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How the point system for traffic violations works in Florida
How the point system for traffic violations works in Florida

How the point system for traffic violations works in Florida

On Behalf of | Nov 27, 2020 | Traffic Violations |

Most people have heard about getting points for driving violations, but many people do not completely understand the system. Many unusual or little-known legal issues pertain to how authorities hand out points to drivers. 

Some of these circumstances might seem counterintuitive or even unfair. 

Points given for out-of-state citations

The Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicle agency adds points to a Florida driver even for citations that occur in other states. As a matter of procedure, the state that issues the citation will send a report to Florida. If according to Florida Statute the violation involves a point-accessible incident, the points accrue to the driver under state rules. Another interesting peculiarity is that points added from another state are not eligible for early removal through enrollment in a driving school or safety program. 

Leaving the scene of a crash results in six points added to a driver’s record. The below list includes some other point values for common violations: 

  • Four points for reckless driving 
  • Four points for speeding in excess of 50 mph 
  • Four points for failure to stop for a school bus 
  • Three points for failure to yield 
  • Three points for improper backing 

Punishments and procedures for reckless driving

According to the FL Senate, reckless driving in the state involves a driver willfully or wantonly engaging in disregard for the safety of persons or property. If the driver harms property or causes bodily injury the charge becomes a first-degree misdemeanor. If the incident results in serious bodily injury to another the charge becomes a third-degree felony. In cases involving alcohol or drugs, the court can require the driver to take certain remedial actions as well as pay the full cost of these procedures. 

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