Florida suspends your license when you reach 12 points within 12 months, 18 points within 18 months, or 24 points within 36 months
Florida's Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) uses a point accumulation system tied to traffic violations. Each violation carries a specific point value. When your total hits certain thresholds within certain timeframes, your license is automatically suspended — you do not have to wait for a hearing or court order. The suspension is mandatory and when ready once the points cross the line.
The three suspension triggers are strict: 12 points in any 12-month period, 18 points in any 18-month period, or 24 points in any 36-month period. These windows overlap, so a violation from 14 months ago still counts toward the 18-month total. DHSMV mails a notice of suspension to your address on file, and your license becomes invalid on the date stated in that notice — typically 10 days after the notice is mailed.
Points stay on your record for five years from the date of conviction, not from the date of the violation. This means a ticket you received two years ago can still push you over the limit today if you receive new violations.
Key Takeaways
- Your license suspends automatically at 12 points in 12 months, 18 points in 18 months, or 24 points in 36 months — no court hearing is required.
- Each traffic violation carries a point value ranging from 3 to 6 points, depending on the offense type and whether you caused an accident.
- Points remain on your driving record for five years from the conviction date, so older violations can still count toward a future suspension.
- DHSMV mails a suspension notice to your address on file, and your license becomes invalid about 10 days after the notice is mailed.
- You can request a hearing to contest the suspension, but you must do so within 10 days of receiving the notice.
How Points Are Assigned to Different Violations
Not all traffic violations carry the same point value. Florida assigns points based on the severity of the offense and whether an accident occurred. A minor violation like speeding 1–15 mph over the limit is 3 points. Speeding 16–29 mph over the limit is 4 points. Speeding 30 mph or more over the limit is 6 points.
Reckless driving is 4 points. Careless driving is 3 points. Running a red light or stop sign is 4 points. Improper lane change is 3 points. Driving with a suspended or revoked license is 6 points. At-fault accidents add points on top of the violation itself: if you cause an accident while committing a traffic violation, you receive the violation's points plus 2 additional points for the accident.
Some violations carry no points but still result in suspension or other penalties — for example, a DUI conviction does not add points to your driving record, but it triggers a separate administrative suspension through DHSMV. Parking violations and equipment violations (like a broken taillight) do not add points.
The Three Suspension Thresholds and Their Timelines
Florida's point system uses three overlapping windows. Understanding which one applies to you depends on when your violations occurred and how many points you have accumulated.
| Points Accumulated | Time Window | Suspension Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| 12 points | Within 12 months | 30-day suspension |
| 18 points | Within 18 months | Suspension until reinstatement requirements are met |
| 24 points | Within 36 months | Suspension until reinstatement requirements are met |
The 12-point suspension within 12 months results in a 30-day suspension. After 30 days, your license is automatically reinstated if you have not accumulated additional points and you have paid the reinstatement fee (currently $45).
The 18-point and 24-point suspensions do not have a fixed duration. Instead, your license remains suspended until you meet reinstatement requirements, which typically include paying the reinstatement fee, completing a traffic school course (if required), and sometimes attending a hearing. These suspensions are longer and more complex to resolve.
What Happens When You Receive a Suspension Notice
DHSMV mails a suspension notice to the address on file with your driver's license. The notice includes the effective date of the suspension (usually 10 days after the notice is mailed), the reason for the suspension, and your right to request a hearing. Your license becomes invalid on that effective date, and you cannot legally drive.
You have 10 days from the date you receive the notice to request a hearing. The hearing is your opportunity to contest the suspension — for example, if you believe DHSMV miscalculated your points or if you have documentation that a conviction was reversed. To request a hearing, contact DHSMV's Bureau of Administrative Reviews in writing or by phone. The contact information is included in the suspension notice.
If you do not request a hearing within 10 days, the suspension becomes final and you cannot challenge it later. If you do request a hearing, DHSMV will schedule one and notify you of the date and time. The hearing is typically conducted by phone or in person, depending on your county.
Reinstatement Requirements After a Suspension
Reinstatement depends on which suspension threshold you hit. For a 12-point suspension (30 days), you must pay the $45 reinstatement fee and wait out the 30-day period. Your license is then automatically reinstated.
For an 18-point or 24-point suspension, reinstatement is more involved. You must pay the reinstatement fee, and you may be required to complete a Driver Improvement Course (also called traffic school). Some suspensions also require you to attend a formal hearing before DHSMV will reinstate your license. The specific requirements depend on your driving history and the reason for the suspension.
You cannot legally drive during a suspension, even with a restricted license or hardship permit. Driving with a suspended license is a separate criminal offense that carries its own penalties, including fines, jail time, and additional license suspension.
How to Check Your Current Point Total
You can check your driving record and current point total through DHSMV's online system or by visiting a local DMV office. To check online, go to the DHSMV website and use the "Driver License Check" tool. You will need your driver's license number and date of birth. The online record shows all violations from the past five years and the points assigned to each.
You can also order an official copy of your driving record by mail or in person. The official record is useful if you need to dispute a point calculation or if you are explore for a job that requires a clean driving record. There is a small fee for an official record (typically $2–$5).
If you believe your point total is incorrect, contact DHSMV directly. Common errors include points that were not removed after five years, duplicate violations, or violations that should not have been recorded. DHSMV can correct errors, but you must provide documentation — for example, a court order showing that a conviction was reversed.
Reducing Points Through Driver Improvement Courses
Florida allows you to reduce your point total by completing a Driver Improvement Course (DIC). A DIC is a four-hour classroom or online course that covers traffic safety and Florida driving laws. Completing a DIC removes up to 4 points from your record, but only if you have not taken a DIC in the past 12 months.
You can take a DIC voluntarily to reduce points before you hit a suspension threshold, or you may be required to take one as part of reinstatement after a suspension. The course costs between $15 and $50, depending on the provider. You must complete the course and submit proof of completion to DHSMV.
A DIC does not remove points from violations that resulted in an accident, and it does not remove points from serious violations like reckless driving or DUI-related offenses. It also does not prevent points from accumulating in the future — it only reduces your current total by up to 4 points once per 12-month period.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with a suspended license if I have a hardship permit?
No. Florida does not issue hardship permits for point-based suspensions. A hardship permit is only available for certain DUI-related suspensions. If your license is suspended due to points, you cannot legally drive for any reason during the suspension period.
Do points from out-of-state violations count toward my Florida suspension?
Yes. Florida counts violations from other states if they are reported to DHSMV through the Interstate Compact. Most states report violations, so an out-of-state ticket can add points to your Florida record and trigger a suspension. Check your driving record to see if out-of-state violations are listed.
What if I get a ticket while my license is already suspended?
Driving with a suspended license is a separate criminal offense. You will face additional charges, fines, and jail time on top of your existing suspension. Your license suspension will also be extended, and reinstatement will become more difficult.
How long does it take to get my license back after paying the reinstatement fee?
For a 12-point suspension, your license is automatically reinstated after 30 days if you have paid the reinstatement fee. For an 18-point or 24-point suspension, reinstatement can take several weeks after you complete all requirements, depending on how quickly DHSMV processes your paperwork.
Can I contest a suspension if I was not the one driving the car?
You can request a hearing and present evidence that someone else was driving. However, the ticket was issued in your name, so you are responsible for it unless you can prove the officer made an error or the conviction was reversed. Bring documentation to your hearing, such as a police report or witness statement.