Driving is a privilege. That fact is clearly stated in the driver’s manual those getting their learner’s permit receive. And as with any privilege, certain infractions can lead to it being taken away. Having your driver’s license suspended can cause Florida residents major hardships and can hurt their ability to get to work or transport their kids to school. In this post, we’ll discuss how someone may have their license suspended and how to get it reinstated.
Reasons Your License May Get Suspended
There are numerous reasons a driver’s license may be suspended. Here are three of the most common reasons:
Accumulation of Points
If you’ve been ticketed for a particular offense, you may receive points on your license unless you fight the ticket and win. If you receive enough points within a particular timeframe, your license will be suspended.
According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles website,
- 12 points accumulated in 12 months will result in a 30-day suspension of your driving privilege.
- 18 points accumulated in 18 months (including points from a 12 point suspension) will result in a 3-month suspension of your driving privilege.
- 24 points accumulated in 36 months (including points from a 12 point and /or 18 point suspension) will result in a one-year suspension of your driving privilege.
Take note that even if you serve a suspension for 12 points in 12 months, those points will still be held against you if you accumulate more points.
Points are given for:
- Failing to properly restrain a child
- Having an open container in a vehicle
- Violating curfew
- Moving violations
- Speeding
- Passing a stopped school bus
- A moving violation that leads to an accident
- Reckless driving
- Speeding that results in an accident
- Hit and run that results in more than $50 of property damage
Driving Without Insurance
If you are found to be driving without insurance, your license will be suspended. Florida law requires that all drivers maintain a valid no-fault insurance policy with a Florida insurance agent.
Criminal Offenses
Some crimes can lead to automatic suspension of driving privileges, such as driving while under the influence. Committing a crime with a motor vehicle can also lead to a suspension or even a revocation of your license.
Driving privileges can also be suspended for failure to show up to court or failure to pay child support.
Not knowing your driver’s license has been suspended is not a valid defense if you get pulled over for driving with a suspended license. Rather than get caught in this situation, check with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.
Reinstating Your Florida Driver’s License
Driving with a suspended license can lead to jail time. Rather than facing time behind bars or a fine, working with a skilled Florida suspended license lawyer can help get you behind the wheel—legally.
The court system recognizes that license suspension can cause undue hardship for some families. In addition, they appreciate when efforts are made to correct the problems that led to the initial suspension. Working with a skilled Florida suspended license reinstatement lawyer can help you determine the best course of action for getting your license back. With years of experience assisting Florida drivers, a knowledgeable Florida suspended license reinstatement lawyer can formulate a legal argument that challenges your suspension and makes a case for reinstatement of your driving privileges.
Consult with a Florida Suspended License Reinstatement lawyer to Learn More!
Don’t get caught driving with a suspended license. Instead, work with us to reinstate your driving privileges and drive legally.