Drive Legal Program

How can I check if my license is suspended?

A driver's license status can be verified on the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles' Driver's License Check webpage.

What is the Drive Legal Program?

The Drive Legal Program is a self-funded, pre-trial "Diversion Program." This means that cases that qualify for the program are diverted from going to court in order to give a person time to complete program requirements and receive a more comprehensive outcome as the program is assisting them with resolving all eligible traffic citations in Miami-Dade County.

The program is designed to assist suspended drivers to achieve license re-instatement by offering alternative payment methods to resolve court cases. The program is also available to those with a valid driver's license, where alternative payment methods, on timely cases, assists them in maintaining their valid license status.

How does the Program work?

All open cases that qualify are enrolled in the Drive Legal Program. Cases are removed from any collection agency, if applicable. Participants are given the option to enter into a payment plan for all their cases or reduce the amount of fines owed by completing community service hours for infraction citations. Traffic school may also be assigned based on a combination of the participant's number of moving violations and driving history.

The program gives participants 90 days to complete their enrollment. However, they can complete the program as quickly as they choose to within that 90-day timeframe. All requirements must be submitted in order to successfully complete the program.

Upon completion all the cases enrolled in the program are closed with the exception of cases where courts costs are owed. Cases where court costs are owed, may be placed on a payment plan and will remain open until the final payment is made. While on the payment plan or upon payment in full, the person is issued D-6 Clearances for re-instatement of their license.

What are the benefits of the Program?

Participation in the Drive Legal Program produces positive results for drivers and Miami-Dade County residents. An individual's participation in the program, provides the opportunity for attaining Driver's License restoration and insurance, thus increasing their opportunity for employment. Additionally, the program assists the public who benefits from having properly insured, valid drivers in the community, increasing public safety. The program thus makes multiple impacts on the community.

Participation in the program results in additional benefits such as:

• Removing cases from collection agencies, resulting in savings of an additional 40% in fees.
• The financial benefit of reducing costs owed by assigning community service hours for payable infraction citations.
• The financial benefit of entering a payment plan which will allow for license reinstatement, though costs have not been paid in full.
• Assigning traffic school courses which provide driver safety education.
• Withholding two-thirds of the points incurred on moving violations, decreasing the number of points assessed on a driver's record, and avoiding increased insurance premiums
• Amending Driving While License Suspended statutes achieving the goal of preventing Habitual Traffic Offenders.

Program benefits apply to all participants regardless of the number of citations incurred. Whether few or many citations, without the benefits this program provides, many individuals would have no opportunity to reinstate their license. Paying citations on their own would increase the probability of point suspensions and revocations. Without a valid license, it is difficult to maintain or find employment. This program also contributes to decreasing arrests for driving with a suspended license.

Is there a minimum or maximum amount of citations required to enroll/benefit from the Program?

Program benefits through enrollment apply to all participants regardless of the number of citations incurred. Whether few or many citations, without the benefits this program provides, many individuals would have no opportunity to reinstate their license. Paying citations on their own would increase the probability of point suspensions and revocations. Without a valid license, it is difficult to maintain or find employment. This program also contributes to decreasing arrests for driving with a suspended license.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Florida outlined the hardships accompanying a suspended license as part of their Florida Campaign for Criminal Justice Reform. Click the following link ACLUFL - Driver's License Crisis In Florida to learn about license suspension impact on Florida residents.

What type of citations can be enrolled in the Program?

Only Miami-Dade County criminal traffic and civil infraction citations can be enrolled in the program. Additionally, the program accepts cases which are in a timely or delinquent status or referred to a collection agency.

The Program cannot resolve cases in other counties. Visit the Florida Clerks of Courts Contact List for information on citations issued in other counties.

How much does the Program cost to enroll?

The program charges a non-refundable $10.00 screening fee to determine eligibility. If determined eligible, this fee is credited towards the $200.00 enrollment fee. At the time of enrollment, a person may choose to pay the full amount or a partial payment of no less than $100.00. The balance will be due upon completion of the program. In cases where there is a court order to the program, the enrollment must occur within 10 working days or a $15.00 late fee will be incurred, bringing the total enrollment fee to $215.00.

If community service hours are assigned as part of your enrollment, there is an additional fee for supervision of the hours performed which must be paid to the Advocate Program. The fee schedule is as follows:

• 50 hours or less = $25.00
• 51 hours or more = $30.00

Program payments can be made through the Online Payment Portal once program eligibility has been determined. All fees are directed to the Administrative Office of the Courts to cover the operational costs associated with the Program.

What are the eligibility requirements?

Eligibility requirements are set by Administrative Order 20-14 and Administrative Memorandum 19-1 and are based on an individual's driving record and open cases. A person may qualify for the program when their license is suspended by the Department of Motor Vehicles for:

• Failure to pay fine
• Failure to appear for traffic summons
• Failure to complete court ordered traffic school.

Persons who currently have a CDL license do not qualify for the program.

How do I check eligibility to enroll in the program?

Visit the DWLS Online Portal to register and check eligibility. A Drive Legal Case Manager will research your driving and case history and determine Program eligibility and enrollment options.

There is a one-time, non-refundable $10.00 screening fee required to determine eligibility for the Drive Legal Program.

How do I attend my enrollment appointment / How do I meet with my counselor?

Enrollment appointments occur by using Zoom video communications software. When you schedule an enrollment appointment with a Drive Legal case manager, a link for the meeting is sent in your appointment confirmation e-mail, to be used on the day of your appointment. If you have misplaced the e-mail, contact the program and they will resend the confirmation e-mail, containing the link. No downloads or accounts are required to attend the meeting.

How do I reschedule an appointment?

Contact Drive Legal at (305) 548-5363 to reschedule your appointment.

Will my license be reinstated when I complete the program?

If there are no additional outstanding suspensions upon program completion, you may be eligible to reinstate your license. Additional outstanding suspension must be resolved before license reinstatement can occur. In an effort to assist participants in resolving other pending license issues, Drive Legal will identify any additional, outstanding suspensions a person may have at the time of program completion. This includes suspensions from other counties or from the Department of Motor Vehicles.

Will I get points on my license if I enroll in the program?

Depending on the number of moving violations, a person may or may not receive points on their license, while enrolled in the program. The program is authorized to withhold 2/3 of the points normally incurred on moving violations, decreasing the number of points assessed on a driver's record, and avoiding increased insurance premiums. However, 1/3 of points may still be applied and completion of traffic school courses may be required.

How do I make a payment for the program (Enrollment Fees)?

When you schedule an enrollment appointment with a Drive Legal case manager, a link to make your online payment is provided in your appointment confirmation e-mail. The link directs you to the Online Payment Portal to enter log-in and payment information.

How can I contact the Drive Legal Program?

For additional information, contact the Program by phone at (305) 548-5363 or by visiting www.jud11.flcourts.org/drivelegalprogram.

Persons with Disabilities

If you need assistance to participate in a court proceeding, program or service, please contact the ADA Coordinator, at:

• (305) 548-5363 (Office)
• (305) 375-2006 (Voice mail)
• (305) 349-7174 (TDD)
• (305) 350-6205 (Fax)