License Suspensions| The Law Office of Lee Meadows

The Law Office of Lee Meadows has over 41 years assisting people needing guidance regarding Suspended or Revoked Driver Licenses in Florida.

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License Suspensions and Revocations

Have You Failed to Comply or Failed to Pay a Fine?

A driver license will be suspended indefinitely if the driver fails to comply with or appear at a traffic summons or fails to pay a fine. To clear the suspension, contact the traffic court in the county where the traffic summons was issued, satisfy the traffic summons and present proof of the satisfaction with a D-6 suspension reinstatement fee to any Florida driver license office. Some traffic courts allow payment for the traffic summons online via credit card. Check the traffic court website to determine if you can pay now.

DON’T LEAVE YOUR FUTURE TO CHANCE

There are many ways that your Florida driving license can either be suspended or revoked. Each way requires a different legal strategy so it’s important to consult the expertise of an experienced attorney.

Each license suspension and revocation is different and experience counts.

Suspensions vs. Revocations

A suspended license in Florida means that your driving privileges are temporarily put on hold. This suspension is often a result of specific violations, unpaid fines, or other infractions, but it is not typically permanent. The duration of a license suspension can vary widely depending on the cause. It can range from a short period, such as a few days, to several months, or even longer, depending on the circumstances.Common reasons for a suspended license in Florida include unpaid traffic tickets, failure to appear in court, failure to complete court-ordered requirements, driving under the influence (DUI), accumulating too many points on your driving record, or failing to maintain valid insurance.To reinstate a suspended license, a driver typically needs to address the specific issue that led to the suspension. This may include paying fines, completing required courses or programs, or resolving any legal matters associated with the suspension. Once the driver has fulfilled the requirements, they can apply for reinstatement.

A revoked license, on the other hand, means that your driving privileges have been canceled, and you must go through a formal process to regain them. Revocations are typically more severe than suspensions. A revoked license in Florida is often more long-term and can extend for a minimum period. For example, a Habitual Traffic Offender (HTO) may have their license revoked for five years.License revocation in Florida can occur due to serious and repeated traffic offenses, such as being classified as an HTO, DUI offenses, leaving the scene of an accident involving injury or death, and certain criminal convictions. The reinstatement process for a revoked license is more complex than for a suspended license. It typically involves fulfilling specific requirements, such as completing Advanced Driver Improvement (ADI) courses, paying reinstatement fees, and demonstrating compliance with all conditions set by the DHSMV or a court.

Reasons for Driver License Suspensions

Failure to Pay a Fine

A D-6 suspension occurs when you receive a citation and either fail to attend your court date or neglect to comply with court-ordered instructions, like paying a fine. Subsequently, the court instructs the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) to suspend your driving privileges until you rectify the situation as directed by the court.

The steps to be reinstated may vary from case to case. Generally, to clear the suspension, contact the traffic court in the county where the traffic summons was issued, satisfy the traffic summons and present proof of the satisfaction with a D-6 suspension reinstatement fee to any Florida driver license office. This process can be daunting, but the Law Office of Lee Meadows can help walk you through the process.

Breakdown of the process to reinstating a Florida Driver’s License after failing to pay a fine:

