Florida’s Driver’s License Point System

Under section 322.27 of the Florida Statutes, Florida uses a point system to track traffic violations and their severity. Accumulating points can lead to license suspension or revocation depending on the number of points accrued within a specific timeframe.

Points and Violations:

3 points: Minor offenses like speeding within 15 mph of the limit, seat belt violations for passengers under 6, and other basic moving violations.
4 points: More serious offenses like speeding over 15 mph, passing a stopped school bus, accidents involving moving violations, and reckless driving.
6 points: Very serious offenses like causing an accident with unlawful speed and leaving the scene of an accident with significant property damage.

License Suspension Thresholds:

12 points in 12 months: License suspended for no more than 30 days.
18 points in 18 months: License suspended for no more than 3 months.
24 points in 36 months: License suspended for no more than 1 year.

Reasons for License Suspension:

Beyond accumulating points, your license can be suspended for various reasons, including:

Fraudulent license applications.
Inability to drive safely.
Unlawful use of your license.
Traffic convictions with court-ordered suspension.
Refusal of sobriety tests.
Misusing a restricted license.
Unpaid traffic fines.
Failing to appear in court.

Reasons for License Revocation

More serious offenses can lead to license revocation, including:

DUI convictions.
Felonies involving vehicles.
Hit-and-run causing death or injury.
Falsifying vehicle ownership or use.
Repeated reckless driving.
Immoral acts involving vehicles.
Multiple major offenses or points within 5 years.
Felony drug possession.
Failing to meet vision requirements.
Court-ordered revocation.
Twice passing a stopped school bus loading/unloading students within 5 years.

Additional Consequences:

Certain offenses carry specific consequences:
Causing a death – Minimum 3-year revocation.
Repeat DUI convictions – Permanent revocation.
DUI causing death – Permanent revocation.
Driving with a suspended license – Jail time and additional suspension.
DUI – Minimum 6-month suspension.

License Cancellation:

Failure to comply with specific legal requirements, such as completing a mandated driver improvement course after a serious accident, can lead to license cancellation until compliance is achieved.

Understanding the point system, potential consequences of violations, and the difference between suspension, revocation, and cancellation is crucial for all Florida drivers. This knowledge can help you maintain a clean driving record and avoid license-related complications.