What you need to know about Florida DUIs.
In the state of Florida, driving while under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol is considered a serious crime. Driving while under the influence, or DUI, charges result in hefty fines, license suspension, and other legal penalties. In addition to these punishments, drivers convicted of a DUI will have to secure specialty Florida FR44 insurance in order to drive legally. Here is what you need to know about DUI so you can avoid this risky behavior.
- What Does the State of Florida Consider a DUI?
According to Florida law, a DUI occurs when a driver operates a motor vehicle with a blood-alcohol level of .08% or higher. Your blood-alcohol level may be measured by a breathalyzer test. This test is administered by a police officer during traffic stops. During the test, you will be asked to breathe into a breathalyzer device that will measure the alcohol concentration in your breath. If the test shows that your blood-alcohol level was above the legal limit, then you will be taken into custody. Please note that if your blood-alcohol level is at .15% or above, then you will face harsher penalties.
- Florida DUI Laws for Minors
If you are under the age of 21, then you can be arrested for DUI in Florida is your blood-alcohol level is .02% or above. Minors who are caught drinking and driving for the first time will have their driver’s licenses suspended for six months. If you are arrested for a second offense, then the suspension increases to one year. If your blood-alcohol level is at .05% or higher, then the minor must submit a substance abuse evaluation and course.
- Felony DUI
If Florida, first-offense DUIs are almost always misdemeanors. However, if your DUI results in serious property damage or the injury or death of another person, then you will be charged with felony DUI. Additionally, you can be charged with felony DUI if you are receiving your third DUI charge in ten years. If you are charged with DUI for the fourth time, then it will be charged as a felony regardless of how long it has been since your last charge.
- DUI Expungement
In the state of Florida, DUI expungement is not possible. This means that DUI charges will remain on your legal record forever with no possibility of concealment.
This is what you need to know about DUI charges in the state of Florida. Do you need assistance with your Florida FR44 insurance? If so, then contact the experts at Staybull Insurance. We are ready to assist you with this special form of car insurance today.