Pay Outstanding Fines: The first and most crucial step is to pay the outstanding fines or fees that led to the license suspension. This may involve fines related to traffic tickets, court fees, or other financial obligations. Contact the relevant court or agency to determine the exact amount you owe and how to make payment.
Contact the Traffic Court: Reach out to the traffic court in the county where the fines were issued. The driver can find the contact information for the specific court on your traffic citation or by searching online. Discuss the situation with the court clerk to confirm the total amount owed and inquire about any additional steps required.
Satisfy the Traffic Summons: Once the driver has paid the fines, ensure that the court marks your case as "satisfied" or "paid in full." Obtain a D-6 clearance indicating that you've fulfilled all financial obligations. The court may give the driver a paper clearance form or they may send it electronically to the DMV. This clearance form allows the driver to reinstate the license.
Reinstatement Fee: In addition to paying fines, the driver may need to pay a reinstatement fee. The D-6 reinstatement fee is $60, but the fee amount can change, so check with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) for the most up-to-date information on reinstatement fees.
Proof of Satisfaction: Present the D-6 clearance form (receipt or documentation of paid fines) along with the reinstatement fee to any Florida driver license office.
Check Online Payment Options: Some traffic courts in Florida offer online payment options for fines. If this is available for the driver’s case, it can be paid online via credit card for added convenience.
Verify Your Eligibility: Make sure the driver is eligible for reinstatement. If there are any additional requirements or restrictions on their license due to the suspension, ensure the driver meets them before attempting to reinstate the license.
Wait for Processing: After the driver has submitted the necessary documentation and fees, the license reinstatement will be processed. The exact processing time may vary, so the driver should be patient and follow up with the DHSMV if needed.
Receive Reinstated License: Once the reinstatement is approved and processed, the driver will receive their reinstated driver's license.

Remember that it's essential to resolve any outstanding fines and fees promptly to avoid further complications and to ensure a smoother reinstatement process. Additionally, always verify the specific requirements and fee amounts with the Florida DHSMV and the traffic court handling your case, as they may change over time.

If you are concerned with your D-6 Suspension or encounter difficulties related to your driver's license due to issues with tickets or fines, seek legal counsel. The Law Office of Lee Meadows can help you navigate the situation, ensuring that you can either retain or reinstate your driver's license while adhering to legal requirements.

Failure to Appear in Court or Comply with Traffic Summons:

Like failure to pay a fine, failure to appear in court or comply with a traffic summons will also result in a D-6 Suspension. It is imperative to contact an attorney and act as quickly as possible to resolve a missed court date.

Breakdown of the process to reinstating a Florida Driver’s License after failing to appear in court or comply with traffic summons:

Check the Traffic Summons: Review the traffic summons the driver received carefully. It will contain important information about the specific violation, the court where the case is being handled, the deadline for compliance, and any fines or penalties associated with the violation.
Comply with the Summons: To resolve the issue, the driver must comply with the instructions on the traffic summons. This typically involves taking one of the following actions:
- Paying the fine associated with the violation.
- Appearing in court on the scheduled date and time specified on the summons.
- Following any other specific instructions provided on the summons.
Pay Fines: If the summons requires the driver to pay a fine, they can usually do so online, by mail, or in person at the court indicated on the summons. Be sure to retain proof of payment.
Appear in Court: If the summons requires the driver to appear in court, it's crucial to do so on the specified date and time. Failure to appear can result in additional penalties, including a suspension of your driver's license.
Contact the Court: If the driver is unable to attend the scheduled court appearance or need more information about your case, contact the court clerk's office. They can provide guidance on how to reschedule your court date or address any concerns the driver may have.
Comply with Court Orders: If the court issues any specific orders, such as attending traffic school or completing community service, make sure to comply with them as instructed.
Resolve the Summons: Once the driver has fulfilled the requirements outlined in the traffic summons, the case will be resolved, and any associated fines or penalties should be cleared.
Check the Status of Your Driver's License: After resolving the traffic summons, periodically check the status of the driver's license with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) to ensure that it is in good standing and not subject to any suspensions or holds.

Failure to comply with a traffic summons in Florida can lead to additional fines, driver's license suspensions, or even warrants for your arrest. Therefore, it's crucial to address the summons promptly and follow the instructions provided to resolve the matter legally and avoid further consequences. Contact the Law Office of Lee Meadows to help guide you through this process.

Failure to Complete Driver Improvement School

A driver may elect to attend an FLHSMV-approved basic driver improvement school once every 12 months or a total of five times within their lifetime if they receive a non-criminal moving violation. This must be done within 30 days of receiving the traffic citation. If the election is not made, the option is forfeited, and points are assessed on the driver’s license. Once a driver has elected to complete the course, it must be done within the court-required time period. If the driver fails to complete within the specified time period, their license will be suspended for failing to attend the course.

