What Texas driver's license points are and why they matter

Texas tracks your driving violations using a point system. Every time you're convicted of a traffic violation, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) adds points to your driving record. The more points you accumulate, the closer you get to losing your license. Points stay on your record for three years from the date of conviction, and they affect your insurance rates, your ability to renew your license, and whether you'll face license suspension.

The point system is separate from criminal charges. You can be convicted of a traffic violation without being arrested, and that conviction still adds points to your record. Understanding how many points each violation carries and what happens at different point thresholds helps you know where you stand and what to expect.

Key Takeaways

  • Texas adds points to your driving record for each traffic conviction, and points remain on your record for three years from the conviction date.
  • Accumulating 6 points in three years triggers a mandatory license suspension, and higher point totals result in longer suspensions.
  • Common violations like speeding carry 1 to 3 points depending on how far over the limit you were driving.
  • You can request a hearing before DPS suspends your license, and you have the right to challenge the suspension in court.
  • Points can be reduced through defensive driving courses, which remove up to 3 points from your record once every 12 months.

How many points each traffic violation carries

Different violations carry different point values. Speeding carries 1 to 3 points depending on how far over the speed limit you were going. Running a red light or stop sign is 3 points. Reckless driving is 4 points. Driving without a valid license is 2 points. Causing an accident is 4 points if you're found at fault. Driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) carries 6 points.

Some violations don't add points at all. These include parking tickets, equipment violations (like a broken taillight), and some minor infractions. You can find the complete point schedule on the Texas DPS website, and your driving record will show exactly which violations are on your record and how many points each one carries.

When your license gets suspended for too many points

Texas suspends your license automatically when you reach certain point thresholds. If you accumulate 6 points within a three-year period, your license is suspended for a minimum of 30 days. If you accumulate 8 points, the suspension is at least 60 days. If you accumulate 10 or more points, the suspension is at least 90 days. These are minimum suspension lengths; DPS may impose longer suspensions depending on your driving history.

You will receive a notice in the mail before your suspension takes effect. The notice tells you the reason for the suspension, the suspension start date, and your right to request a hearing. You cannot drive during the suspension period, even with a learner's permit or restricted license, unless you obtain a Occupational Driver's License (ODL) from a court.

How to request a hearing before suspension

When you receive a suspension notice, you have the right to request a hearing before DPS suspends your license. You must request the hearing in writing within 10 days of receiving the notice. Send your request to the address listed on the notice. DPS will schedule a hearing, usually by phone, where you can present evidence and argue why your license should not be suspended.

At the hearing, you can challenge whether the conviction was valid, whether the points were calculated correctly, or present other relevant facts. You can represent yourself or hire an attorney. If you lose the hearing, your suspension will proceed as scheduled. If you win, the suspension is cancelled and your points remain on your record but do not trigger suspension.

Removing points through defensive driving courses

Texas allows you to remove up to 3 points from your driving record by completing an approved defensive driving course. You can take one course every 12 months, so you can remove up to 3 points per year if you take a course annually. The course must be approved by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) and can be taken online or in person.

Completing a defensive driving course also may lower your insurance rates, since insurance companies often offer discounts to drivers who complete the course. However, the course does not erase violations from your record — it only removes points. Your insurance company and potential employers can still see that the violation occurred.

Checking your driving record and point total

You can view your driving record and current point total through the Texas DPS website or by visiting a DPS office in person. To order your record online, you'll need your driver's license number and date of birth. DPS will mail you an official copy of your record, or you can view it when ready online. Your record shows every conviction, the date of conviction, the violation, and the points assigned.

Checking your record regularly helps you stay aware of your point total and know how close you are to suspension. If you see an error on your record — a violation you don't remember, points that seem wrong, or a conviction that should have been dismissed — you can dispute it with DPS by submitting documentation and a written explanation.

Getting your license back after suspension

After your suspension period ends, you must take steps to reinstate your license. You'll need to pay a reinstatement fee to DPS, which varies depending on the reason for suspension. You may also need to provide proof of financial responsibility (SR-22 insurance) if your suspension was related to an accident or DUI. Once you've paid the fee and met all requirements, you can renew your license at a DPS office or online.

If you cannot drive during your suspension but need to drive for work, school, or medical reasons, you can petition a court for an Occupational Driver's License. An ODL allows you to drive only for specific purposes during your suspension period. You'll need to show the court that the suspension causes you undue hardship and that you have a legitimate need to drive.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do points stay on my Texas driving record?

Points remain on your record for three years from the date of conviction. After three years, the points drop off automatically and no longer count toward suspension. However, the conviction itself stays on your record permanently for insurance and employment purposes.

Can I go to traffic school to remove points?

Yes. Completing an approved defensive driving course removes up to 3 points from your record. You can take one course every 12 months. The course is available online or in person through approved providers.

What happens if I get suspended and keep driving?

Driving with a suspended license is a criminal offense in Texas. You can be arrested, fined, and face jail time. A second or subsequent offense carries harsher penalties. If you need to drive during suspension, you must obtain an Occupational Driver's License from a court.

Can I fight a traffic conviction to prevent points from being added?

Yes. If you contest the ticket in traffic court and win, the conviction is dismissed and no points are added to your record. If you lose in traffic court, you can appeal to district court. Points are only added after a conviction, so winning your case prevents points entirely.

Do points from other states count toward my Texas suspension?

Texas only counts convictions from Texas traffic violations. However, if you're convicted in another state, that conviction may appear on your driving record and could affect your insurance rates or employment. Check your Texas driving record to see what's reported.