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Can you remove points from your license in Florida?

Published in Florida Driving Points 3 mins read

Yes, you can take proactive steps to remove points from your driver's license in Florida. Managing points is crucial for maintaining your driving privileges and keeping insurance rates down.

Understanding Florida's Point System

In Florida, traffic violations result in points being added to your driving record. Accumulating too many points can lead to serious consequences, including driver's license suspension and increased auto insurance premiums. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) tracks these points over specific periods.

Here's a general overview of common point values for various offenses:

Offense Category Points
Speeding (15 mph or less over) 3
Speeding (16 mph or more over) 4
Careless Driving 4
Moving Violation Resulting in Crash 4
Reckless Driving 6
Leaving the Scene (property damage) 6

These points contribute to thresholds that can trigger license suspension:

  • 12 points in 12 months: 30-day suspension
  • 18 points in 18 months: 3-month suspension
  • 24 points in 36 months: 1-year suspension

How to Remove Points from Your License

While points generally remain on your driving record for a set period (typically 3 to 5 years, depending on the violation), there are effective strategies to mitigate their impact or remove them.

1. Enroll in a Certified Florida Traffic School

The most common and effective way to remove points from your license is by completing a certified Florida traffic school course. When you receive a traffic ticket, you may have the option to elect to attend traffic school instead of having points assessed on your driving record. This option is usually available for minor moving violations.

  • Benefits of Traffic School:
    • Points Avoidance: Completing the course prevents the points from the specific violation from being added to your driving record.
    • Insurance Savings: By avoiding points, you can prevent potential increases in your auto insurance rates.
    • Maintaining Driving Privileges: It helps you stay below the point thresholds that lead to license suspension.
    • Educational Benefit: These courses provide valuable information on defensive driving and traffic laws, enhancing road safety.

You can typically elect to attend traffic school once every 12 months, and a maximum of five times in your lifetime. It's crucial to elect this option with the Clerk of Court in the county where you received the citation, usually within 30 days of the ticket date, and then complete the course by the specified deadline.

For more information on approved courses and eligibility, visit the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles website.

2. Contest Your Ticket in Court

Another approach to avoid points altogether is to contest your traffic ticket when you first receive it. By pleading not guilty, you can argue your case before a judge. If you are successful, the ticket will be dismissed, and no points will be assessed against your license.

  • Considerations for Contesting a Ticket:
    • Uncertain Outcome: Winning in court is not guaranteed and depends on various factors, including the specifics of your case, evidence, and the judge's decision.
    • Time and Cost: Contesting a ticket can involve court fees, time off work for hearings, and potentially legal fees if you hire an attorney.
    • Potential for Points: If you lose your case, the points for the violation will likely be added to your record, and you will still be responsible for the fines.

While contesting a ticket offers the possibility of complete dismissal, electing traffic school is often considered the best and most reliable way to handle minor violations and prevent point accumulation in Florida.