Florida Statutes also mandate drivers who have been convicted of certain offenses to complete a basic driver improvement course. These offenses include: Failure to obey a traffic control signal, failure to obey a steady red light, failure to stop for a school bus, racing on the highway, racing on the highway – spectator, and reckless driving. Generally, drivers have 90 days to complete the required school after a citation. If the driver has failed to complete the required course in this timeframe, their license will be suspended and will not be reinstated until the required course is completed.

Breakdown to reinstating a license after failing to complete Driver Improvement School:

Complete the Driver Improvement School (DIS): If the driver hasn’t completed the DIS as initially required by the court, they will need to enroll in and successfully complete the course. The driver should be sure to choose a state-approved DIS program.
Obtain a Completion Certificate: After successfully completing the DIS, the driver should receive a certificate of completion. They should keep this certificate in a safe place, as they’ll need it to demonstrate that they’ve fulfilled the court's requirement.
Contact the Court: Reach out to the court that handled their case. This is the court that initially ordered you to complete the DIS. They may need to contact the clerk of the court or the traffic division.
Submit the Completion Certificate: Provide the court with the certificate of completion for the DIS. This certificate serves as proof that they met the court's requirement.
Pay Any Outstanding Fines or Fees: In addition to completing the DIS, they may have outstanding fines or fees associated with their case. Ensure that they pay all fines and fees as required by the court. Failure to do so could result in further complications.
Request Reinstatement: Once they’ve satisfied the court's requirements, including completing the DIS and paying any fines, request reinstatement of their driver's license. This request can often be made through the court or the court clerk's office.
Reinstatement Fees: Depending on your specific case and any other outstanding issues, the driver may be required to pay reinstatement fees to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV). Check with the DHSMV for the current fee amount and payment options.
Wait for Processing: After the driver has submitted all necessary documentation and fees, their request for reinstatement will be processed. The processing time may vary, so the driver should be patient and follow up as needed.
Check the Status of Their License: Periodically check the status of their driver's license with the DHSMV to confirm that it has been reinstated and is in good standing.

It's crucial for a driver to follow these steps diligently to ensure the successful reinstatement of their driver's license after failing to complete a court-ordered Driver Improvement School in Florida. Failure to comply with court orders and fulfill these requirements can lead to prolonged suspension and further legal complications.

Incapable of Safely Operating a Motor Vehicle

The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles is authorized in Section 322.221, Florida Statutes, to require a licensed driver to submit medical reports regarding their physical or mental condition to the Department’s Medical Advisory Board if the Department has reason to believe that the licensed driver is physically or mentally unqualified to operate a motor vehicle. If determined to be incapable of safely operating a motor vehicle, the driving suspension lasts for one year. The suspended driver is not eligible for a hardship license in this case, but the driver may request a hearing to petition for one or two more opportunities to pass the test. A hardship license restricts driving to employment or business purposes only. When the suspension has expired, then the subject must pass the required exams before re-licensing. The Law Office of Lee Meadows can help you through this process.

Breakdown of how the reinstatement prosses works once determined incapable of safely operating a motor vehicle:

Medical Evaluation: Once a driver has been declared incapable of safely operating a motor vehicle due to physical or mental health issues, they’ll need to undergo a medical evaluation. This typically involves having a healthcare professional, such as a doctor, complete a medical report regarding your condition.
Consult the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV): Contact the DHSMV to understand the specific requirements and procedures for reinstating your license. They will provide the driver with guidance on what documentation and evaluations are needed.
Complete Medical Advisory Board Review: The DHSMV may require a review by the Medical Advisory Board if they have concerns about the driver’s ability to drive safely. The board will assess the driver’s physical and mental condition to determine if they meet the necessary criteria for reinstating your license.
License Suspension Period: Depending on the circumstances, the license may have been suspended for a specific period. Generally, this period is one year. The driver must wait until this suspension period ends before attempting to reinstate their license.
Hardship License: If the license has been suspended due to incapability, the driver might not be eligible for a regular driver's license. Instead, they may qualify for a hardship license, which restricts their driving to employment or business purposes only.
Testing and Training: The DHSMV may require the driver to take written and/or practical driving tests to demonstrate their ability to safely operate a motor vehicle. In some cases, they may need to complete additional driver training or rehabilitation programs.
Hearing Request: If the driver disagrees with the DHSMV's decision regarding their driving capabilities, they have the right to request a hearing to present your case. They may consult the DHSMV for details on how to request a hearing and the associated requirements.
Compliance with Recommendations: Follow any recommendations or conditions set by the Medical Advisory Board or DHSMV. This may include regular medical check-ups or evaluations to ensure the driver’s ongoing fitness to drive.
Reinstatement Fees: The driver should be prepared to pay any reinstatement fees required by the DHSMV to process their application for reinstatement.
Documentation: Keep all documentation, including medical reports and any clearance forms, in an organized and accessible manner. The driver may need to provide this documentation throughout the reinstatement process.

