Florida Driver's Handbook 2008

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2. Your Driving Privilege

• 2.1. Revocation, Suspension, & Cancellation
• 2.2. The Point System
• 2.3. Driving While Impaired
• 2.4. Insurance Laws
• 2.5. Crashes - Your Responsibilities

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

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, his or her driving privilege is automatically suspended for one year.

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