Any time you get a traffic ticket or are convicted of a traffic-related offense, you may receive points on your license. That makes many drivers wonder: How long do points stay on your license?
Florida’s driver’s license point system can be confusing, even for seasoned drivers and longtime state residents. Read on to learn all you need to know about what points mean, how you get them, how you can remove them, and how long they remain on your driving record in Florida.
What Are Driver’s License Points?
Driver’s license points are, essentially, a way for the DMV to monitor your driving behaviors. When you are convicted of engaging in traffic violations, you can receive points on your driving record. Accumulating too many points within a specific period of time can result in the suspension of your driver’s license.
In other words, Florida’s point system standardizes rules for revoking a driver’s license if someone frequently violates traffic laws.
How Do You Get Driver’s License Points?
Many states have driver’s license point systems, and the rules around how those points work and how you accumulate them vary by state.
In Florida, if you’re found to be violating a traffic law, you can receive either from two to six points, depending on the type and severity of the violation.
Examples of Two-Point Violations
- Texting while driving
- Improper equipment or vehicle in unsafe condition
Examples of Three-Point Violations
- Child restraint
- Open Container
- Unlawful speed 15 mph or less under posted speed limits
- Driving too slowly
Examples of Four-Point Violations
- Driving while your license is suspended or revoked
- Passing a stopped school bus
- Any moving violation resulting in a collision
- Unlawful speed 15 mph or more over posted speed limits
- Reckless driving
- Running a Red Light
Examples of Six-Point Violations
- Leaving scene of a crash resulting in property damage
- Unlawful speed resulting in a collision
Consequences for Getting Points on Your License
Florida uses a system called the Driver License Compact (DLC), which applies to all drivers in the state who are 18 and older. Under Florida Statutes, your license can be suspended or revoked if:
- You receive 12 points within 12 months – 30 days
- You receive 18 points within 24 months – 90 days
- You receive 24 points within 36 months – 1 year
- A hardship license may be available during the suspension period.
If you accumulate enough points that the DMV suspends your license, you’ll receive an official Order of Suspension.
But, there are ways to get back on the road legally! Call 888-478-1055 now.
The consequence of points that most drivers worry about is license suspension. But getting points on your license can also increase your car insurance premiums significantly.
Another potential consequence is barriers to employment. Some jobs require a clean driving record, so having points on your license can affect your ability to be hired for certain jobs. If your current job requires a clean driving record, you could even be fired for receiving points on your license.
Can You Get Points on Your California License for Violations in Other States?
Florida’s DLC system does consider traffic violations from other states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and Canada. If you’re found responsible for a traffic violation in any of those places, it may result in points on your Florida driver’s license.
How Long Do Points Stay on Your License in Florida?
Luckily, points don’t stay on your license forever.
The majority of offenses will remain on your driving record for a period of 36 months. That means that if you maintain a clean driving record and receive no new points for three years, it will fall off your license and your driving record will be clean at that time.
More serious violations, including DUIs, can remain on your license for much longer: a total of 75 years.
Call us for more information –(888) 478-1055.
How can you avoid points on Your License in Florida?
It’s easy. Whether your ticket is for speeding, running a red light, failure to yield, failure to stop at a stop sign, or any of the many other violations—Give us a call at 888-478-1055. We can direct you in the proper direction. We are state of Florida DMV approved and offer:
4 Hour Basic Driver Improvement Course (BDI)
4 Hour Red Light Ticket Course
4 Hour Reckless Driving Course
4 Hour Youthful Offender Course (STOP/ TOAD/Alive at 25 equivalent)
4 Hour Traffic Collision Avoidance Course (TCAC)
4 Hour Child Restraint Course
4 Hour Alternative Transportation Course
8 Hour Basic Driver Improvement Course
8 Hour Advanced Driver Improvement Course
8 Hour Youthful Offender Course
8 Hour Aggressive Driver Course
8 Hour Driving While License Suspended/Revoked (DWLSR)
8 Hour Alternative Transportation Course
12 Hour Advanced Driver Improvement Course (ADI)
So whether your license is suspended or you are trying to avoid points, give us a call 888-478-1055.
Offering classes in: Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, Hillsborough, Pasco, Polk, Pinellas, Alachua, Marion, Lake, Orange, Seminole, Osceola, Brevard, Flagler, St. Johns, Volusia, Clay and Duval Counties.
We can also provide proof of enrollment for any of the above classes if requested.