Driver Improvement School after Reckless Driving

If you enter a plea or are convicted of “reckless driving,” the Florida DHSMV will automatically require you to complete the DSHMV-approve “basic driver improvement course (BDI).”

If you file to complete the required course within 90 days after receiving notice from the Florida DHSMV, your driver’s license SHALL BE CANCELED by the DHSMV until the course is completed. See F.S. 322.0261(4).

The DHSMV-imposed requirement to complete driver improvement school also applies to “convictions” when the court adjudicates you guilty of any of the following infractions or offenses:

316.074(1) Fail to Obey Traffic Control Device
316.075(1)(c)1. Red Light Violation
316.172 School Bus – Improper Stop
316.191 Racing on the Highway
316.192(1) Reckless Driving
316.192(5) “Wet” Reckless Driving (when the court finds alcohol, or any chemical or controlled substance was a significant factor)

If the court withholds adjudication for any of the above-referenced offenses, this requirement does not apply.

The attorneys at the Sammis Law Firm are experienced in fighting reckless driving charges. Reckless driving is often difficult for the prosecutor to prove at trial. These issues can also arise when the DUI case is reduced to a wet reckless driving as part of the plea bargaining process.

Don’t be surprised by the consequences of a conviction. Contact us for a free consultation to discuss your case today.

Call 813-250-0500.

Florida Statute Section 322.0261(3)

Florida Statute Section 322.0261(3) provides:

With respect to an operator convicted of, or who pleaded nolo contendere to, a traffic offense giving rise to a crash identified in paragraph (1)(c), the department shall require that the operator, in addition to other applicable penalties, attend a department-approved driver improvement course in order to maintain his or her driving privileges.

The course must include behind-the-wheel instruction and an assessment of the operator’s ability to safely operate a motor vehicle. Successful completion of a behind-the-wheel examination is required in order to receive completion credit for the course.

If the operator fails to complete the course within 90 days after receiving notice from the department, the operator’s driver license shall be canceled by the department until the course is successfully completed.

Reckless Driving after a DUI Arrest

In many cases, a person will plead guilty to “Wet Reckless Driving” after a drunk driving or DUI charge is reduced. Before the plea, the person entering the plea should know that driver improvement school is required.

Since the requirement is not court-ordered, the court rarely mentions this fact when imposing the sentence. So even if the court and probation officer never mention this requirement, the DHSMV will still impose it.

If you want to speak with an attorney about your case, please call our office at (813) 250-0500.

This article was last updated on Friday, November 22, 2024.

Driver Improvement School after Reckless Driving

Florida Statute Section 322.0261(3)

Reckless Driving after a DUI Arrest

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