What Does HTO Mean?

One of the most common questions I get in my practice is, "What is HTO?" and "What does it mean to have an HTO classification?"

http://www.tampacriminaldefenders.com/AreasOfPractice/SuspendedLicenseFlorida/HabitualTrafficOffender.aspx

HTO stands for "Habitual Traffic Offender" and it's a classification that the DHSMV will give Florida drivers when they've committed 3 major traffic infractions in a period of 5 years.

Now these major traffic infractions can be anything from a felony driving related charge to a misdemeanor DUI charge and also driving with a suspended license, whether it's with knowledge or without knowledge.

If you rack up 3 of those within a period of 5 years, you will receive a letter from the DHSMV telling you that your license is being revoked for 5 years.

There are some stiff penalties that you get when you receive this classification.

You're not allowed to receive any type of hardship license until after the first year. So the first year out of those 5 years, you're not allowed to drive at all. In addition, if you are caught driving while you have this HTO status and you don't have a hardship license, it's actually a felony charge and you can have felony charges brought against you.

There are a couple things that need to be done in order to have this classification removed. We'd have to take a look at your driving record and see if we can have one of those 3 major traffic infractions removed from your record, thus removing you from the HTO status, and you will be able to receive a full driver's license. Call us for a free consultation.
http://www.tampacriminaldefenders.com/AreasOfPractice/SuspendedLicenseFlorida/HabitualTrafficOffender.aspx