Understanding License Points from Traffic Tickets in Texas
If you’ve received a traffic ticket in Texas, you might be wondering how it affects your driver’s license. While Texas no longer uses a traditional point system for driver penalties, certain violations can still impact your driving record—and even your insurance premiums.
What Happened to the Texas Point System?
Texas used to operate under a point system managed by the Department of Public Safety (DPS). Under that system, points were added to your license for moving violations, and once you accumulated a certain number of points, you faced additional penalties, including surcharges and license suspension.
However, as of September 1, 2019, Texas officially ended the Driver Responsibility Program (DRP), eliminating the point-based system and the surcharge penalties tied to it. That means points are no longer added to your license for traffic tickets—but that doesn’t mean you’re off the hook.
Do Traffic Tickets Still Affect Your Record?
Yes. While Texas no longer tracks points, your traffic violations are still recorded on your driving record. Common offenses like speeding, running a red light, or reckless driving can lead to:
- Increased auto insurance rates
- License suspension if you have repeated violations
- Mandatory defensive driving courses or court appearances
How Many Violations Can You Have Before You Lose Your License?
Even without a point system, too many moving violations in a short period can lead to penalties. For example, if you receive four or more moving violations in 12 months, or seven or more in 24 months, the Texas DPS may suspend your license.
For drivers under 25 or those with commercial licenses (CDLs), the rules are even stricter, and a single serious offense can lead to disqualification or mandatory education programs.
Can You Remove a Traffic Violation from Your Record?
In some cases, yes. Texas allows eligible drivers to take a defensive driving course to dismiss one minor ticket every 12 months—provided you meet the court’s requirements and request permission in time. You may also seek legal representation to fight or reduce the charges, especially for more serious violations.
Why You Shouldn’t Ignore a Traffic Ticket
Ignoring a traffic ticket can quickly turn a simple issue into a much bigger problem. Unpaid fines, missed court dates, or repeated violations can lead to a license suspension, arrest warrants, and long-term consequences.
If you’re dealing with multiple tickets or have questions about how a violation could affect your driving status, it’s smart to speak with a criminal defense attorney who understands Texas traffic laws.