Are you a habitual traffic offender in Florida? Here's what it means
Understanding Florida’s Habitual Traffic Offender Laws and How They Impact Your Future
Are you a habitual traffic offender? Suppose your driving record shows that you have made three or more major violations or 15 minor violations within a timeframe of 5 years. In that case, you may be labelled as a habitual traffic offender in Florida.
Three major violations in separate acts that can make you a habitual traffic offender include –
Manslaughter while driving a vehicle (it can be voluntary or involuntary
- Violating Florida Statute
- Any felony involving the use of a vehicle
- Driving a vehicle while your license is revoked or suspended
- Not stopping and offering help after a vehicle crash that causes injury or death
If you made 15 traffic violations that carry points on your license, you will be considered a Habitual Traffic Offender. These violations include those listed above.
Habitual Traffic Offenders – A High Risk to Safety
The state takes habitual offenders quite seriously, as they are considered a significant risk to road safety. Consequently, many Florida drivers have their licenses revoked after being classified as habitual traffic offenders.
According to Florida Habitual Offender DUI laws, the labelling as an HTO can result in a five-year revocation of your license. It will badly impact your daily life and driving rights. To navigate such challenges, it is essential to have a strong knowledge of the impact of an HTO charge on your driving record.
Florida Habitual Traffic Offender DUI Penalties
Facing a Habitual Traffic Offender charge in Florida? It can be hard for you, mainly due to the severe DUI penalties associated with it. The repercussions are pretty serious, ranging from losing your driving rights to facing hefty fines and imprisonment.
Driving privileges are revoked for five years if a person is deemed a habitual traffic offender. Driving at this time will be prosecuted as a third-degree crime. Have an insight into the penalties associated with a third-degree conviction –
- Prison for up to 5 years
- Probation for 5 years
- $5000 fine
- Permanent criminal record
Habitual Traffic Offender Status Can Put You in Long-Term Financial Strain.
As insurance companies consider habitual traffic offenders as high-risk drivers, they may charge higher premiums or refuse to offer you coverage. Maintaining SR-22 insurance will also add to your expenses, creating long-term financial strain.
Want to reinstate driving rights? Here is what you can do!
To regain your driving rights as a habitual traffic offender, you will have to cooperate with the five-year revocation period and undergo rehabilitation. You can also participate in driver improvement classes to demonstrate that you are the most deserving of your driving privileges. Even though getting your driver's license back seems impossible, you can succeed if you follow the correct procedures and advice
Complete revocation period
Completing the five-year revocation period is your first and foremost step. Make sure that you do not indulge in any more traffic violations.
Enrol in required programs.
Enrol yourself in the required programs, such as driver improvement courses. Such programs are designed to improve your driving skills.
Gather documents for the reinstatement process.
Get all the documents required for the reinstatement process. These include insurance information, court records, and evidence of program completion.
Apply for reinstatement
Once you have completed the required programs, you can apply to regain your license. It involves applying DHSMV.
Consult a legal expert.
Consult a legal expert to get insights and guidance on how to increase your chances of successful reinstatement of your license. After all, your driving record is an important document that every insurance company requires to decide rates for you. All the violations that you made as an offender can have serious consequences on your ability to live your life.
A legal DUI expert can help you get a clean driver's record. He works to safeguard your driving privileges and comes up with valid defense strategies to reduce your tickets. These experts are well-versed in offering a solid representation to those facing a range of traffic violation charges. These include –
- Tickets for speeding
- License suspension
- Red light violation
- Hit and run case
Challenging Your Status as a Habitual Traffic Offender
Want to challenge your Habitual Traffic Offender status? Address the traffic violations that you made to get that designation. If you are convicted of the violations due to procedural errors or lack of evidence, it can be expunged.
Once you are classified as a Habitual Traffic Offender, you can file a challenge within 30 days. You can consult a legal DUI attorney who can help you by –
- checking your driving license for any errors
- challenging violations that are outdated
- representing you before the traffic court
Hardship License
Applying for a hardship license can also work for you. It allows you to drive for crucial purposes such as medical appointments or going to work. You will have to provide a genuine need for the license along with proof of participating in driver improvement courses.
Conclusion
Traffic violations can be daunting. Having a
DUI legal expert by your side can help reduce your charges. Choose the proper legal representation to navigate the intricacies of the reinstatement process and ensure adherence to all the legal requirements, increasing the chances of a successful outcome. Take your first step towards making a better future.
