How to Remove Points from Your Florida Driver’s License: Proven Strategies and Legal Options

# How to Remove Points from Your Florida Driver’s Licence: Proven Strategies to Protect Your Record

## Table of contents

1. [Quick summary](#quick-summary)
2. [Understanding Florida’s point system](#understanding-floridas-point-system)
3. [Consequences of points on your record](#consequences-of-points-on-your-record)
4. [Options for reducing or removing points](#options-for-reducing-or-removing-points)
5. [Defensive driving and traffic school](#defensive-driving-and-traffic-school)
6. [Withholding adjudication and deferred disposition](#withholding-adjudication-and-deferred-disposition)
7. [Contesting tickets in court](#contesting-tickets-in-court)
8. [Insurance impacts and how to mitigate them](#insurance-impacts-and-how-to-mitigate-them)
9. [Frequently asked questions](#frequently-asked-questions)
10. [Key takeaways](#key-takeaways)

## Quick summary

| Topic | Details |
| --- | --- |
| **Point thresholds** | Florida assigns points for moving violations. **12 points within 12 months** = **30‑day suspension**; **18 points within 18 months** = **90‑day suspension**; **24 points within 36 months** = **one‑year suspension**. |
| **Common point values** | Speeding ≤15 mph over limit = **3 points**; speeding ≥16 mph over = **4 points**; reckless driving = **4 points**; leaving crash scene = **6 points**. |
| **Removing points** | Points **do not disappear** automatically, but you can: 1) complete a state‑approved driver‑improvement course to **avoid points**; 2) ask the court to **withhold adjudication**; 3) contest the ticket; 4) wait for points to expire after **36 months**. |
| **Insurance impact** | Points increase insurance premiums; multiple violations may require an SR‑22 or FR‑44 filing. |
| **Best strategies** | Drive defensively, attend traffic school when eligible, negotiate for adjudication withheld, fight unjust tickets and keep an eye on your driving record. |

## Understanding Florida’s point system

### How points are assessed

Florida’s Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) operates a point system to track driver violations. Every moving violation carries a set number of points. For example:

* **Speeding ≤15 mph over limit:** 3 points.
* **Speeding ≥16 mph over limit:** 4 points.
* **Reckless driving:** 4 points.
* **Leaving the scene of a crash with property damage:** 6 points.
* **Failing to stop for a school bus:** 4 points.

When you pay a citation, you are admitting guilt, and the points are automatically applied to your record. Points remain for **36 months** from the date of the offence.

### Suspension thresholds

The state has escalating penalties for accumulating points:

* **12 points within 12 months:** 30‑day suspension.
* **18 points within 18 months:** 90‑day suspension.
* **24 points within 36 months:** One‑year suspension.

Multiple suspensions can also lead to **habitual traffic offender** status, resulting in a **five‑year revocation**. Therefore, preventing points from being added in the first place is critical.

## Consequences of points on your record

### Higher insurance premiums

Insurers check your driving record when calculating premiums. Points signal risk, leading to increased rates. A single speeding ticket can raise rates by **15–20 %**; multiple violations can lead to surcharges of **50 %** or more. In severe cases (DUI, reckless driving), insurers may cancel your policy or require high‑risk insurance (SR‑22/FR‑44), which is much more expensive.

### Licence suspension or revocation

If you cross the point thresholds, the DHSMV sends a suspension notice. You may request a hearing, but if the suspension is upheld, you must surrender your licence and pay a reinstatement fee after the suspension period ends. Driving while suspended is a criminal offence and may lead to jail time.

### Employment consequences

Commercial drivers are particularly vulnerable. Points on a Commercial Driver’s Licence (CDL) can result in job loss and limit future employment prospects. For non‑commercial drivers, employers may run driving record checks, especially for jobs involving company vehicles or insurance requirements.

## Options for reducing or removing points

### Complete a basic driver‑improvement course

When you receive certain non‑criminal traffic tickets (e.g., speeding, running a stop sign), you may elect to attend a **Basic Driver Improvement (BDI)** course to avoid points. The rules:

* You must elect the course **within 30 days** of receiving the ticket and **before paying** the fine.
* You can take this option **once every 12 months** and **five times in a lifetime**.
* After completion, the court notifies the DHSMV, which will not add points to your record; the violation still appears, but insurers may view it more favourably.

### Request adjudication withheld

In some counties, judges offer **withholding adjudication**, meaning you plead no contest, pay the fine and perhaps attend traffic school, but points are not assessed. Factors include:

* **Clean history:** Judges are more likely to grant withheld adjudication to drivers with few or no prior violations.
* **Type of offence:** Non‑reckless infractions are more likely to qualify.

Adjudication withheld keeps points off your record, but the violation still appears. Always check with the court clerk or a lawyer about eligibility.

### Deferred disposition (plea deals)

For more serious infractions, attorneys may negotiate **deferred disposition**. You plead no contest, and if you satisfy conditions (e.g., pay fines, complete courses, avoid further tickets), the case is dismissed. This option is discretionary and often requires legal representation.