The process for reinstating a driver's license after being deemed incapable of safely operating a motor vehicle in Florida can be complex and may vary depending on individual circumstances. Consulting with the DHSMV and seeking legal advice, if necessary, can help ensure a smoother reinstatement process and compliance with all requirements.

Point Accumulation on Driver Record

Accumulating points on a driver’s record may result in their license being suspended.

Points are assigned based on the type of conviction and remain on the driver record for at least five years from the date of disposition (conviction). In Florida, accumulating 12 points in a 12-month period will result in an automatic 30-day suspension. Accumulating a total of 18 points will result in a suspension of 3 months. Accumulating a total of 24 points within 36 months will result in an automatic 1-year suspension.

Breakdown of Point Accumulation on Driver Record:

Common Traffic Violations: Points are typically associated with common traffic violations, such as speeding, running red lights, or improper lane changes. The number of points assigned depends on the severity of the violation.
Point Values: Each traffic violation is assigned a specific point value. In Florida, points can range from 3 to 6 points for common violations. For example, speeding less than 15 miles per hour over the limit might result in 3 points, while running a red light could lead to 4 points.
Points Stay on Your Record: Points remain on a person’s driving record for a certain period, typically 36 months (3 years) from the date of the violation. As noted above, if a driver accumulates too many points within a specific timeframe, their driving privileges may be affected.
Consequences of Accumulating Points: The consequences of accumulating points on a Florida driver's license may include:
- Suspension or Revocation: If a driver accumulate too many points within a certain timeframe, their license may be suspended or revoked. In Florida, accumulating 12 points in a 12-month period will result in an automatic 30-day suspension. Accumulating a total of 18 points will result in a suspension of 3 months. Accumulating a total of 24 points within 36 months will result in an automatic 1-year suspension.
  - Teen Drivers: If a teen driver receives a moving violation while they have their learner’s permit, the learner’s permit will be extended to one year from the date of the conviction, or until their 18th birthday, whichever comes first.
Traffic School: In some cases, the driver may have the option to attend a driver improvement course to remove points from their record and avoid further penalties.
Increased Insurance Rates: Accumulating points on a driving record can also result in higher auto insurance premiums.
Reducing Points: A driver can reduce points on their driving record by attending a Florida-approved Basic Driver Improvement Course. Successful completion of this course can remove up to 3 points from a driver’s record. A driver can take this course once every 12 months to reduce points, but not more than 5 times.
Reckless Driving and DUI Offenses: Some violations, like reckless driving and DUI (Driving Under the Influence), carry more severe penalties and can result in substantial point accumulation. DUI offenses often lead to higher points and more severe consequences. For more information about DUIs, see our page on DUIs.
Hardship License Once Suspended: When suspended, a driver may apply for a hardship license through their local Administrative Reviews Office. To obtain a hardship license or reinstate when the suspension expires, the driver must take a required examination, submit Advanced Driver Improvement (ADI) school enrollment and pay a suspension reinstatement fee and any other applicable license fees. A hardship license restricts driving to employment or business purposes only.

It's important to drive safely and obey traffic laws to avoid accumulating points on your Florida driver's license. Frequent traffic violations can not only lead to license suspension but also affect your insurance rates and driving privileges. Staying informed about the point values associated with different violations can help you make responsible decisions while on the road. If you have concerns about the points on your driver record, contact The Law Office of Lee Meadows to discuss options in reinstating your driver’s license or obtaining a hardship license.

