A new Florida law taking effect July 1 makes driving without a valid license count toward habitual traffic offender status. The change, part of House Bill 35, adds this offense to the list that can lead to a five-year revocation of driving privileges under Florida Statute § 322.264. StechLaw Criminal Defense is encouraging Florida drivers to understand the implications before the law takes effect.
Under the previous law, driving on an expired or improperly renewed license was a common offense but did not count toward habitual traffic offender status. Now, it does. A driver reaches this status after accumulating a certain number of qualifying offenses within five years, resulting in a five-year revocation of driving privileges. This means that offenses once considered minor can now push a driver toward revocation.
The consequences of a revocation extend beyond the five years without driving. It can affect a person's ability to get to work, and driving after a revocation is a felony, not just a traffic offense. Additionally, the new offense can add to suspensions a driver may face from other cases, including those following a DUI charge. Because these charges build on a person's record, a Tampa traffic violations lawyer can challenge the individual offenses behind a revocation and work to keep a driver below the number that triggers one.
Drivers who already have offenses on their record have the most at stake, and an open case is best resolved before July 1. Anyone facing traffic or criminal charges can contact StechLaw Criminal Defense for a confidential consultation.
