Point Suspensions On Your Florida Driver’s License

Florida Driver’s License Attorneys and Lawyers

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor vehicles has developed a point system based upon certain violations.  Aside from insurance increases, the law mandates that the Department suspend the drivers license of individuals who have accumulated a certain number of points. Currently there are 76,630 Florida licensed drivers who are under some sort of point suspension (Florida DHSMV, June 18, 2007).

These points occur because people pay their citations without electing a hearing or making a traffic school election. When you pay a ticket in the State of Florida without electing traffic school, you will receive points on your license. Points accumulate on your record and ultimately result in a suspension of your driver’s license. Typically the suspensions last from 30 days to 1 year depending on the number of points. You could face jail if you get caught driving during a point suspension. You may qualify for a hardship or business purposes only license during your suspension period. In order for you to be considered for that license you will normally be required to complete the 12 hour advanced driver improvement course and then have a hearing with your local Bureau of Administrative Review Office . A hearing officer employed by the Department of Motor Vehicles will determine whether the State will grant you the privilege to drive with a restricted license during your suspension period.

People under the age of 18 are subject to different rules regarding point suspensions. Florida law mandates that if someone under 18 accumulates 6 or more points then their license will automatically convert to business purposes only. If you are under the age of 18 and have an issue which could subject you to a point or restricted license please call our office immediately to discuss your record and the facts of your case.