Most Florida drivers don’t think much about traffic laws—until they receive a ticket. Whether it’s speeding, reckless driving, or an unexpected lane-change citation, every violation adds points to your Florida driver’s license. Accumulating too many points can lead to license suspension, higher insurance rates, and long-term consequences that affect your daily life.

At Chang & Pyles, we help Brevard County drivers understand their rights, fight their traffic citations, and protect their ability to drive. This guide explains exactly how Florida’s point system works and what you can do to avoid serious penalties.

Why Florida Uses a Point System

Florida’s point system tracks unsafe driving behaviors by assigning a certain number of points to each type of traffic violation. When you pay a traffic ticket, you are essentially admitting guilt—and the state will automatically add points to your license.

Too many points in a short period of time can result in losing your driving privileges, even if the violations seem minor.

Common Traffic Violations and Their Points

Here are some of the most common violations Brevard County drivers face and their point values:

3-Point Violations

• Improper lane change
• Failure to yield
• Minor speeding (less than 15 mph over)
• Not wearing a seat belt

4-Point Violations

• Speeding 15 mph or more over the limit
• Passing a stopped school bus
• Reckless driving
• Running a red light

6-Point Violations

• Leaving the scene of an accident with property damage
• Speeding causing an accident
• Hit-and-run with minor damage

Even a single mistake can add several points to your record—and multiple violations can add up quickly.

How Many Points Lead to a License Suspension?

Florida takes repeated violations seriously. Your license can be suspended if you accumulate:

• 12 points in 12 months → 30-day suspension
• 18 points in 18 months → 3-month suspension
• 24 points in 36 months → 1-year suspension

It’s important to remember: points stack.

If you already had 12 points and you receive six more, your suspension period increases based on the total number of points.

Losing your license can disrupt every aspect of life—getting to work, transporting your children, running errands, and maintaining independence.

How Points Affect Insurance Rates

Most drivers focus on the fines attached to traffic tickets, but insurance increases can cost far more. Insurance companies view drivers with points as higher-risk, which can lead to:

• Rate increases
• Policy changes
• Loss of “safe driver” discounts
• Potential policy cancellation

A single ticket can cost hundreds—or thousands—over time.

How to Reduce or Remove Points from Your License

Florida offers a few options for drivers who want to avoid accumulating too many points:

1. Fight the Traffic Ticket

Fighting a traffic citation—especially with an attorney—may result in the ticket being dismissed or reduced to a non-moving violation, which avoids points entirely.

This is the most effective method.

2. Complete a Driving Course

Some drivers may take a state-approved driving course to prevent points from being added. Courses can also help lower insurance rates.

3. Wait for Points to Expire

Points fall off your record after 36 months from the date of the citation.
However, you must avoid new violations during that period.

Defenses Against Florida Traffic Tickets

Traffic ticket defenses must be tailored to the specific situation, but common defenses include:

• The officer used faulty radar or speed detection equipment
• The officer did not have a clear view of the alleged violation
• You were not the driver at the time of the incident
• The officer lacked proper training to use the equipment
• You followed all traffic laws, and the citation was issued in error

These defenses are often more effective when handled by an experienced traffic ticket attorney.

Why You Shouldn’t Simply Pay Your Ticket

Paying a traffic ticket may seem like the easiest solution, but it creates long-term issues:

• You will automatically receive points
• Your license could be suspended
• Insurance rates may skyrocket
• You lose the chance to reduce or dismiss the violation

Fighting the ticket often results in better outcomes, especially with legal representation.

Why Hire a Brevard County Traffic Ticket Attorney?

An experienced attorney can:

• Analyze the details of your citation
• Identify weaknesses in the officer’s report
• Challenge faulty equipment or improper procedures
• Present evidence on your behalf
• Work toward dismissal or point reduction
• Protect your license and insurance rates

At Chang & Pyles, we help drivers minimize the impact of traffic violations and avoid unnecessary penalties.

Speak With a Brevard County Traffic Ticket Attorney Today

Traffic violations may seem minor, but the consequences are not. If you want to protect your record and keep your driving privileges, don’t face a citation alone.

📞 Call 321-450-7740
Schedule a consultation with Chang & Pyles and learn how we can help you fight your traffic ticket effectively.