2. Your Driving Privilege

Point System

	Violation points^*
Leaving the scene of an accident resulting in property damage of more than $50	6
Unlawful speed resulting in an accident	6
Reckless driving	4
Any moving violation resulting in an accident	4
Passing a stopped school bus	4
Driving During Restricted Hours	3
Unlawful speed - 16 MPH or more over lawful or posted speed	4
Violation of a traffic control signal/sign/device	4
Unlawful speed - 15 MPH or less over lawful or posted speed (Fines are doubled when infractions occur within a school zone or construction zone, with possible civil penalties up to $1,000 and can be required to complete driving school course.)	3
All other moving violations (including parking on a highway outside the limits of municipalities)	3
Violation of curfew	3
Open container as an operator	3
Child restraint violation	3

^*The driver receives the same number of points listed if the conviction occurs out-of-state or in a federal court.

Length of Suspension	Not more than:
12 points within a 12-month period	30 days
18 points within an 18-month period	3 months
24 points within a 36-month period	1 year

In computing points and suspensions, the offense dates of all convictions are used. Three points will be deducted from the driver record of any person whose driving privilege has been suspended only once under the point system and has been reinstated, if such person has complied with all other requirements.

NOTE: Serving a point suspension does not prohibit these convictions from being used to accumulate additional suspensions or revocations.

Mandatory Restriction For Minors

Any driver under the age of 18 who accumulates six or more points within a 12 month period is automatically restricted for one year to driving for "Business Purposes ONLY". If additional points are accumulated the restriction is extended for 90 days for every additional point received.

Time Restrictions

A licensed driver who is under the age of 17 may not operate a motor vehicle between 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., unless accompanied by a driver who is 21 years of age or older and holds a valid driver license, or the operator is driving to or from work. A licensed driver who is 17 years of age may not operate a motor vehicle between 1:00 a.m and 5:00 a.m., unless accompanied by a driver who is 21 years of age or older and holds a valid driver license, or the operator is driving to and from work.

Reinstatement & Administrative Hearings

If your driving privilege is suspended or revoked you may be eligible to apply for a hardship license or reinstatement. For eligibility information, contact the local Bureau of Administrative Reviews office, driver licenses office or the Customer Service Center in Tallahassee.

You can be charged with DUI if you are found to be driving or in actual physical control of a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcoholic beverages or controlled substances. Controlled substances include: prescription drugs, depressants, stimulants, narcotics, hallucinogens and inhalents. You will be administratively suspended if you have a breath or blood alcohol level of .08 or above or refuse to submit to a chemical test. This suspension requires a mandatory period without a license. If you wish to appeal this suspension, you must apply for a formal or informal review hearing at the appropriate Division of Driver Licenses or Bureau of Administrative Reviews office within 10 days of your date of arrest. This suspension is in addition to any penalties directed by the court.

Zero Tolerance

Any driver under 21 years of age who is stopped by law enforcement and has a breath or blood alcohol level of .02 or higher will automatically have their driving privilege suspended for 6 months. Any driver under 21 with a breath or blood alcohol level of .05 or higher is required to attend a substance abuse course. An evaluation will be completed and parents or legal guardians will be notified of the results for all drivers under the age of 19. Any driver who has a breath or blood alcohol level of .08 or higher can be convicted for driving under the influence (DUI). If the driver refuses to take a test, their driving privilege is automatically suspended for one year.

Next Section