While a speeding ticket may just seem like nothing more than an expensive inconvenience, too many of them can lead to serious consequences. If you get a traffic ticket, or several of them, you may face expensive fines, be ordered to participate in traffic school, or even lose your driver’s license. Find out how to deal with your traffic ticket and how you can stay behind the wheel, here:
Florida Points System
In Florida, every time you commit a traffic violation (including speeding) your license receives “points.” If you accumulate a certain amount of points within a certain period of time, then you can face serious penalties. Points in Florida are given as follows:
Three points: Exceeding the speed limit by 15 MPH or less, driving with an open container, violating child restraint regulation, or littering.
Four points: Reckless driving, moving violation causing an accident, passing a stopped school bus, exceeding the speed limit by 15 MPH, not obeying traffic signals
Six points: Leaving the scene of an accident, speeding violations that result in an accident.
These are only an example of the points you may receive. Most violations that are not listed are three points.
What Happens If I Get Points?
Once you have accumulated a certain number of points, whether it is from speeding or other violations, your license may become suspended. According to the Florida Department of Motor Vehicles, license suspension occurs after the following amount of points:
12 points in a 12-month period: 30-day suspension
18 points in an 18-month period: 3-month suspension
24 points in a 36-month period: 1-year suspension
Those under the age of 18 can encounter even stricter penalties. Gaining at least six points in the course of a year can land minors with a restricted license for 12 months. This means they will be able to drive for “business purposes only.” If they accumulate even more points during this time, then their restrictions can be extended 90 days.
What Should I Do If I Receive a Ticket?
You may think a ticket is no big deal, but they can lead to loss of driving privileges. That is why no one should risk going to traffic court alone. If you are afraid you could lose your license, call Laporte, Mulligan & Werner-Watkins Attorneys at Law today. We can help you navigate through traffic court, and fight to keep points off your license. Call today or schedule your free consultation online.