The point system — Florida Permit Test

12 points within a 12-month period brings a 30 day suspension.

Points add up quietly, and this is the first place the adding up costs you the car.

12 points within a 12-month period—30 day suspension

18 points within an 18-month period brings a 3 month suspension.

The middle rung: more points over a longer stretch still costs three months.

18 points within a 18-month period—3 month suspension

24 points within a 36-month period brings a 1 year suspension.

Three years of tickets can still land on one year without a license.

24 points within a 36-month period—1 year suspension

A driver under 18 who reaches 6 or more points within a 12 month period is restricted for one year to Business Purposes Only.

Half the adult total costs a teenager a year of driving anywhere but to work and school.

Any driver under the age of 18 who accumulates 6 or more points within a 12 month period is automatically restricted for one year to driving for Business Purposes Only.

Every additional point after that extends a minor’s Business Purposes Only restriction by 90 days.

Each new ticket adds three months, so the restriction grows instead of running out.

If additional points are accumulated, the restriction is extended for 90 days for every additional point received.

Unlawful speed of 15 MPH or less over the posted limit is 3 points, and 16 MPH or more over is 4 points.

One mile per hour separates the two, so the margin you think you have is worth a point.

Unlawful speed 16 MPH or more over lawful or posted speed 4

Unlawful speed resulting in a crash carries 6 points.

The same speeding costs twice as much once somebody has been hit.

Unlawful speed resulting in a crash 6

Texting while driving carries 3 points, and using a handheld device in a school crossing, school zone or work zone carries 3 points.

The phone is not a small thing on the record: it is worth the same as speeding.

Texting while driving 3

Violation of a traffic signal, sign or device carries 4 points, and reckless driving carries 4 points.

Running one red light is worth the same as driving recklessly on purpose.

Violation of traffic signal/sign/device 4

Leaving the scene of a crash with property damage of more than $50 carries 6 points, and driving during restricted hours carries 3 points.

Driving away from a scratched bumper costs twice what breaking a curfew does.

Leaving the scene of a crash resulting in property damage of more than $50 6

Passing a stopped school bus resulting in serious injury or death carries 6 points.

It is the same offense as before, scored at the weight of what it did.

Passing a stopped school bus resulting in serious injury or death 6

What does reaching 12 points in 12 months bring?

A 30-day suspension. Points add up quietly, and this is the first place the adding up costs you the car. Official Florida Driver License Handbook, p.29: “12 points within a 12-month period—30 day suspension”