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Understanding the Risks of Driving With a Revoked License in Florida

Home » Blog » Understanding the Risks of Driving With a Revoked License in Florida

by | Nov 18, 2019 | Florida Laws

If you have a suspended or revoked license, you know how hard it is to get around town and do what you need to do.

Without the freedom to drive a car, you may feel stranded and even trapped at home.

Knowing the risks of getting behind the wheel of the car is important to keep yourself out of trouble.

Driving with a revoked license in Florida can be very problematic, so keep reading to learn what you need to know.

Why Would Your License Be Suspended or Revoked?

Each state has its own driving laws, including Florida, so this is something to be aware of if you plan to drive out of state. There are actually many reasons that a driver’s license could be revoked or suspended in the state of Florida.

If your license is revoked, it becomes illegal for you to drive or operate the car until your license is reinstated. If you have a suspended license, you are temporarily not allowed to operate the vehicle until a specific amount of time has passed.

Florida uses a point system that is graduated to see how long a driver’s license is going to be suspended. A driver in Florida gathers points every time they are convicted of some type of driving violation.

Examples of violations that may increase your points include:

  • Unpaid tickets
  • Improper lane changing
  • Speeding
  • Leaving an accident scene
  • Delinquent child support payments
  • Littering out of a car
  • Reckless driving
  • Running a stop sign or red stoplight

Points are counted against you. The amount of points you earn from an infraction varies. It depends on how severe the incident was.

If you get too many points within a certain amount of time, you may get your driver’s license suspended for up to an entire year. Points will remain on your record for a minimum of 5 years after conviction.

Driver’s licenses in Florida are more often suspended than revoked, but that doesn’t mean getting your licensed revoked doesn’t happen.

Revocation of your license may occur if you have many traffic violations, if you don’t have good vision, or if you have outstanding traffic tickets.

There are instances when a revoked license in Florida can be reinstated, but it depends on the specific situation.

Driving with a Suspended or Revoked License in Florida

If your license is invalid and you’re not supposed to drive with it, you will receive a notice in the mail from the Department of Motor Vehicles. This will notify you that your license has been suspended or revoked.

Because you will know when your license is invalid, you are able to be charged with a misdemeanor or felony.

It is illegal to operate a vehicle if your license is suspended or revoked in the state of Florida. If you are caught doing so, you are likely going to be charged with a misdemeanor or a felony.

Driving with an invalid license is punishable by a $500 fine and 60-day jail term in Florida, according to Section 322.34 of the Florida Motor Vehicle Statutes.

If you do it multiple times, you are more likely going to be charged with a felony than a misdemeanor and you’ll have to pay additional fines. If you face a felony conviction, the consequence is up to 5 years in prison and up to $5,000 in fines.

As you may imagine, a felony conviction is going to have a big impact on your overall driving record.

What Are Your Options?

Getting to the places you need to go when you’re not allowed to drive can be very difficult, especially if you live somewhere that doesn’t have public transportation.

If you have had your driver’s license suspended, you may be able to get a hardship license. You would have to apply for it separately. This is a license that would let you drive to work while your license is suspended, but only during certain times of the day.

There are specific requirements in order to be eligible for this option. You will have to complete an exam, take a driving improvement class, and pay a reinstatement fee before you can get a hardship license.

If you have a revoked license, you might have the chance to get it reinstated. It depends on the reason that the license was revoked.

For instance, if you have poor vision and get a vision test report completed stating your vision is good enough for driving, you may be able to get your license back.

Do You Need a Lawyer?

It is a serious crime to be without a license when you’re behind the wheel of a car in Florida. You may get extensive fines and even prison time.

While some people can defend themselves against these types of charges, you may also want to consider how much paperwork is involved in the process.

If you don’t know the ins and outs of the law, it may be easier to work with an experienced lawyer. They can help you apply for a hardship license or help with drivers license reinstatement as well.

Will Your Traffic Tickets Lead to an Invalid License?

As you can see, a suspended or revoked license in Florida can cause many issues in your life.

If you have an excessive amount of unpaid parking tickets, it may be worth it for you to give us a call and see how we might be able to help before it’s too late.

We have the ability to defend you due to years of experience when you need someone to work with you. Contact us today for your legal needs and see what we can do to give you the extra hand you need!