Accumulating points on a Florida driver’s license can lead to fines, increased insurance rates, and potentially a suspended license, which can disrupt daily life and employment. Understanding the state’s point system is important for maintaining a clear driving record.
How Long Points Stay on the Record
Points from a traffic conviction in Florida remain active for suspension purposes for 365 days from the date they are assessed by the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV). This means individual points expire after one year and no longer count toward license suspension thresholds.
The record of the traffic violation conviction itself stays on your driving history for a much longer period, 10 years or more, and sometimes indefinitely, depending on the offense’s severity. This conviction record can be accessed by insurance companies and employers even after the points are no longer active for suspension calculations.
What Can Trigger a Suspension
The FLHSMV monitors point accumulations and will suspend driving privileges if certain thresholds are met. The suspension length depends on how many active points are accrued within specific timeframes, calculated from the date of each violation.
Accumulating 12 points within a 12-month period results in a 30-day suspension.1Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. Points & Point Suspensions If a driver gathers 18 points within an 18-month period, the suspension extends to three months. A one-year suspension occurs if a driver accumulates 24 points within a 36-month period. These suspensions are automatically processed once conviction records indicate the thresholds are met.
Reducing Points Through Approved Courses
Florida drivers can prevent points from being added to their license for a qualifying traffic citation by completing a Basic Driver Improvement (BDI) course, also known as traffic school.2Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. Basic Driver Improvement (BDI) and Approved Course Providers Completing an FLHSMV-approved BDI course means adjudication is withheld for that offense, so no points are assessed. This option prevents points from being added, not remove existing ones.
This election is limited: a driver can choose this option once in any 12-month period and no more than five times in a lifetime.3Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. Driver Improvement Courses FAQ The election must be made within 30 days of receiving the citation by notifying the county clerk of court and paying the civil penalty.4Marion County Clerk of Court. Traffic School Election Affidavit and Information Sheet Proof of course completion must then be submitted to the clerk by a specified deadline. Failure to do so can lead to point assessment, additional fees, and potential license suspension.
Common Traffic Violations That Add Points
The FLHSMV assigns point values to traffic violations based on their severity. Common moving violations that result in three points include:
- Speeding 15 miles per hour or less over the limit
- Failing to yield the right-of-way
- Running a red light
- Improper lane changes
- Failing to obey a traffic control signal or device
More serious violations incur more points. Four points are assessed for speeding more than 15 miles per hour above the posted limit, reckless driving, and passing a stopped school bus.5The Florida Senate. Florida Statutes Chapter 322 Section 27 – Authority to Suspend or Revoke License Leaving the scene of a crash involving property damage over $50 results in six points. A moving violation that contributes to a traffic crash also results in four points. The FLHSMV maintains a full list of violations and their point values.
Correcting Errors on Your Record
If inaccuracies appear on a Florida driving record, such as an incorrectly attributed violation or an erroneous point assessment, drivers can seek corrections. The initial step is to obtain an official copy of the driving record from the FLHSMV (available online, by mail, or at a service center) to identify the specific error.
To dispute incorrect information, a driver must contact the FLHSMV by submitting a written request for review with supporting documentation, like court documents showing a dismissal or proof of traffic school completion.6Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. Questions About Driving Records The FLHSMV’s Bureau of Records reviews these disputes.
If an error originated from court-reported data and the FLHSMV’s record matches the court’s transmission, the driver should contact the county court clerk where the citation occurred. The court then sends corrected information to the FLHSMV. Drivers should be thorough in providing evidence, as the burden of proof rests with them.