Understanding Points on Your Florida Driver’s License and How to Avoid Suspension

By Yoel Molina, Law Office of Yoel Molina, P.A.

 

If you’ve received a traffic ticket in Miami-Dade County, one of the most important consequences to understand is points on your Florida driver’s license. While a single ticket may not seem serious, points can add up quickly, leading to higher insurance rates and even license suspension.

This guide explains how the Florida point system works, how many points trigger suspension, and practical strategies drivers can use to protect their driving record—including when it makes sense to consult a traffic ticket attorney in Miami.

 

What Is the Florida Driver’s License Point System?

 

Florida uses a point system to track traffic violations. When you are found guilty of a moving violation, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) adds points to your driving record.

Points stay on your record for at least five years, and insurance companies often review them when setting premiums.

 

Common Traffic Violations and Their Point Values

 

Many Miami-Dade drivers are surprised by how quickly points accumulate. Common civil traffic violations include:

• Speeding (less than 15 mph over): 3 points

• Speeding (15 mph or more over): 4 points

• Failure to stop at a stop sign: 4 points

• Running a red light: 4 points

• Careless driving: 3 points

• Improper lane change: 3 points

• Failure to yield: 3 points

• Improper passing: 3 points

• Failure to maintain a single lane: 3 points

Even routine tickets can significantly impact your license if not handled properly.

 

How Many Points Lead to License Suspension in Florida?

 

Florida law sets clear thresholds for suspension based on point accumulation:

• 12 points within 12 months → 30-day suspension

• 18 points within 18 months → 3-month suspension

• 24 points within 36 months → 1-year suspension

Once a suspension is triggered, reinstating your license can be time-consuming and expensive.

 

Why Points Matter Beyond Suspension

 

Points don’t just affect your ability to drive legally. They can also:

• Increase auto insurance premiums

• Disqualify you from certain jobs (especially driving-related positions)

• Remain visible to insurers and employers for years

• Limit eligibility for traffic school in future cases

For many drivers, avoiding points is more important than the fine itself.

 

Can You Remove Points From Your License?

 

Points are not automatically removed by paying a ticket. However, drivers may have options depending on the situation.

Traffic School (When Eligible)

Florida allows eligible drivers to elect Basic Driver Improvement (BDI) school to avoid points. However:

• You can only use traffic school a limited number of times

• Not all tickets qualify

• You must elect traffic school within strict deadlines

Using traffic school improperly can waste a valuable option you may need later.

 

How Fighting a Ticket Can Help You Avoid Points

 

One of the most effective ways to avoid points is to challenge the ticket instead of simply paying it.

A Miami-Dade traffic defense lawyer can review your case to determine whether:

• The citation contains legal or factual errors

• The officer followed proper procedures

• Evidence supports the alleged violation

• The charge can be reduced to a non-moving violation

• The case can be dismissed

Avoiding a conviction often means no points, no insurance increase, and no suspension risk.

 

Why Hiring a Traffic Ticket Attorney in Miami Matters

 

Traffic law may seem straightforward, but outcomes often depend on local court practices, procedural rules, and experience.

Attorney Yoel Molina offers a unique advantage because he is:

• A former traffic ticket prosecutor

• A former supervising traffic prosecutor in Miami-Dade County

• An attorney with over 20 years of legal experience

• The owner of a firm with a 4.9-star Google rating based on real client reviews

This background provides insight into how tickets are evaluated, negotiated, and resolved in Miami-Dade traffic court.

 

Mistakes Drivers Make That Lead to Unnecessary Points

 

Many drivers unintentionally damage their driving record by:

• Automatically paying the ticket without understanding consequences

• Missing deadlines to elect traffic school

• Assuming points “aren’t a big deal”

• Not reviewing their driving record regularly

• Representing themselves without understanding court procedures

Once points are added, they are difficult to undo.

 

How a Civil Traffic Lawyer Near You Can Help

 

A civil traffic lawyer in Florida can assist by:

• Explaining your specific point exposure

• Advising whether to fight the ticket or pursue alternatives

• Appearing in court on your behalf in many cases

• Helping protect your license and long-term driving record

For many drivers, legal representation costs less than the long-term financial impact of points and higher insurance rates.

 

Take Action Before Points Add Up

 

If you’ve received a traffic ticket in Miami-Dade County, time matters. Acting early gives you more options to fight the ticket, avoid points, and protect your license.

 

Call to Action

 

Don’t face your traffic ticket alone—Attorney Yoel Molina and his team are here to help you protect your driving record and avoid unnecessary penalties.

Hire us online now for your Miami-Dade civil traffic ticket—it’s cheaper than calling in.Visit: https://hi.switchy.io/Onlineloymticketsugnup

Prefer to speak with someone or have questions?Email us at admin@molawoffice.com. Call +1 (305) 548-5020, Option 1