How to Remove Points From Your License in Seminole County

If you have a Florida driver’s license, it may surprise you to know that accumulating too many points on your record can mean a suspension of your driving privileges. These points can be assessed any time you violate state or other local traffic laws. Once you start collecting points, “How many points lead to license suspension in FL?” becomes just as important a question as how to remove points from your license.

Points age and will eventually drop off your driver’s record as time goes on, but this time may pass too slowly for your particular situation. Take a closer look at how to remove points from licenses in Florida and how you can avoid accumulating new points for a traffic ticket by completing a driver improvement course.

Florida Point System Explained

Like other states, Florida assigns points to licensed drivers’ records when they commit certain traffic violations in an effort to keep roads safer. The types of traffic violations that lead to points are called “moving” violations because drivers commit them while their vehicles are in motion.

The number of points assessed for each violation generally ranges from three to six points. For example, speeding less than 15 miles per hour over the limit is a three-point violation, while reckless driving will add four points to your driving record. Any traffic infraction that leads to someone’s injury or death can cause six points to be assessed on your license.

So how long do points remain on Florida licenses? Generally, it depends. Points for most offenses will stay on your record for three years, although some may not drop away until five years have passed.

On that end, a common question local drivers have is, “Do I need to take any special action to remove points from my license?” In Seminole County, the points will fall off automatically after the applicable time has passed.

It’s important to note that there are no exemptions for out-of-state violations on Florida licenses. Even traffic offenses committed in another state can lead to points on your Florida record. Once you are found guilty of that out-of-state offense, that jurisdiction reports the conviction to Florida authorities, who can then assign points to your license.

The Impact of Points on Your Florida Driver’s License

There are two key consequences of accumulating too many points in FL. Whenever you have points added to your driver’s license, your car insurance company can increase your insurance premium as a result.

The more points you have on your driving record, the greater the risk of loss you present to your insurer. Even if your license is never suspended, you can still end up paying hundreds or thousands of dollars more annually for insurance coverage.

You might wonder, “How many points lead to license suspension in FL?” License suspension begins when you accumulate at least 12 points within 12 months. At this stage, your driving privileges can be suspended for 30 days. You can face a 90-day suspension if you collect 18 points within 18 months, and a one-year suspension after amassing 24 points within 36 months.

Your Options After a Ticket: Choosing Between a Driver’s Course and Legal Defense

Depending on your Florida driving record, you may have three choices when it comes to handling a traffic ticket in the state: paying the ticket, fighting the citation in court, or taking a basic driver improvement (BDI) course.

Pay the Ticket

Your first option for handling your Florida traffic ticket is to pay the citation. By doing this, though, you are admitting guilt, and any applicable points will be added to your license. This option may be best if you are charged with a non-moving violation and the conviction would not add points to your license.

Fight the Ticket in Court

You could also choose to contest the ticket in court. A lawyer’s assistance is essential for this option.

If the prosecutor cannot prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you committed the offense, you may be found not guilty, in which case no points would be assessed.

However, if you are found guilty, then the conviction will be reported on your record, and you will likely have points added to your license. In addition, you would be ineligible to participate in a traffic school course to avoid those points.

Take a Basic Driver Improvement Course

Some drivers prefer to complete a Florida basic driver improvement course for point removal. There are numerous benefits to completing one of these courses, but it may not make sense to pursue this option in every case.

For example, while you can avoid getting points for a violation that’s not yet convicted by taking these courses, you can’t remove prior points with a driving course. Carefully weigh the benefits of avoiding points on your license versus challenging or paying the ticket before opting to take a Florida traffic school course.

Point Removal Through a Driver Improvement Course

A Florida basic driver improvement course for point removal typically only applies to pending violations rather than those already convicted. However, this can be vital if you are facing losing your driving privileges for a new citation. Here’s what you need to know about completing a BDI course.

Eligibility for Driver Improvement Course

If you’re searching, “how to apply for point removal from license in Florida” through BDI, it helps to first determine whether you’re eligible. Generally, you won’t be eligible to take a Florida driver improvement course if you have a commercial driver’s license (CDL) or meet any of these criteria:

Attended BDI instead of points within the previous 12 months
Attended BDI in place of points five or more times in your lifetime
Received a traffic ticket citing you for going more than 30 miles an hour over the speed limit
Committed a criminal violation of state traffic laws

If you want to apply for BDI, you would need to visit the court clerk’s office in the county where you received your ticket. You will also be required to pay an election fee at the time you submit your application.

