If you’ve ever received a ticket or an accident, you have probably heard of points. Every time you violate a driving rule and a cop pulls you over, it is worth a certain amount of points. The point system was made to make people more wary of driving negligently. Every point adds up and when you get to a certain number, your license can actually be suspended. So let’s give you the full scope of the points system and what it can do.
Describing points in plain terms
The points system, as stated previously, was made to make people drive more safely and be more wary of the road rules. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) ensures those rules are upheld and they are the ones who keep track of your points. They have the final say on how those points will affect a person’s privilege to drive.
How do you receive points?
There are many violations which add points to your license. This includes anything from basic violations, running a red light, improper lane changes and more. To make it easier for you to see which actions can result in points, we have laid out a few scenarios for you.
Speeding: less or greater than 15 mph = 3 points
Littering= 3 points
Passing a stopped school bus = 4 points
At fault accident = 4 points
Hit and run with damages greater than $50 = 6 points
Etc.
Every point you receive can result in a penalty and suspension of your license. The length of that suspension can be determined by the amount of points accumulated.
How long can your license be suspended for?
As we stated previously, this is all determined by the amount of points you have accumulated, but it is also dependent upon how long it took you to accumulate those points. Here’s some benchmarks the FLHSMV shared to give you a better idea:
12 Points in 12 months–suspension of 30 days
18 Points in 18 months–suspension of 3 months
24 Points in 36 months–suspension of 1 year
Can a license be automatically suspended?
Yes, it can be in fact, there are certain infractions that don’t even go through the points system. Those infractions are drug/alcohol offenses, not paying traffic fines, street racing and more. These offenses are intense enough to automatically suspend a person’s driving capabilities on the spot.
How long do points stay on your license?
Points stay on your record for about 3 years, meaning it starts on the day you receive your fine. There is the possibility of getting rid of points if you believe you were wrongly accused of breaking the rules, but you will have to do so in a courtroom or traffic school in some cases. All of your options will be listed on the ticket you received.
So what if I get in an accident? Do I receive points?
If you were the at fault party, then yes. If not, then no, but you do still need to be mindful. Having points on your license can actually lead to their insurance company potentially trying to limit your compensation because of it. That’s why you should call a personal injury attorney. They will help you with your case and get you the compensation you deserve. Call Demesmin and Dover Law Firm at 866-954-MORE (6673).