What is an HTO?

HTO stands for Habitual Traffic Offender. Upon being deemed a habitual traffic offender, the Department of Motor Vehicles will revoke your driver’s license for 5 years.  There are a couple of ways that you can be deemed a habitual traffic offender in Florida:

 1. 3 or more convictions of any one or more of the following offenses arising out of separate acts within a 5-year period:
a.      Voluntary or involuntary manslaughter from driving a motor vehicle;
b.      Any DUI violation;
c.      Any felony in which a motor vehicle is used;
d.      Driving a motor vehicle while your driver’s license is suspended or revoked;
e.      Failing to stop and render aid as required under the laws in the event of a crash resulting in death or personal injury of another; or
f.       Driving a commercial motor vehicle while the privilege is disqualified.

      2. 15 convictions for moving traffic offenses for which points may be assessed within a 5-year period.

If you receive a notice from the DMV that your have been given HTO status, it is important that you contact an attorney immediately to see if there is anything that he or she can do to help you.  In some situations, an attorney can file certain motions in your behalf to remove the HTO status. 

It is of utmost importance to note that if you have been given HTO status, do not drive!  If you are caught driving, the consequence is now more than just a misdemeanor.  It is now a felony.

If you have been deemed a habitual traffic offender, you may apply for a hardship license after 1 year from the effective date of the revocation.  You must contact the Administrative Reviews Office in your area to request a hearing.  You must provide proof on enrollment or completion of the Advanced Driver Improvement School and pay a revocation reinstatement fee and any other fees or fines that may be outstanding.  Hardship licenses are for employment/business purposes only. 

If you have questions about your driving status, need help fighting driving charges or an HTO designation, call Heather Bryan Law today at 863-825-5309, or contact us online.


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