Reader’s Question:

My sister received a traffic conviction for a DWI arrest and she’s only a teenager, just 17 years old. Can she take a traffic school course online for the state of Florida?

Jess

Orlando, FL

Great question Jess. The state of Florida requires that all new drivers attend a first time driver traffic law and substance abuse course. In addition, every teenage drivers under 18 years old must possess a Learner’s License for one year. There are no exceptions in this law.If a person under 18 years old receives a citation, he/she may attend a state certified traffic school or online course to avoid a conviction or points. Each court independently decides whether a juvenile can or cannot take a traffic school course. If your sister wasn’t specifically permitted by the court, she may have to ask the court’s permission before beginning the course.

Also, if a minor is convicted with a traffic offense such as a DWI while possessing a Learner’s License, the one year period required to hold their Learner’s License will be extended for one year from the date of the conviction or until he/she turns 18 years old, or whichever happens first. If a minor receive 6 points on his/her driving record in a 12 month period, their driving privileges will automatically be restricted to work purposes only for 12 months or until they’re 18. Please keep in mind that additional restrictions may also be applied. If a minor receives additional points during this restricted period, the restriction is extended 90 days for each additional point. If they have a blood alcohol level of .02% or more (applies to those under age 21), an administrative suspension of six months will follow. If the minor neglect to attend the traffic school, the driving privilege is suspended until a proof is provided of attend ding school for 30 consecutive days.