Deadlines and Critical Steps After a Traffic Violation

You only have 30 days from the date you received your ticket to apply for BDI. Moreover, you must apply for BDI before there is an adjudication in your case. If you are found guilty or pay the fine, you can lose the ability to apply for BDI and avoid the assessment of points. As a result, after any traffic ticket, you should do the following:

Consider your options, including whether BDI is available to help you avoid points
If applicable, apply for BDI with the court clerk within 30 days of being ticketed
Once you apply for BDI, complete your traffic course within 90 days of your application date
Submit your proof of completion immediately to the court clerk

Keep in mind that the BDI course is four hours long, and there are numerous providers you can choose to take your course with. There is also no difference between an online vs. in-class driver improvement course in FL, so you can select the approved course and format that works best for you.

If you choose not to attend BDI, there are still steps you must take. Decide whether to pay the fine or contest the ticket before the appearance date listed on your citation. Failing to address your ticket can result in license suspension and limit your options for resolving the traffic ticket.

Strategic Use of Basic Driver Improvement (BDI)

Electing and completing BDI offers several benefits if you are charged with a moving violation. First, adjudication is withheld, and you are not convicted of the offense. Second, no points are assessed against your license when you complete BDI, which can keep your license from being suspended. Importantly, insurance companies cannot raise your premiums based on a traffic ticket for which you completed BDI.

Despite this, attending BDI for a traffic ticket is not always the right option. Since you can only opt for BDI once every 12 months and no more than five times in your life, you should consider your driving habits and the risks of getting another, more serious ticket.

For example, if you routinely speed, it may not make sense to attend BDI for a three-point offense when you might reasonably be cited for a four- or six-point offense in the near future.

Why You Should Hire a Local Seminole County Traffic Attorney

Your driver’s license is important; without it, you cannot legally take your children to school, go to work, or even complete day-to-day errands in your car. Not only do you need to protect your driving privileges from license suspension, but you also need to protect your household budget from the traffic fines and higher insurance premiums that can accompany a traffic offense conviction.

Having a lawyer review your case is crucial and can provide you with the guidance you need to determine the best course of action for your ticket. Your lawyer can tell you whether you should pursue point removal through a basic driver improvement course or challenge the ticket in court.

How a Seminole County Traffic Attorney Can Fight Your Ticket

Your lawyer can fight on your behalf in court by questioning the prosecution’s evidence and tailoring a defense to your specific circumstances. This may involve securing witnesses who can support your claims. Your attorney can also ensure any paperwork is completed properly and on time.

Without an attorney’s help, you would need to learn the proper procedures for introducing evidence, questioning witnesses, and making arguments to the court. You would also be responsible for complying with deadlines and filing requirements. This burden can be heavy to carry, especially if you have family or work obligations to fulfill, too.

Securing Your Path to a Clean Driving Record

While you may be able to prevent adding new points to your record through BDI, the best way to keep a clean record is to avoid citations in the first place whenever possible. Doing so is as simple as putting a few key tips into practice.

Building Long-Term Habits to Protect Your License

To avoid unnecessary traffic citations, make the following practices a habit:

Obey the speed limit at all times
Put away distractions so that you can pay attention to traffic lights and signs
Don’t flee the scene of an accident, especially one resulting in injury or death
Do not drink and drive or drive while under the influence of any substances
Avoid showboating or reckless behavior while driving

If you already have points on your license, it is even more critical that you drive responsibly so that those points can age out without causing any more adverse effects. Should you get a new ticket, talk with a knowledgeable lawyer about your options for avoiding new points on your record before paying the fine.

Contact Your Trusted Florida Traffic Defense Lawyer Today

If you have been cited in Seminole County for a traffic violation, turn to the trusted legal team at The Ticket Fighter Law Firm. With a 99% success rate and a commitment to transparency and affordability, our experienced traffic ticket lawyers know what it takes to keep Floridians on the road.

If you weren’t able to avoid points being added to your license, all hope is not lost. We may be able to save you thousands of dollars in multi-year insurance cost increases by removing points from your license.