Texas Traffic Violations & Your Driving Record: What Every Driver Needs to Know
Understanding how traffic violations affect your license is essential for every driver in Texas. In 2019, Texas made a major change to its system — and many drivers are still operating under outdated information.
The End of the Driver Responsibility Program (DRP)
Texas previously operated the Driver Responsibility Program (DRP), which assigned points to driving records and levied annual surcharges (fees of $100–$2,000 per year for three years) on top of traffic fines. Effective September 1, 2019, the Texas Legislature repealed the DRP entirely under House Bill 2048.
What this means for you today:
- No more points system. Texas does not assign points to your driving record for moving violations.
- No more DRP surcharges. The annual surcharge fees are gone. Any surcharges owed as of September 1, 2019, were also forgiven.
- Outstanding surcharge-only suspensions were lifted. Approximately one million license suspensions that existed solely due to unpaid DRP surcharges were automatically reinstated.
How Texas Tracks Violations Today
Even without points, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) still tracks all traffic convictions on your driving record. Violations are monitored over 12-month and 24-month rolling windows to determine whether your license should be suspended.
License Suspension Triggers
Your Texas driver's license can be suspended if you:
- Accumulate 4 or more moving violations within any 12-month period
- Accumulate 7 or more moving violations within any 24-month period
- Are convicted of Driving While Intoxicated (DWI)
- Commit 2 or more offenses that conflict with a restriction on your license
- Cause an accident resulting in serious bodily injury or death
How Long Violations Stay on Your Record
Traffic convictions generally appear on your Texas driving record for 3 years from the date of conviction. Serious offenses such as DWI may remain on your record for longer periods.
How Violations Still Affect You
While there are no longer DRP surcharges, traffic convictions still have real consequences:
- Insurance rates. Insurance companies access your driving record. Moving violations signal higher risk and can increase your premiums significantly, often for three or more years.
- Employment. Employers, especially for driving-related positions, review driving records.
- Fines. You are still responsible for all court fines and costs from the original ticket.
How to Keep Your Record Clean
Defensive Driving Course
For many eligible minor moving violations, you can request permission from the court to complete a state-approved defensive driving course (DDC). Successfully completing the course results in the ticket being dismissed, keeping the conviction off your record. Note that this option is generally not available for:
- Speeding 25 mph or more over the posted limit
- Passing a school bus
- Failing to remain at the scene of an accident
Deferred Adjudication
Courts may offer deferred adjudication for some traffic tickets. You pay a court fee and avoid another citation during a probation period (commonly 60 to 180 days). If you meet all conditions, the ticket is dismissed and does not appear on your permanent record.
Check Your Record
You can order a copy of your driving record from the DPS website. Record types range from a basic status record to a certified complete history, with fees typically between $4 and $20.
By understanding the current rules and driving responsibly, you can protect your license and avoid the consequences that come with a poor driving record in Texas.