Violation (Not DUI-Related) Resulting in Death or Serious Bodily Injury

In Florida, a Violation (Not DUI-Related) Resulting in Death or Serious Bodily Injury refers to a situation in which a motor vehicle operator commits a traffic violation that leads to a severe accident, causing death or significant physical harm to another person.

Traffic Violation: It begins with a traffic violation. The driver must have committed a traffic offense, such as speeding, running a red light, reckless driving, or any other violation of traffic laws.
Resulting in Death or Serious Bodily Injury: The violation must directly cause a fatal accident or result in severe bodily harm to another person. Serious bodily injury typically includes injuries that are life-threatening or cause significant impairment to a person's physical well-being.
Criminal Charges: Depending on the circumstances, the driver responsible for the violation may face criminal charges. The specific charges and penalties will vary depending on the nature of the violation and the resulting harm.
Civil Charges: The investigator may issue a civil (non-criminal) violation after a crash resulting in death or serious bodily injury. If convicted, the court must impose a 3-month driver’s license suspension for a citation resulting in serious bodily injury and a 6-month suspension for a citation resulting in death.
Penalties: Penalties for this type of violation can include fines and driver's license suspension or revocation. In some cases, the driver may be ordered to complete community service or attend educational programs.
Legal Process: The legal process involves a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the accident and establish a connection between the traffic violation and the death or serious bodily injury. Evidence, witness statements, and expert testimony may be used to build a case.
Mandatory Court Appearance: Florida Statutes mandate that any infraction which results in a crash that causes the death or “serious bodily injury” of another requires a mandatory court appearance.
Hardship License: If convicted and the driver’s license is suspended, the driver may apply for a hardship through their local Administrative Reviews Office. To obtain a hardship license or reinstate when the suspension expires, the driver must take the required examination, submit Advanced Driver Improvement (ADI) school enrollment and pay a suspension reinstatement fee and any other applicable license fees. A hardship license restricts driving to employment or business purposes only.

Fraudulent Driver License

A driver license will be suspended for one year for fraudulently obtaining a driver license.

Definition of Driver License Fraud: The Florida DHSMV defines Driver License Fraud as, “the use of another person’s identity, the submission of counterfeit identity documents, and all other activities intended to obtain a driver license or ID card by a person or for a person who is not eligible for issuance of such a document.”
Suspension: Florida statutes authorize the DHSMV to suspend the driver’s license without a preliminary hearing, if by a showing of its records or other sufficient evidence shows the person has permitted or committed driver’s license fraud.
Statute of Limitations: Depending on how long ago the driver license fraud occurred, the DHSMV may be barred from bringing administrative action. This period may vary, but successful actions to remove a suspension for fraud have been brought for offenses over 4 years old.
Show Cause Hearing: The driver may petition the department for a hearing to determine whether fraud has been committed. If during the hearing it is determined that fraud was not committed, the suspension will be removed.
Hardship License: If fraud is proven, the driver may apply for a hardship license. If approved for a hardship license, or if the suspension has expired, the driver must take the required examination and pay a suspension reinstatement fee and any other applicable license fees. A hardship license restricts driving to employment or business purposes only.

If your driver license has been suspended for allegations of driver license fraud, it is important to act quickly as there are time limitations to contest the allegations. Contact the Law Office of Lee Meadows to help navigate the process or obtain a hardship license.

Child Support Delinquency

All 50 states in the US have statutory or administrative provisions that restrict, suspend, or revoke driver licenses for failure to pay child support. Each state imposes its own triggering criteria, meaning the amount of arrears the obligor (the person who owes child support) must owe in order for a license to be suspended; or the amount of time the obligor must be delinquent before suspension occurs. Once the trigger criteria has been met, certain due process procedures are allowed before suspension of a license, including a notice to the obligor that they are delinquent or in arrears, and the opportunity for the obligor to pay the full amount of arrears, come up with a payment plan with the child support enforcement agency, or request a hearing to object the allegations.

