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.
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).
Florid drivers who rack up too many points face the possibility of license suspension. However, points don't stay on your record forever. And in some case, the driver can avoid the points for a violation by completing traffic school (explained below).
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.
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 |
Two points are added to any violation that includes 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.