HTO Offenses FAQs
What is a Habitual Traffic Offender (HTO)?
A Habitual Traffic Offender or HTO is a person who has accumulated several traffic infractions within a year or who has been convicted multiple times for a specific set of traffic offenses. A Habitual Traffic Offender will have his or her license revoked, or permanently suspended, for 5 years in Florida.
What leads to becoming a Habitual Traffic Offender?
A person who is convicted three times of any of the following offenses in separate acts will lose his or her license due to being deemed an HTO:
- Voluntary or involuntary manslaughter involving a car
- DUI
- Using your vehicle to commit a felony
- Driving with a suspended or revoked license
- Failing to stop and render aid in a car accident that led to injury or death
Additionally, a person who accumulates 15 convictions for moving traffic offenses for which points may be assessed can be charged as an HTO. All Habitual Traffic Offenders stand to permanently lose their driving privileges through a license revocation for five years.
Can I get a work permit if I have a Habitual Traffic Offender (HTO) suspension?
Individuals deemed habitual traffic offenders are eligible to apply for a work permit after one year of losing their licenses. The Department of Motor Vehicles must approve your application for a work permit that allows you to drive for work purposes only. If your application is approved, the permit will be valid for the remaining 4 years of your revocation. The Florida DMV may require you to enroll in a supervision program when you receive your work permit to ensure you comply with all laws and regulations. Part of the program may involve routine drug testing or completing alcohol education courses. Those who comply with the DMV’s demands may obtain their work permit.
Is it possible to undo a Habitual Traffic Offender (HTO) suspension?
An attorney may be able to help you undo your HTO suspension even if you currently face an HTO charge. To preserve your driving privilege, you must act quickly to respond to the DMV’s revocation. You must obtain a copy of your driving record which your lawyer can use to review your history of offenses. He or he may file a motion to help remove one or more of the three underlying charges against you that led to your HTO suspension.
How can a lawyer help me fight an HTO charge?
An attorney can help reduce or eliminate the charges that led to your license revocation and status as an HTO. He or she will preserve your rights throughout the process of having your driver’s license reinstated. Additionally, your attorney can represent you in traffic court.
The consequences of an HTO suspension are severe, especially during the first year in which you are ineligible to apply for a work permit. If you do not have the luxury of working from home, you might even lose your job. Fight your license suspension with the help of a knowledgeable HTO defense lawyer.
