Florida’s Traffic Violation Point System

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DMV) keeps a record of each driver’s moving violation convictions using a point system. This article explains how Florida's traffic violation point system works, including the consequences of getting too many points on your record.

How Does Florida's Traffic Ticket Point System Work?

For every moving violation conviction, the Florida DMV will assign points to your driving record. The number of points loosely correlates to the seriousness of the offense (see chart below).

Florida drivers who rack up too many points face the possibility of license suspension. However, points don't stay on your record forever. In some cases, the driver can avoid the points for a violation by completing traffic school (explained below).

License Suspension for Traffic Violation Points in Florida

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.

• 12 points in 12 months will result in a license suspension of up to 30 days
• 18 points in 18 months leads to a license suspension of up to three months, and
• 24 points in 36 months results in a license suspension of up to one year.

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.

How Long Do Traffic Ticket Points Stay on Your Florida Driver's License?

All points expire after three years. Additionally, after reinstatement from a first suspension, the DMV will deduct three points from the driver’s record.

Florida Drivers Can Sometimes Avoid Points by Doing Traffic School

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.

Appealing a Point Suspension in Florida

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 a hardship license.

Florida's Point Values for Traffic Tickets

The following list indicates the number of points assigned for various violations.

Two points are added to any violation that includes the unlawful use of a cell phone in a school zone.

Some tickets won't result in points if the violation was identified using automated enforcement technology.