How to get points off your license in Florida?

TLDR To get points off your license in Florida, you must prevent them from being added in the first place by electing to attend a state-approved Basic Driver Improvement (BDI) course for an eligible ticket. Points that are already on your record cannot be retroactively removed but will expire automatically after 36-60 months, depending on the violation.

How Does the Florida Driver License Point System Work?

The Florida point system assigns demerit points for traffic violations, which accumulate on your driving record. Accumulating too many points within specific timeframes can lead to license suspension, mandatory courses, and significant insurance rate hikes. The system is designed to identify and penalize high-risk drivers. Points are assigned based on the severity of the violation and remain on your record for years.

• Point Values: Common violations range from 3 points (speeding 15 mph or less over the limit) to 6 points (reckless driving).
• Suspension Thresholds: According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), accumulating 12 points within 12 months results in a 30-day suspension, 18 points within 18 months leads to a 3-month suspension, and 24 points within 36 months can cause a 1-year suspension 1.
• Point Expiration: Points remain on your record for 36 months (3 years) from the violation date for most offenses, and 60 months (5 years) for serious offenses like DUI.

What Are the Legal Ways to Prevent or Manage Points in Florida?

The primary legal method to prevent points is to elect a state-approved Basic Driver Improvement (BDI) course for an eligible moving violation. For points already on your record, you must wait for them to expire, though you may be required to take an Advanced Driver Improvement (ADI) course if your license is suspended due to point accumulation.

The 4-Hour Basic Driver Improvement (BDI) Course

This is Florida's standard "traffic school" option. Its core purpose is to prevent points from being added for a minor moving violation and to dismiss the ticket. You can use this option up to 8 times in a lifetime, but no more than once every 12 months, and it is not available for Commercial Driver's License (CDL) holders. Key benefits of the BDI course include: * Prevents points from being added to your driving record. * Provides an 18% fine reduction as per Florida Statute 318.14(9). * Prevents insurance companies from increasing your rates or canceling your policy for that specific violation under Florida Statute 626.9541(o), potentially saving hundreds or thousands of dollars.

The 12-Hour Advanced Driver Improvement (ADI) Course

This course is for license reinstatement only after a suspension (e.g., for accumulating 12 points in 12 months). It is mandated by law for specific suspension scenarios and does not remove existing points or dismiss tickets.

How to Complete Traffic School to Dismiss a Ticket and Avoid Points

To use traffic school to prevent points, you must formally elect the option with the court, complete a state-approved BDI course, and submit your certificate of completion to the Clerk of Court by their deadline. Following these steps correctly ensures your ticket is dismissed and points are kept off your record.

1. Notify the Clerk of Court: Contact the traffic court listed on your ticket to formally elect the traffic school option. This is a mandatory first step that must be completed before your court deadline.
2. Enroll in a State-Approved BDI Course: Choose a provider approved in all 67 Florida counties, such as Florida's largest online provider, LowestPriceTrafficSchool.com. Ensure you enroll in the 4-hour BDI course, which is 100% online and available in English and Spanish.
3. Complete the Course & Final Exam: Finish the course material at your own pace. The final exam is open-book, with a high pass rate.
4. Submit Your Certificate to the Court: Mail or hand-deliver your physical Certificate of Completion to the Clerk of Court by their strict deadline. This is the final, essential step to finalize the dismissal of your ticket.

Common Mistakes That Hurt Your Chances of Avoiding Points

Mistake 1: Assuming You Can Retroactively Remove Points

Once points are assessed to your record after a conviction, there is no legal process to "erase" them before their 3-5 year expiration. The only effective strategy is prevention by using the BDI course option before your ticket is adjudicated.

Mistake 2: Missing Court or Traffic School Deadlines

Failing to notify the court, complete the course, or submit your certificate on time results in an automatic conviction, points added to your record, and loss of the fine reduction. Note all deadlines from your ticket immediately and prioritize the process.

Mistake 3: Taking the Wrong Course

Enrolling in a 12-hour ADI course for a simple ticket dismissal will not work. This course is for suspensions only and will not prevent points or dismiss your ticket. For a standard moving violation, you need the 4-hour Basic Driver Improvement (BDI) course.

How to Check Your Florida Driving Record and Point Total

You can purchase your official driving record from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), which will list all violations, points, and their expiration dates. Monitoring your record is crucial to understanding your point total and ensuring any completed BDI course has been properly recorded to prevent points.

Conclusion: Your 5-Point Checklist for Managing Florida License Points

• Check Eligibility First: Confirm your ticket is eligible for the 4-hour BDI course and that you haven't used it in the last 12 months.
• Notify the Court Immediately: Contact the Clerk of Court to elect traffic school before your deadline.
• Enroll in a State-Approved Provider: Choose a reputable, Florida-approved course like those from LowestPriceTrafficSchool.com.
• Submit Your Certificate: Never assume the court is notified automatically. You must mail or deliver your completion certificate.
• Monitor Your Record: Periodically check your official FLHSMV driving record to confirm points were prevented and track expiration dates.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get rid of points on my license in FL?

In Florida, you can remove points by completing a Basic Driver Improvement (BDI) course, which you must do within 30 days of receiving your ticket. You can take this 4-hour course conveniently online at Lowestpricetrafficschool.com.

How long does it take to get points off your license in FL?

Points remain on your Florida license for 36 months (3 years) from the violation date. You can potentially remove points sooner by completing an approved Basic Driver Improvement course, which you can take online at LowestPriceTrafficSchool.com.

Is it possible to get points removed?

Yes, you can get points removed by completing an approved driver improvement course, such as those offered by Lowestpricetrafficschool.com.

How bad are 3 points on your license in Florida?

Three points on your license is a minor violation that will increase your insurance rates, but it will not cause a suspension. You can take a Basic Driver Improvement course from LowestPriceTrafficSchool.com to remove those points and potentially lower your insurance costs.

Can I still drive if I have 6 points?

Yes, you can still drive with 6 points, but you may face higher insurance rates and should check your state's specific thresholds for suspension. You can often take a defensive driving course to reduce points, which is available at LowestPriceTrafficSchool.com.

How to clean your driving record in Florida?

You cannot expunge standard traffic tickets, but points automatically come off your Florida driving record after five years from the conviction date. For eligible criminal traffic offenses, you must apply for expungement through the court, and you can check your current record status through the FLHSMV MyDMV Portal.

Citations

https://www.flhsmv.gov/driver-licenses-id-cards/driver-license-suspensions-revocations/points-point-suspensions/ https://www.flhsmv.gov/driver-licenses-id-cards/education-courses/driver-improvement-schools/basic-driver-improvement-bdi-find-approved-listing-bdi-course-providers/