Check your points through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles website
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) lets you view your current points and violations online without visiting an office. Go to dhsmv.gov, select "Driver License Services," then choose "Check Your Driving Record." You'll need your driver license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to log in.
The system shows your active points, any suspensions or restrictions on your license, and a list of violations from the past three to five years depending on the violation type. Points stay on your record for different lengths of time: moving violations typically remain for three years, while serious violations like DUI can stay for seven years or longer.
If you don't have internet access or prefer to speak with someone, you can call the DHSMV at 1-888-769-2338 during business hours. Have your license number and date of birth ready. The phone line can confirm your current point total but won't provide as much detail as the online record.
Key Takeaways
- You can check your Florida points and violations online at dhsmv.gov using your driver license number, date of birth, and last four digits of your Social Security number.
- Moving violations add points to your record for three years, while serious violations like DUI remain for seven years or longer.
- Accumulating 12 points in 12 months, 18 points in 18 months, or 24 points in 36 months triggers a license suspension.
- You can reduce points by taking a defensive driving course, which removes up to four points from your record once every 12 months.
How Florida's point system works
Florida assigns points based on the type of violation. A speeding ticket typically adds three points, reckless driving adds four points, and a DUI adds six points. Minor violations like improper lane change add two points. The more serious the infraction, the more points you receive.
Your license is suspended automatically when you hit certain thresholds. Twelve points within 12 months, 18 points within 18 months, or 24 points within 36 months all trigger a suspension. The length of suspension depends on how many times you've been suspended before: your first suspension lasts 30 days, the second lasts 90 days, and the third or subsequent suspension lasts one year.
Points don't disappear when ready after three years. They remain on your record for the full three-year period from the violation date, then drop off automatically. You don't need to do anything to remove them once the time passes.
Reducing points with a defensive driving course
Taking a state-approved defensive driving course removes up to four points from your record. You can do this once every 12 months, meaning you could potentially remove four points per year if you take a course annually. The course must be approved by the DHSMV; you can find a list of approved providers on the DHSMV website under "Approved Driving Schools."
Most courses take four to eight hours and cost between $20 and $50, though prices vary by provider. Some are offered in person at driving schools, while others are online. After you complete the course, the provider sends your completion certificate to the DHSMV, and the points reduction appears on your record within a few weeks.
A defensive driving course also may lower your auto insurance rates. Many insurance companies offer discounts to drivers who complete an approved course, so check with your insurer before enrolling to see what discount they offer.
What happens if your license is suspended
A suspension means you cannot legally drive in Florida or any other state. Driving on a suspended license is a separate criminal offense that carries its own penalties, including fines and potential jail time. If you're stopped by police, you'll face charges for driving with a suspended license in addition to any original violation.
You can request a hearing before the suspension takes effect if you believe the points were assessed incorrectly. You have 30 days from the notice date to request a hearing through the DHSMV. At the hearing, you can present evidence that the violation was wrongly recorded or that circumstances warrant reconsideration.
To reinstate your license after a suspension ends, you must pay a reinstatement fee (currently $150 for a first suspension, though this may change) and meet any other requirements the DHSMV specifies. You'll receive a notice in the mail explaining what you need to do and when you're may be able to access to reinstate.
Contesting a violation or points assessment
If you believe a violation was recorded incorrectly or the points were assessed wrong, you can request a review through the DHSMV. Start by gathering documentation: your ticket, any photos or evidence from the incident, and witness information if available. Contact the DHSMV at 1-888-769-2338 or visit your local DHSMV office with this documentation.
For traffic tickets specifically, you may also contest the violation in traffic court. If you received a ticket, the citation includes information about how to dispute it in court. Winning in court removes the violation from your record, which also removes the associated points. However, contesting a ticket in court requires following specific procedures and important date set by your county.
Some violations can be reduced or dismissed through traffic school or plea agreements, depending on the circumstances and the court's policies. An attorney who handles traffic cases can advise you on your options for a specific violation.
Understanding your driving record printout
When you pull your record online or request a copy from the DHSMV, you'll see several sections. The top shows your license status (valid, suspended, revoked, or restricted), your current point total, and any restrictions like "corrective lenses required." Below that is a chronological list of violations, each showing the violation date, type of violation, points assigned, and the date the points will drop off your record.
The printout also lists any accidents you reported to the DHSMV, though accidents themselves don't add points unless they resulted in a citation. Insurance companies can see accidents on your record, which may affect your rates even if you weren't cited.
Keep a copy of your driving record for your records. Some employers and insurance companies request it, and having it on hand saves time when you need to show your driving history.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for a violation to show up on my driving record?
Most violations appear within two to four weeks after the citation is processed by the court. Some violations take longer if the court is backlogged. You can check your record online at any time to see if a recent violation has been added.
Can I remove points without taking a defensive driving course?
Points drop off automatically after three years from the violation date. A defensive driving course is the only way to remove points before that time period ends. You cannot pay a fee to remove points early.
What's the difference between points and insurance surcharges?
Points are tracked by the DHSMV and determine whether your license is suspended. Insurance surcharges are separate penalties your insurance company applies based on your violations. A violation might add three points to your license and also trigger a surcharge that raises your insurance rates for three to five years.
If I move out of Florida, do my points follow me?
Your Florida points remain on your Florida license. If you get a license in another state, that state has its own point system. However, most states can see your driving history in other states through the National Driver Register, and violations may affect your new state's license status or insurance rates.
Can I check someone else's driving record?
No. Only the license holder can view their own record online. If you need someone else's record for legal or insurance purposes, you must request it through the DHSMV with written authorization from that person, or through an attorney or court order if required by law.