Will Traffic School Keep Points Off My Florida License?

Expert Insight

"The important part is making the traffic school election with the court. Simply signing up for a course does not automatically keep the points off your license. You need to elect BDI through the Clerk of Court handling your ticket, then complete the approved course and meet the court's deadline."

Eric Creditor
Co-Founder, TrafficSchool.com

Important Eligibility Notes

Florida's voluntary BDI election has several important requirements:

• 30-Day Election Window: You generally must elect traffic school with the Clerk of Court within 30 days of the citation date.
• Frequency and Lifetime Limits: You may elect BDI once in a 12-month period and no more than eight times in your lifetime.
• Commercial License Exclusion: Drivers who hold a Commercial Driver License (CDL) or Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) cannot use the voluntary BDI election.
• Certain Violations Are Excluded: For example, you cannot elect BDI for speeding 30 mph or more over the posted limit.

Bottom Line

If you want to keep points from being assessed for an eligible Florida traffic ticket:

• Elect the BDI option with the Clerk of Court handling your citation within the required timeframe.
• Complete an FLHSMV-approved Basic Driver Improvement course by your deadline.
• Provide your completion certificate to the Clerk of Court as required.

When the BDI election and course requirements are completed properly, adjudication is withheld and points are not assessed for the eligible violation.

This FAQ is provided for informational purposes and was last updated: September 3, 2026. Always confirm eligibility, deadlines, and procedures with the Florida Clerk of Court handling your citation.