generally must do so by filing a legal document in court. However, the driver can request an administrative hearing to ask for a reduction or hardship license.