A few states, including California, Colorado, Indiana, Louisiana, Maryland, South Carolina, South Dakota, West Virginia, and Wyoming, allow for temporary licenses if suspension would result in undue hardship on the obligor, and in many instances, to allow the obligor to travel to and from work so they can earn money and pay the arrears. This is not the case in Florida.

Florida Child Support Delinquency

In Florida, a driver license suspension due to child support delinquency is a legal consequence imposed when an individual falls behind on their court-ordered child support payments. The state takes child support obligations seriously, and non-payment can lead to a range of enforcement measures, including the suspension of a person's driver's license. A person who has been suspended due to child support delinquency does not qualify for a hardship license, so it is important to get the matter settled in order to reinstate driving privileges.

Section 322.245 of the 2017 Florida Statutes outlines that a driver’s license may be suspended for failing to pay child support. For an ordinary, non-commercial driver who is obligated to pay child support, the license suspension process will begin if the individual is 15 days late in paying or fails to comply with a subpoena or order to appear.

If your driver’s license has not yet been suspended but you have received a notice of intent to suspend your driver’s license, you have twenty days to file a motion to contest the suspension action in order to keep your license from being suspended. If you do not file the motion within 20 days of the date of the notice, your license will be suspended without further notice to you

At this point, the driver can do one of the following to prevent the license suspension:

Pay the owed amount in full
Enter an Agreement to Pay Delinquency
Contest the Suspension and Delinquency Filed

Once your driver’s license is suspended you will not be able to renew your vehicle registration and if you are pulled over for a simple speeding ticket, the police officer has the authority to take you to jail for driving on a suspended license.

Driver license suspension notices are sent to the last known address of the non-paying parent. Unfortunately, many parents move and do not update their address with the Florida Department of Revenue (DOR) and never actually get notice that their driver’s license has been suspended. There is no requirement of personal service and notice by mail is acceptable; even if you have moved and never get the letter.

You can file a Motion to contest a driver license suspension and request that your driver license not be suspended or that the suspension action be stopped. Generally, the Court will not suspend your driver’s license without giving you the ability to pay a purge amount to stop the suspension. Ideally, it is best to contest the suspension before it takes place, however, Florida law gives you 20 days to file a motion contesting a suspension action for child support non-payment and if you fail to exercise this right to contest the action, then your license will be suspended without further notice.

The Department of Revenue ("DOR") has no authority to change what you owe in child support each month or forgive arrears; it can only agree that you make the payment ordered and catch up on arrears owed. This means that if you want to change how much child support you pay each month or have arrears forgiven you must file a petition with the court and go before a judge.

You can also go to the Clerk of Court and pay your arrears in full to have your driver’s license reinstated. If you choose to go the Clerk of Court you need to tell the DOR that you have brought your child support current and will begin making future payments as ordered. Once the DOR agrees to reinstate your driver’s license you will owe a fee to the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles to get your license back.

Breakdown of the Process:

Child Support Obligation: When a court orders child support, the non-custodial parent (usually the paying parent) is legally required to make regular payments to the custodial parent or guardian (usually the receiving parent) to support the financial needs of their child or children.
Delinquency: If the paying parent fails to make child support payments or consistently falls behind on payments, they are considered delinquent. Child support delinquency can accumulate over time, leading to significant arrears.
Legal Enforcement: To address child support delinquency, the Florida Department of Revenue's Child Support Program may take various legal enforcement actions, including notifying the paying parent of the delinquency and working to establish a repayment plan.
Driver's License Suspension: If the paying parent does not comply with the repayment plan or continues to be delinquent in making payments, the Department of Revenue can request the suspension of their driver's license. This action is taken as an enforcement measure to encourage compliance with child support obligations.
Notification: The paying parent typically receives advance notice of the impending license suspension. This notice provides an opportunity to address the delinquency, make payments, or establish a plan to catch up on arrears.
Driver's License Hold: If the paying parent does not resolve the delinquency or fails to comply with an established plan, their driver's license may be placed on hold. This means they are no longer legally permitted to drive until the child support arrears are addressed.
Reinstatement: To have the driver's license reinstated, the paying parent must meet the conditions set by the Florida Department of Revenue. No exam is required to reinstate, but a child support suspension reinstatement fee may be required. If a driver has more than one support suspension, a reinstatement fee will be required to clear each suspension. For example, two reinstatement fee payments will be required for two child support suspensions. If the clearance occurs before the suspension date, the suspension will be deleted, and no fee is required.
Repayment and Compliance: Once the paying parent complies with the terms and successfully addresses the delinquency, their driver's license will be reinstated. This allows them to regain their driving privileges.

