Having a driver’s license is considered a privilege in the U.S., but it is a necessity for millions of Americans. Being forced to forfeit your license for any reason can have a devastating effect on your life, which is why it’s so important to understand your obligations as a driver. In Florida, there are several reasons authorities can and will suspend your license, and avoiding them will help keep you on the road so that you can get to where you need to go. Here are some of the most common reasons:
Unpaid Financial Obligations
It sounds counterintuitive to revoke someone’s driver’s license if they have unpaid bills and need a vehicle to get to work, but it’s a harsh reality. Some examples of qualifying unpaid items include state-required insurance, traffic tickets, child support, or court fees. On most occasions, your license can be reinstated once these are paid, but if the fees are too high for someone to pay in a reasonable amount of time, then it’s best to get a lawyer involved to help negotiate.
Accumulating Too Many Points On Your Driver’s License
Like most states Florida utilizes a points system to determine an individual’s trustworthiness to drive after traffic offenses. If a driver accumulates too many points on their driving record, their license may be suspended. Points are assigned for traffic violations, with more serious offenses resulting in a higher number of points. For example, a speeding ticket may result in three points, while a DUI conviction can result in up to 18 points. The total number of points assessed against a driver depends on the type and frequency of offenses.
If a driver accumulates 12 or more points within a 12-month period, their license may be suspended for 30 days, and if they accumulate 18 or more points within an 18-month period, their license may be suspended for three months. Accumulating too many points on your driving record can have serious consequences, including increased insurance rates and difficulty obtaining or maintaining employment that requires driving.
Traffic Court Labels You As A Habitual Traffic Offender
Habitual Traffic Offenders (HTO) is a term used to describe individuals who have repeatedly committed traffic offenses within a five-year period. These offenses include driving under the influence (DUI), reckless driving, and driving with a suspended license. If you are designated as an HTO, your license will be revoked for five years. This can have a huge impact on your personal and professional life. It’s especially problematic if you don’t have easy access to public transportation.
Many times, a person will pay old traffic tickets to fix their license only to receive a notice of suspension letter from DHSMV revoking them for five years as an Habitual Traffic Offender. If you have unpaid tickets, do not pay without calling an experienced traffic lawyer first to avoid complicating matters even more.
We fix Driver Licenses.
Do not despair. The law office of Malcolm Anthony, P.A. has repaired hundreds of driver licenses over the years, especially fixing Habitual Traffic Offender five year suspensions. It is one of the most enjoyable tasks to undo a five year suspension. Mr. Anthony has undome almost every five years suspension brought to him over the last two decades.
How Can I Have My License Reinstated?
As with any legal issue, the right attorney can provide you with options that may improve your situation. Certain programs have been put in place as a way to re-educate drivers and prove their trustworthiness on the road. Some programs may include substance abuse treatment and adult driver’s education classes. In some circumstances, you may also qualify for a hardship license which will allow you to have driving privileges for specific scenarios.
Losing driving privileges is a challenging experience that can be both embarrassing and cause financial hardship. At the law firm of Malcolm Anthony, P.A. we are passionate about helping you get your life back on track, and back on the road again. For a consultation, contact us today.
