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Florida Point System

Florida uses a point system for drivers. It consists of a graduated scale of points that assigns relative values to criminal and noncriminal traffic violation convictions. When a motorist has accumulates too many points on his or her driving record, it can result in his or her license being suspended.

Points on driving records should be avoided whenever possible. Paying a traffic fine is the equivalent of pleading guilty, so it is typically in a driver's best interest to challenge the ticket and attempt to have the citation thrown out.

Attorney Discusses Florida Point System for Traffic Offenses

If you received a ticket in South Florida for any kind of moving violation, make sure you discuss the specifics of your case with legal representation before paying the citation. Meltzer & Bell, P.A. defends clients in communities throughout Miami-Dade County, Martin County, Broward County, and Palm Beach County.

Fort Lauderdale traffic ticket lawyers will fight to minimize the potential damage to your driving record and possibly help you avoid you having to pay any fines.

Call (561) 500-5000 right now to have our attorneys provide a complete evaluation of your case during a free, confidential consultation.


Florida Point System Information Center


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Points for Traffic Violations in Florida

The number of points assigned to a person's driving record for a traffic violation depends on the specific offense that the person is accused of. Criminal traffic violations frequently carry larger point values than noncriminal offenses.

Some of the most common traffic violations are assigned the following point values:

Child restraint violation

3 points

Improper lane change

3 points

Littering

3 points

Open container as an operator

3 points

Speeding (15 mph or less over the speed limit)

3 points

Failing to stop at a traffic signal

4 points

Moving violation resulting in a crash

4 points

Passing a stopped school bus

4 points

Reckless driving

4 points

Racing on highway

4 points

Speeding (More than 15 mph over the speed limit)

4 points

Violation of a traffic control sign or device

4 points

Unlawful possession or use of traffic signal pre-emption device

4 points

Leaving the scene of a crash resulting in property damage of more than $50

6 points

Speeding resulting in an crash

6 points

All other moving violations

3 points


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Suspension Periods for Florida Point System Violations

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) is authorized to suspend the driver's license of any motorist who accumulates 12 or more points within a calendar year. Points are assigned based on the date that the alleged offender received the ticket at issue, and the length of a suspension could be as follows:

  • 12 points within 12 months — 30 days;
  • 18 points within 18 months — Three months; or
  • 24 points within 36 months — One year.

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Florida Point System Resources

Driving Violation Statutes | FLHSMV — View the complete list of driving violations and their respective point values in Florida. The list is 27 pages long and references the specific statute for each offense. Additional information about the points system can be found on the FLHSMV website.

Impact of the Penalty Points System on Road Traffic Injuries in Spain: A Time–Series Study — Read the full text of a study that found a significant risk reduction in the post intervention period for seriously injured drivers and seriously injured people following the introduction of the penalty points system in Spain in July 2006. Effects of a penalty point system on traffic violations examined Norway’s penalty point system that was introduced on January 1, 2004. Evaluating impact of demerit points system on speeding behavior of drivers studied the immediate impact of the demerit points system on speeding behavior of drivers in Al Ain, the fourth largest city in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) after the UAE introduced a demerit points system on March 1, 2008.


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Find a Traffic Ticket Lawyer in Florida

Were you ticketed for an alleged traffic violation in South Florida? Do not pay your citation without first contacting Meltzer & Bell, P.A..

are experienced traffic ticket attorneys in Fort Lauderdale who represent residents of and visitors to West Palm Beach and several other surrounding areas in South Florida.

You can have our lawyers review your case and discuss all of your legal options as soon as you call (561) 500-5000 or fill out an online contact form to receive a free initial consultation.



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Meltzer & Bell, P.A.

Lawrence Meltzer & Steven Bell

Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers Super Lawyers Martindale-Hubble
Meltzer & Bell, P.A.
Palm Beach
515 N Flagler Dr #240
West Palm Beach, FL 33401
(561) 557-8686
Broward
110 SE 6th St Suite 1749
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
(954) 745-7457
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