Q: “Will points on my driver’s license affect my car insurance?”

A: “Yes – so I hope you’ve got a rainy-day fund stashed away because your car insurance rates are likely going to increase.”

Your driving record plays a critical role in your legal standing and your car insurance rates. Points on your license can have long-lasting consequences, so if you have been wondering how do you get points on your license – and how to protect yourself from these penalties – you’ve come to the right place.

How Do You Get Points on Your License?

In Florida, points can be assessed for a variety of traffic violations. Here are some common ways:

Speeding Violations:

• 3 points for driving 15 mph or less over the speed limit
• 4 points for driving more than 15 mph over the speed limit
• Ignoring Traffic Signals or Stop Signs:
• 4 points for running a red light or stop sign

Reckless Driving:

• 4 points for operating a vehicle with disregard for safety
• Causing an Accident:
• 6 points for causing an accident due to speeding or other infractions
• Failing to Yield Right-of-Way:
• 3 points for failing to yield, which may result in an accident

These are just a few examples of how you can get points on your license. Points are typically assessed when you pay a ticket outright (an admission of guilt) or are found guilty in traffic court.

How Hiring a Traffic Ticket Lawyer Can Help

The best way to avoid points on your license is to fight the ticket with the help of an experienced traffic defense attorney. The lawyers at Galanter Law, serving Miami and Fort Lauderdale, specialize in helping clients navigate these situations.

Here’s how a traffic ticket lawyer can reduce your risk of getting points on your license:

1. Case Dismissal: Our attorneys will work to have your ticket dismissed entirely, meaning no points and or record of the violation.
2. Negotiation for Withhold of Adjudication: If dismissal isn’t possible, your lawyer can negotiate with the court to withhold adjudication. This prevents points from being assessed and keeps your record clean.
3. Expert Legal Representation: Our traffic lawyers understand the intricacies of the law and can identify procedural errors or mitigating factors that might strengthen your case.

By taking these steps, Galanter Law helps drivers avoid the financial and legal repercussions associated with points on their license.

What Happens If You Don’t Address Points?

Failing to address points on your license can lead to escalating penalties:

• Even a few points can increase your car insurance rates.
• Accumulating too many points in a short period may result in a license suspension, affecting your ability to work and requiring costly reinstatement fees.
• Once points are assessed, they remain on your record for an extended period and are difficult and expensive to remove.

How Points Affect Your Car Insurance

If you’ve ever wondered “How do you get points on your license” and “How will points affect your car insurance,” the answer is simple: points make you a higher risk. Insurance companies view drivers with points as more likely to file claims, leading to increased premiums.

Here are some potential impacts:

• Higher Premiums: Even minor violations can cause your rates to rise by 15-20%. Major infractions can lead to even steeper increases.
• Limited Coverage Options: Excessive points may make it difficult to find affordable insurance coverage.
• Long-Term Financial Strain: Over time, these higher rates can cost you thousands of dollars.

The Best Defense: Act Quickly

Now that we have answered the question “How do you get points on your license,” the first step to protecting your driving record and wallet is hiring a traffic defense attorney immediately after receiving a ticket. Galanter Law is the traffic ticket guru who will work for you to avoid points, preserve your driving privileges, and keep your insurance rates from rising.

If you’ve received a ticket in Miami or Fort Lauderdale, don’t wait – contact Galanter Law today. Our team of experienced attorneys will fight to keep points off your record and ensure your long-term financial well-being.

Commentary by Fort Lauderdale Traffic Ticket Attorney Yale Galanter:

Yale Galanter, a Fort Lauderdale criminal defense lawyer, has over 30 years of experience providing discreet and aggressive legal counseling to both public figures and clients looking for precise and excellent legal defense. Yale Galanter is known for his representation and attention to your criminal matter.

For more information on traffic violations or other traffic crime offenses such as:

• DUI Manslaughter
• Culpable Negligence
• Leaving the Scene of an Accident, or Leaving the Scene of an Accident with Injury and/or Property Damage
• Reckless Driving
• Careless Driving
• Speeding
• Unlawful Turn
• Disobey Traffic Control Device
• Driving While License Suspended