Florida Drivers Handbook |
2.2. The Point System
Point System
| Offense |
Violation
Points* |
| |
| Leaving
the scene of an accident resulting in property damage
of more than $50 |
6 |
| |
|
| Unlawful speed resulting in an
accident |
6 |
| |
|
| Reckless driving |
4 |
| |
|
| Any moving violation resulting
in an accident |
4 |
| |
|
| Passing a stopped school bus |
4 |
| |
|
| Driving During Restricted
Hours |
3 |
| |
|
| Unlawful speed - 16 MPH or more
over lawful or posted speed |
4 |
| |
|
| Violation of a traffic control
signal/sign/device |
4 |
| |
|
| Unlawful speed - 15 MPH or less
over lawful or posted speed (Fines are doubled when
infractions occur within a school zone or construction
zone, with possible civil penalties up to $1,000 and
can be required to complete driving school course.) |
3 |
| |
|
| All other moving violations (including
parking on a highway outside the limits of municipalities)
|
3 |
| |
|
| Violation of curfew |
3 |
| |
|
| Open container as an operator |
3 |
| |
|
| Child restraint violation |
3 |
*The driver receives the same number
of points listed if the conviction occurs out-of-state or
in a federal court.
| Length
of Suspension |
Not
more than: |
| |
| 12
points within a 12-month period |
30
days |
| |
|
| 18 points within an 18-month
period |
3
months |
| |
|
| 24 points within a 36-month period |
1
year |
In computing points and suspensions, the offense dates of
all convictions are used. Three points will be deducted
from the driver record of any person whose driving privilege
has been suspended only once under the point system and
has been reinstated, if such person has complied with all
other requirements.
NOTE: Serving a point suspension
does not prohibit these convictions from being used to accumulate
additional suspensions or revocations.
Mandatory Restriction For Minors
Any driver under the age of 18 who accumulates six or more
points within a 12 month period is automatically restricted
for one year to driving for "Business Purposes
ONLY." If additional points are accumulated
the restriction is extended for 90 days for every additional
point received.
Time Restrictions
A licensed driver who is under the age of 17 may not operate
a motor vehicle between 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., unless
accompanied by a driver who is 21 years of age or older
and holds a valid driver license, or the operator is driving
to or from work. A licensed driver who is 17 years of age
may not operate a motor vehicle between 1:00 a.m and 5:00
a.m., unless accompanied by a driver who is 21 years of
age or older and holds a valid driver license, or the operator
is driving to and from work.
Reinstatement & Administrative Hearings
If your driving privilege is suspended or revoked you may
be eligible to apply for a hardship license or reinstatement.
For eligibility information, contact the local Bureau of
Administrative Reviews office, driver licenses office or
the Customer Service Center in Tallahassee.
You can be charged with DUI if you are found to be driving
or in actual physical control of a motor vehicle while under
the influence of alcoholic beverages or controlled substances.
Controlled substances include: prescription drugs, depressants,
stimulants, narcotics, hallucinogens and inhalents. You
will be administratively suspended if you have a breath
or blood alcohol level of .08 or above or refuse to submit
to a chemical test. This suspension requires a mandatory
period without a license. If you wish to appeal this suspension,
you must apply for a formal or informal review hearing at
the appropriate Division of Driver Licenses or Bureau of
Administrative Reviews office within 10 days of your date
of arrest. This suspension is in addition to any penalties
directed by the court.
Zero Tolerance
Any driver under 21 years of age who is stopped by law enforcement
and has a breath or blood alcohol level of .02 or higher
will automatically have their driving privilege suspended
for 6 months. Any driver under 21 with a breath or blood
alcohol level of .05 or higher is required to attend a substance
abuse course. An evaluation will be completed and parents
or legal guardians will be notified of the results for all
drivers under the age of 19. Any driver who has a breath
or blood alcohol level of .08 or higher can be convicted
for driving under the influence (DUI). If the driver refuses
to take a test, their driving privilege is automatically
suspended for one year.
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