How a traffic ticket affects your Texas driver license
A traffic ticket in Texas does not automatically suspend or revoke your license. Whether your license is affected depends on the type of violation, whether you pay the ticket, and whether you contest it in court. Most minor violations — speeding, running a red light, improper lane change — result in a fine and points on your driving record, but your license stays valid. However, if you fail to pay a ticket, miss a court date, or accumulate too many points within a set time, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) can suspend your license.
The Texas point system assigns points to moving violations. You receive a suspension notice if you accumulate 12 or more points within 12 months, 18 or more points within 24 months, or 24 or more points within 36 months. Certain violations — driving without a license, driving with a suspended license, or reckless driving — can trigger an when ready suspension regardless of your point total.
Key Takeaways
- Most traffic tickets add points to your record but do not suspend your license unless you ignore the ticket or accumulate 12+ points in 12 months.
- Failing to pay a ticket or missing your court date can result in a license suspension through the Texas Driver Responsibility Program.
- You can check your driving record and point total through the DPS website or by visiting a DPS office in person.
- If your license is suspended due to a ticket, you must pay the ticket, any court costs, and a reinstatement fee to restore it.
- Defensive driving course completion can reduce points on your record and lower insurance rates in some cases.
Texas point system and how points accumulate
The Texas Department of Public Safety assigns points based on the violation type. Speeding 1 to 10 miles per hour over the limit is 0 points; speeding 11 to 20 miles per hour over the limit is 2 points; speeding more than 20 miles per hour over the limit is 3 points. Running a red light or stop sign is 3 points. Improper lane change is 2 points. Reckless driving is 4 points. At-fault accidents are 3 points each.
Points stay on your record for three years from the violation date. This means a violation from three years and one day ago no longer counts toward your suspension threshold. However, the violation itself remains on your driving history record. The DPS reviews your point total every month; if you cross the threshold for your time period, you receive a suspension notice by mail.
What happens when you fail to pay or ignore a ticket
If you do not pay a traffic ticket by the due date shown on the ticket, the court reports the failure to pay to the Texas Driver Responsibility Program (DRP). The DRP then sends you a notice that your license will be suspended. You typically have 20 days from the notice date to pay the ticket and any court costs before the suspension takes effect.
Missing a court date has the same result. If you were ordered to appear in court and do not show up, the court issues a failure to appear charge, which is reported to the DRP. This can lead to suspension even if the original ticket was for a minor violation. If you miss a court date, contact the court when ready to reschedule or explain your absence; some courts will lift the failure to appear if you have a valid reason.
Checking your driving record and point total
You can view your Texas driving record through the DPS website at dps.texas.gov. Click on "Driver License" and then "Check Your Driving Record." You will need your driver license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The online record shows your current point total, any suspensions, and all violations from the past three years.
If you prefer not to check online, you can visit any DPS office in person and request a copy of your record. Bring your driver license or state ID. The office staff can print your record on the spot and explain your point total and any pending actions. Some DPS offices also allow you to request a record by mail, though this takes longer.
License suspension and reinstatement after a ticket
When your license is suspended due to points or failure to pay, the DPS mails you a suspension notice. The notice states the suspension start date, the reason, and what you must do to reinstate your license. For a suspension caused by failure to pay, you must pay the ticket and any court costs. For a suspension caused by points, you must wait out the suspension period, which is typically 90 days for a first suspension.
After you have paid all fines and court costs, or after your suspension period ends, you must pay a reinstatement fee to restore your license. The reinstatement fee is $100 for a suspension due to failure to pay and $100 for a suspension due to points. You can pay the reinstatement fee online through the DPS website, by mail, or in person at a DPS office. Once the fee is processed, your license is reinstated and you can drive legally again.
Defensive driving course and point reduction
Texas allows you to reduce points on your record by completing a defensive driving course. You can remove up to 3 points by taking an approved course once every 12 months. The course must be approved by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) and can be taken online or in person. Courses typically take 4 to 6 hours to complete.
To use a defensive driving course for point reduction, you must take the course before your suspension takes effect. If your license is already suspended, you cannot use a course to reduce points. Additionally, you can only use a course for point reduction once every 12 months, even if you take multiple courses. Some insurance companies also offer discounts if you complete a defensive driving course, though the discount amount varies by insurer.
Tickets for serious violations and license suspension
Certain violations result in automatic or when ready suspension, regardless of your point total. Driving with a suspended or revoked license is a criminal offense and triggers an when ready suspension of any valid license you hold. Driving without a license (never having obtained one) can also result in suspension. Reckless driving, which involves driving with willful or wanton disregard for safety, is 4 points and can lead to suspension if combined with other violations.
Driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) results in an automatic license suspension through the Texas Administrative License Revocation (ALR) program, separate from the criminal case. The ALR suspension begins 40 days after arrest if you do not request a hearing, or after a hearing if the suspension is upheld. This suspension is in addition to any criminal penalties or points on your record.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while my license suspension is pending?
No. Once the DPS mails you a suspension notice, your license is suspended on the date stated in the notice. Driving during a suspension is illegal and can result in criminal charges. If you need to drive for work or medical reasons, you can request a hearing with the DPS to contest the suspension, but you cannot legally drive while the request is pending.
How long does a license suspension last?
A suspension due to points typically lasts 90 days for a first suspension, 6 months for a second suspension within five years, and 12 months for a third or subsequent suspension within five years. A suspension due to failure to pay lasts until you pay the ticket and reinstatement fee. A DWI suspension lasts at least 90 days for a first offense and longer for repeat offenses.
What if I pay the ticket after my license is already suspended?
Paying the ticket stops the suspension from continuing, but you must also pay the $100 reinstatement fee to restore your license. Contact the DPS or visit a DPS office to pay the reinstatement fee. Your license will be active again once the fee is processed, which usually takes a few business days.
Does a traffic ticket affect my car insurance rates?
Yes. Most insurance companies check your driving record and raise your rates if you have a recent ticket. The increase varies by company and violation type; speeding tickets typically result in smaller increases than reckless driving or DWI. Some companies offer discounts if you complete a defensive driving course, which may offset part of the rate increase.
Can I contest a ticket in court to avoid points?
Yes. You have the right to contest any traffic ticket in court. If you win, the ticket is dismissed and no points are added to your record. If you lose, the points are added as usual. You must request a court date by the important date shown on your ticket; missing this important date can result in a failure to appear charge and license suspension.