Unpaid Traffic Tickets

Unpaid traffic tickets in Florida can have several significant effects on your driver's license and overall financial situation. Tickets must be paid in the traffic court within the county where the citation was issued. Some traffic courts allow payment online via credit card. Check the traffic court website to determine if you can pay yours now.

Consequences of failing to pay traffic tickets in Florida:

Suspension of Driver's License: The most immediate consequence of unpaid traffic tickets is the suspension of your driver's license. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) can suspend your license for failing to pay fines associated with traffic violations.
Additional Fees: Unpaid traffic tickets can accrue late fees and penalties over time, making the total amount owed much higher than the original fine. These fees can vary depending on the county and the specific circumstances.
Warrants and Arrests: In some cases, outstanding traffic tickets may lead to the issuance of arrest warrants. Law enforcement officers can arrest individuals with active warrants during traffic stops or other interactions.
Difficulty Renewing or Obtaining a Driver's License: With a suspended license, you cannot renew your driver's license when it expires. You must first address the outstanding tickets, pay the fines, and complete any other required actions to reinstate your license.
Insurance Rate Increases: Unpaid traffic tickets may lead to an increase in your auto insurance premiums. Insurance companies consider traffic violations when setting your rates, and a suspended license can also affect your insurability.
Ineligibility for Defensive Driving Courses: Some traffic courts offer the option to attend defensive driving courses to dismiss or reduce the impact of traffic violations. However, if you have a suspended license due to unpaid tickets, you may be ineligible for such courses.
Legal Consequences: Unresolved traffic violations can result in legal action against you. If you fail to address the tickets, you may be summoned to appear in court, where you can face additional fines and penalties.
Collection Agencies: Some unpaid traffic fines may be sent to collections agencies, leading to collection actions against you, potential damage to your credit score, and additional costs.

To avoid these consequences, it's essential to address unpaid traffic tickets promptly. Contact the relevant traffic court, pay the fines, and follow any court instructions or requirements to resolve the tickets. Contact The Law Office of Lee Meadows if you have concerns about the fines or if you believe you were unfairly ticketed. Addressing unpaid traffic tickets will help you maintain a valid driver's license and avoid further legal and financial complications.

Traffic Ticket Received in Another State

If a driver holds a Florida license and they received a ticket in another state, the ticket will be sent to Florida to be added to the driver record. Points will be added to the driver license if the ticket is a point-accessible violation according to Florida Statute 322.27(3). Florida law does not allow any school or program to remove points for a ticket received in another state.

Any unpaid ticket reported by another state will result in the suspension of a Florida driver license. To clear the unpaid ticket from a Florida driving record, the driver must obtain a paid receipt with the court seal of the county where the ticket was received and present it to DHSMV.

Breakdown of the Process:

Receive and Review the Out-of-State Ticket: When a driver receives a traffic ticket in another state, it will typically be sent to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) to be added to their driver record. It's important to carefully review the ticket to understand the violation and the requirements for resolution.
Verify the Impact on Your Florida Driving Record: Confirm whether the out-of-state traffic violation will result in points being added to the driver’s Florida driver's license. Not all out-of-state violations result in points, but some may if they are considered point-accessible offenses under Florida law.
Pay the Out-of-State Ticket: Comply with the requirements of the out-of-state ticket. This usually involves paying the fine associated with the violation. Check the instructions on the ticket for payment methods, which may include online payment options.
Retain Proof of Payment: Keep records of your payment, including receipts and confirmation numbers. The driver will need these documents to demonstrate that they’ve resolved the out-of-state ticket.
Monitor Your Florida Driving Record: Periodically check their Florida driving record through the DHSMV to ensure that the out-of-state ticket has been properly updated as resolved and that any points have been correctly recorded.
Comply with Any Additional Requirements: Be aware that some out-of-state traffic tickets may have additional requirements or penalties associated with them, such as mandatory court appearances or probation. The driver must make sure they follow any court-ordered instructions as necessary.

