The impact of points on your driving record

On Behalf of | Oct 30, 2019 | Firm News

People’s driving records stick with them throughout their lives and can determine the extent of their driving privileges. For this reason, it is important for drivers to be aware of their personal records and any infractions upon them.

When parties commit traffic offenses, they may receive points on their records. These points can have a strong impact on the driver’s record and future driving abilities.

Point accumulation

The point system helps to keep track of a driver’s infractions. Different offenses carry different point values, though the most common infractions carry point amounts ranging from three to six points. These points stay on a driver’s record for three years. It is important that a driver keeps track of and try to limit point values, as a high number of points may limit or terminate the driver’s driving privileges. The state of Florida holds a reciprocal agreement with a number of other states. This means that driving infractions from other states may carry over onto their Florida driving record, as long as the infraction is deemed as such by Florida law as well. For this reason, it may be beneficial for drivers to stay abreast of Florida’s current driving laws.

Possibly avoidable

Drivers do not receive points on their records until they are found guilty of traffic violations. Therefore, drivers may be able to avoid points by successfully fighting traffic ticket charges. Though this is not easy to accomplish, it is possible. In some cases, the court may determine that a party may decrease or limit the number of points added to the record by attending certain safe driving courses. For those who opt to utilize this option, it is important to select an approved course and submit the proper documentation to the court upon completion of the course.

For those facing infractions on their records, understanding these aspects of point accumulation may aid in determining the best course of action. In addition, abiding by the traffic laws in the future may decrease the chance of future points.

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