Did you know that a simple traffic violation in Florida can lead to the suspension of your driver’s license? Whether it’s due to unpaid fines, or medical conditions, a license suspension can have serious consequences.
Understanding the different types of suspensions is essential to avoid potential legal issues or complications. This article will help by examining the following:
- The differences between a definite and indefinite suspension
- Florida driver’s license rules
- Types of suspension
- Driving suspension penalties
- Reinstatement process
Keep reading to learn how these aspects affect your driving privileges and what steps you can take to restore them.
Definite Suspension vs. Indefinite Suspension
When your driver’s license is suspended, it can be classified as either a definite or indefinite suspension. The key difference between these two types is the duration and the conditions for reinstatement.
What is a Definite Suspension?
A definite suspension fixes the suspension period. You cannot drive for a specific time, but your driving privileges can be reinstated once you meet all conditions.
For example, if your license is suspended for six months due to a traffic violation or an accumulation of points on your record, you can apply for reinstatement and return to driving once those six months passed.
What is an Indefinite Suspension?
An indefinite suspension means there is no precise end date to your suspension. This type of suspension typically happens when you fail to meet specific requirements, such as:
- Not paying fines, fees, or traffic tickets
- Failure to complete a court-ordered or state-mandated driver improvement program
- Not providing required documentation, such as proof of insurance or medical clearance
Indefinite suspensions can also result from more serious issues, like driving under the influence (DUI) convictions or having a medical condition that impairs your ability to drive safely. To end an indefinite suspension, you must fulfill all the conditions the state or court sets.
Types of Suspension in Florida
Florida’s Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) can impose different suspensions depending on the violation committed. Below are the most common types of suspension in Florida:
1. Administrative Suspension
This type of suspension happens automatically and is often due to failing a breathalyzer test, refusing to take one, or other automatic triggers like unpaid tickets or lack of insurance proof after a crash.
The suspension can be short-term but may result in longer penalties if the violation is severe.
2. Court-Ordered Suspension
A court can order a suspension after a conviction for offenses like DUI, reckless driving, or driving without a valid license. The duration of this suspension depends on the seriousness of the offense.
3. Habitual Traffic Offender Suspension
If drivers accumulate enough points on their driving record within five years, they may be classified as habitual traffic offenders (HTO), resulting in a suspension of up to five years.
Offenses like DUIs, reckless driving, and excessive speeding only contribute to HTO classification if they meet the criteria outlined in the point system or statutory definitions. These violations alone do not automatically result in HTO status.
4. Medical Suspension
If a medical condition prevents you from driving safely, the DHSMV may suspend your license. Reinstatement typically requires a doctor’s evaluation and clearance. Conditions such as epilepsy or specific visual impairments can lead to this type of suspension.
Traffic Violation Consequences
Traffic violations can quickly lead to suspension; you may face different consequences depending on the violation’s severity. For example:
DUI Convictions
Florida law requires at least a six-month license suspension for a first-time DUI conviction. Repeated offenses can lead to extended suspensions or permanent revocation.
Accumulating Points
Florida uses a point system to track violations. If you reach 12 or more points on your license within 12 months, your license could be suspended for 30 days. Points can be added for violations such as:
- Speeding
- Reckless driving
- Running red lights
Failure to Pay Fines
Unpaid traffic fines, court costs, or driving school fees can result in license suspension. Similarly, failure to pay court-ordered child support may lead to suspension until the issue is resolved.
Driving Suspension Penalties
License suspension in Florida extends beyond the inability to drive, often affecting employment, daily responsibilities, and financial stability. Additional penalties may include:
Increased Fines: You may need to pay additional fines or fees before reinstatement of your license.
Jail Time: Habitual offenders or drivers caught with a suspended license may face jail time. You must complete DUI classes and obtain SR-22 insurance before getting your license back for DUI suspensions.
Insurance Increases: Your auto insurance premiums may rise significantly after a suspension, mainly due to violations like DUI.
License Reinstatement Process
After the suspension period ends or you meet the suspension conditions, you must go through the license reinstatement process in Florida.This process can vary depending on the suspension type, but there are general steps to follow.
You can start by checking your Suspension status on the DHSMV website using your driver’s license number. Then, complete any required courses or programs and pay outstanding fines and fees.
Pay the reinstatement fees. This will vary depending on the nature of your suspension and can range from $45 to several hundred dollars for more serious offenses.
Submit all the required documentation. In some cases, such as medical or habitual traffic offender suspensions, you must submit documentation that proves you have cleared your conditions or met specific requirements.
Reapply for your driver’s license. This typically involves passing the vision test and providing identification documents. If your suspension resulted from a lack of insurance or a similar issue, you may need to provide proof of insurance before reinstatement.
Understanding and Resolving an Indefinite Suspension
An indefinite suspension can disrupt your life, but it doesn’t have to be permanent. You can work toward reinstating your license by addressing the cause, completing the required steps, and submitting accurate documentation.
Ready for a law firm that works on your terms? RHINO Lawyers in Tampa delivers fast, reliable, and trustworthy service designed for today’s Millennial consumer’s pace.
Contact us today to experience legal support tailored to your needs whenever and however you need it.
CONTACT TAMPA TRAFFIC TICKET ATTORNEY
RHINO Lawyers can help and guide you through a system molded by law enforcement, judges, and lawyers for decades. Having won cases for our clients in similar circumstances, our criminal defense team knows what it takes to fight on your behalf.
Let RHINO Lawyers answer your questions and review the facts of your case with a Free Consultation. So, get started by completing the “Free Instant Case Evaluation” or by calling us any time, day or night, at (844) RHINO-77.