### Fight the ticket in court

Challenging the citation can lead to dismissal or reduced charges. Successful defences often involve:

* **Proving the officer’s radar was misused or uncalibrated.** Maintenance records and training logs can undermine the prosecution’s case.
* **Demonstrating a lack of proper signage or unclear speed limits.** Photographs or video evidence may show missing or obscured signs.
* **Arguing necessity.** Emergencies (e.g., medical) can justify speeding.

Hiring an experienced traffic attorney significantly increases the chances of success.

### Wait for points to expire

If you cannot avoid points, remember they drop off after **36 months**. Keeping a clean record during that period prevents additional suspensions and may gradually lower insurance rates.

## Defensive driving and traffic school

### Basic Driver Improvement (BDI) course

A BDI course takes **four hours** and can be completed online or in person. It covers topics like defensive driving techniques, the effects of alcohol, and Florida traffic laws. Completion prevents points from being assessed and may qualify you for insurance discounts.

### Advanced Driver Improvement (ADI) course

Drivers with suspended licences may be required to take an **ADI course**. This 12‑hour programme helps habitual offenders improve their driving habits. Completing the course is often a condition for licence reinstatement.

### Voluntary courses for insurance discounts

Even without a ticket, taking voluntary **defensive driving courses** may earn you a **5–10 % discount** on premiums. Seniors (55+) often qualify for additional reductions.

## Withholding adjudication and deferred disposition

### How adjudication withheld works

When adjudication is withheld, the court accepts your plea but does not enter a judgement of guilt. The violation is recorded, but the points are not assessed. You will still pay fines and costs.

### Negotiating with prosecutors

Traffic prosecutors may agree to withhold adjudication if the violation did not endanger others and you haven’t used the option recently. Hiring a lawyer with local knowledge increases your chances.

### Deferred disposition basics

A deferred disposition agreement usually requires you to:

* Pay the fine and court costs.
* Complete a driver‑improvement course.
* Avoid any new violations for a set period (often 6–12 months).

If you meet all conditions, the charge is dismissed, and no points are recorded. Failure results in conviction and point assessment.

## Contesting tickets in court

### Preparing your case

Gather documents, photographs and witness statements. Request discovery from the prosecutor, including radar calibration logs and the officer’s notes. Consider hiring an expert witness to challenge the speed‑measuring device.

### Court hearing and evidence presentation

In court, you (or your attorney) will cross‑examine the officer, present evidence and argue why the ticket should be dismissed or reduced. Judges often appreciate concise, well‑prepared arguments.

### Possible outcomes

* **Dismissal:** The judge finds insufficient evidence or agrees with your defence.
* **Reduced charge:** You may plead to a non‑moving violation (e.g., failing to obey a traffic control device), which carries no points.
* **Conviction:** If the judge upholds the ticket, points are assessed, and you must pay fines and court costs.

## Insurance impacts and how to mitigate them

### How points affect premiums

Insurance companies treat points as risk indicators. A speeding ticket may raise your premium by 15–20 % for three years. Multiple violations may trigger surcharges and the requirement to file an **SR‑22** (financial responsibility certificate). A **DUI** or reckless driving conviction often requires an **FR‑44**, which mandates higher liability coverage and results in substantially higher premiums.

### Shopping for better rates

If your rates increase, compare quotes from multiple carriers. Some insurers offer accident forgiveness or minor‑violation waivers. Others may weigh recent violations less heavily. Work with an independent agent who understands the Florida market.

### Maintain a clean record and improve credit

Driving history isn’t the only factor insurers use. A good credit score can offset some of the premium increases caused by points. Also, many carriers offer **safe‑driver discounts** when you remain accident‑free for three years.

## Frequently asked questions

### Can I remove points by taking a driver‑improvement course after paying the ticket?

No. Once you pay the ticket or the court adjudicates guilt, points are applied. You must elect a course **before** paying.

### How often can I use the traffic‑school option?

You may attend BDI once every **12 months** and **no more than five times in a lifetime**. Courts will reject requests beyond that limit.

### Do non‑moving violations add points?

No. Parking tickets, equipment violations and seatbelt offences do not carry points.

### Will points from out‑of‑state tickets transfer?

Yes. Florida participates in the **Driver Licence Compact**, which means most moving violations committed in other member states will be reported. Points or equivalent penalties will be assessed according to Florida’s system.

### How can commercial drivers protect their CDL?

Commercial drivers should contest every ticket, as even minor violations can threaten their livelihood. Many attorneys specialise in CDL defence and can often negotiate reduced charges or dismissals.

## Key takeaways

* **Prevent points whenever possible.** Elect traffic school within 30 days of a citation, request adjudication withheld or fight the ticket.
* **Understand suspension thresholds.** 12, 18 and 24 points trigger increasing suspensions. Keep track of your points.
* **Don’t ignore insurance implications.** Points can raise your premiums by 15–50 % and force you into SR‑22/FR‑44 programmes.
* **Use legal counsel strategically.** Traffic attorneys can negotiate deferred dispositions and challenge faulty citations.
* **Maintain a clean record for 36 months.** Points expire after three years; avoid additional infractions to allow your record to clear