The Texas Driver Responsibility Program (DRP): Surcharges and Points Explained

When you get a driver's license in Texas, you become subject to the state's system for tracking traffic violations. Unlike many states that only use a simple point system, Texas has a unique program called the Driver Responsibility Program (DRP). This program assigns points for moving violations and also levies automatic annual surcharges for certain serious convictions.

Understanding how both points and surcharges work is crucial for every driver in Texas. It's the key to avoiding unexpected and expensive fees and, most importantly, preventing a license suspension.

How the Texas Point System Works

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) adds points to your driving record when you are convicted of a moving violation.

• How long are points on my record? The DPS reviews your driving record annually. Points assigned for violations will stay on your record for three years from the date of conviction.

• How many points for a violation?

  • 2 points are assigned for any moving violation conviction in Texas or another state (e.g., speeding, running a stop sign, improper lane change).
  • 3 points are assigned for any moving violation conviction that resulted in a vehicle crash.

Important Note: Violations for speeding less than 10% over the posted speed limit do not accumulate points. Also, seat belt violations do not add points.

The Consequences of Accumulating Points: Annual Surcharges

This is where the Driver Responsibility Program kicks in. The point system is directly tied to financial penalties.

• The 6-Point Threshold: Once a driver accumulates 6 or more points on their record within any three-year period, they are required to pay an annual DRP surcharge to keep their license.
• Surcharge Amount:
  • The base surcharge is $100 per year for the first 6 points.
  • For every point over 6, an additional $25 per year is added.
• Duration: You must pay this surcharge every year for three years, as long as your point total remains at 6 or above.

Failure to pay these annual surcharges will result in an automatic suspension of your driver's license. The license will remain suspended until the surcharges and a reinstatement fee are paid.

Conviction-Based (Automatic) Surcharges

Separate from the point system, certain serious traffic offenses will automatically trigger a DRP surcharge every year for three years, regardless of how many points are on your record.

Common Automatic Surcharges:

• Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) - First Offense:
  • $1,000 per year for three years.
• DWI - Second or Subsequent Offense:
  • $1,500 per year for three years.
• DWI with a Blood Alcohol Concentration of 0.16 or more:
  • $2,000 per year for three years.
• No Insurance (Failure to Maintain Financial Responsibility):
  • $250 per year for three years.
• Driving While License Invalid:
  • $250 per year for three years.
• No Driver's License:
  • $100 per year for three years.

These surcharges are in addition to any criminal fines, court costs, and other penalties associated with the conviction. If you are convicted of multiple offenses from the same incident (e.g., a DWI and Driving While License Invalid), you will be required to pay the surcharge for each conviction.

How to Keep Your Record Clean

• Drive Safely: The most effective strategy is prevention. Obeying traffic laws is the only guaranteed way to keep points and surcharges off your record.
• Defensive Driving Course: For eligible minor moving violations, you may be able to request permission from the court to take a state-approved defensive driving course. Upon successful completion, the ticket may be dismissed, which prevents the conviction and any associated points from being added to your driving record. [12]
• Check Your Record: You can order a copy of your driving record from the DPS website to see your current point total and conviction history.

The Texas Driver Responsibility Program adds a significant financial consequence to traffic violations. By driving responsibly and understanding the system, you can protect both your license and your wallet.