All 50 states and Washington, DC have websites with motor vehicle information for consumers. Some states have separate agencies for driver licensing vehicle, registration and highway patrol (State Police).

Reasons for Driver License Revocations

Inadequate vision

An individual's vision may be evaluated when they apply for or renew their driver's license. This evaluation typically includes a vision test to ensure they meet the minimum vision standards required for safe driving. If the individual fails to meet the minimum vision standards or their vision deteriorates to a level that is considered unsafe for driving, their driver's license may be revoked. Inadequate vision can result from conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, or other visual impairments.

Reinstatement Process for a Revoked License Due to Inadequate Vision:

Eye Exam: To reinstate a license that has been revoked due to inadequate vision, the individual must submit an eye exam report from a licensed eye care professional to a Florida Driver License office. The eye exam must meet the minimum vision standards established by the state.
Medical Advisory Board Review: The Medical Advisory Board reviews the eye exam report and advises the DHSMV based on the individual's vision status. A determination is made regarding whether the individual meets the minimum vision standards.
Reinstatement Request: If the individual is determined to have met the minimum vision standards, they can request reinstatement of their driver's license. This request is typically made at a Florida Driver License office.
Full Reinstatement: After the revocation period expires and the individual's vision meets the minimum standards, they can reinstate their driver's license for full driving privileges by presenting proof of completion of ADI, paying a revocation reinstatement fee, and any other applicable fees.

It's essential to follow the specific procedures outlined by the Florida DHSMV and comply with any requirements to ensure a smooth reinstatement process after a license has been revoked due to inadequate vision. Additionally, individuals should prioritize their safety and the safety of others on the road when considering their ability to drive with any medical condition that may affect vision.

Florida Habitual Traffic Offender (HTO) Status

In Florida, a person is classified as an HTO if they accumulate a specified number of serious traffic offenses within a certain timeframe. These offenses include driving under the influence (DUI), reckless driving, and offenses resulting in death or serious bodily injury.

If determined to be a Habitual Traffic Offender (HTO), an individual’s driver license will be revoked for five years. After one year from the effective date of revocation, a driver may request a hardship license.

Breakdown of the Process:

Designation as HTO: When an individual accumulates a certain number of qualifying offenses within a specific period, they are designated as an HTO by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV).
Revocation Period: Once designated as an HTO, the individual's driver's license is revoked for five years. During this revocation period, they are not permitted to drive legally in the state of Florida.
Request for a Hardship License: After one year from the effective date of revocation, an HTO may request a hardship license. This request typically involves contacting the local Administrative Reviews Office. A hardship license allows limited driving for employment or business purposes only. To obtain this license The driver will be required to present enrollment or completion of Advanced Driver Improvement School (ADI) and pay a $75.00 revocation reinstatement fee, along with any other applicable fees. A hardship license restricts driving to employment or business purposes only.
Completion of Revocation Period: Once the five-year revocation period for HTO status expires, the individual is no longer subject to the HTO designation. The driver can resume driving with full privileges or may report to a service center to obtain a replacement license ($25.00 fee) issued without the hardship restriction listed. If the entire HTO revocation period is served without a hardship license, a hearing with the Administrative Review Office is not required. A driver can reinstate for full privileges by presenting enrollment or completion of Advanced Driver Improvement School (ADI) and pay a $75.00 revocation reinstatement fee along with any other applicable fees for issuance of a driver license.
Full License Reinstatement: After the revocation period ends, the individual can reinstate their driver's license for full driving privileges by completing ADI, paying a revocation reinstatement fee, and any other applicable fees.