Texas uses a point system to track your driving record, and points stay on your record for three years from the date of the violation

Texas assigns points to certain traffic violations. When you receive a ticket for a violation that carries points, the Texas Department of Public Safety records those points on your driving record. The number of points depends on the type of violation — a minor infraction like speeding carries fewer points than a serious one like reckless driving. Points accumulate, and if you reach a certain threshold, your license can be suspended.

The key thing to understand is that points measure your pattern of violations over time, not the severity of a single ticket. A person with one speeding ticket and a person with three speeding tickets are treated differently by the state, even if each ticket was for the same violation. This is why the three-year window matters: it gives you a chance to rebuild your record if you drive safely.

Key Takeaways

  • Texas assigns points to traffic violations, and points remain on your record for three years from the violation date.
  • If you accumulate four or more points within 12 months, your license will be suspended for at least three months.
  • Common violations like speeding carry two points, while more serious violations like reckless driving carry three or more points.
  • You can request a defensive driving course to reduce points on your record, though you can only do this once every 12 months.

How many points each violation costs

Texas assigns points based on the type of violation. Speeding — regardless of how far over the limit — costs two points. Failure to obey a traffic control device, such as running a red light or stop sign, also costs two points. Unsafe lane change, improper passing, and following too closely each carry two points as well.

More serious violations carry three points. These include reckless driving, driving with a suspended or revoked license, and at-fault accidents. Violations involving alcohol or drugs — such as driving under the influence — carry even more severe consequences and points, though the exact number depends on the specific charge and whether it results in a conviction.

The Texas Department of Public Safety maintains the official list of violations and their point values. If you received a ticket and are unsure how many points it carries, you can check your driving record online through the DPS website or request a copy by mail.

When your license gets suspended for too many points

If you accumulate four or more points within a 12-month period, the Texas Department of Public Safety will suspend your license. The suspension lasts at least three months. If you reach six points within 12 months, the suspension is at least six months. Eight or more points within 12 months results in a suspension of at least 12 months.

You will receive a notice in the mail before the suspension takes effect, giving you time to plan. The notice explains the reason for the suspension, the effective date, and how to request a hearing if you believe the suspension is incorrect. You cannot drive during the suspension period, even with a restricted license, unless you complete a defensive driving course or other court-ordered requirement.

How defensive driving course reduces your points

Taking an approved defensive driving course removes up to three points from your record. You can request this reduction once every 12 months. The course must be approved by the Texas Department of Public Safety — not all driving schools offer approved courses, so you need to verify before enrolling.

The course is typically four to six hours long and can be taken online or in person, depending on the provider. You pay a fee to the course provider, which varies but usually ranges from $25 to $75. After you complete the course, the provider sends proof of completion to the Texas Department of Public Safety, and the points are removed from your record within a few weeks.

One important limit: you can only use a defensive driving course to reduce points once every 12 months, even if you have multiple violations. This means if you have six points on your record, taking one course removes three, leaving you with three. You would have to wait 12 months to take another course to remove the remaining three.

How to check your driving record and points

You can view your Texas driving record online through the Texas Department of Public Safety website. You will need your driver's license number and date of birth. The online record shows all violations, the date of each violation, and the points assigned to each one. It also shows the date each violation will drop off your record (three years from the violation date).

If you prefer not to check online, you can request a copy of your driving record by mail. You will need to complete a form and send it to the DPS address listed on their website, along with a small fee. The record arrives by mail within one to two weeks.

Checking your record regularly is useful because it helps you track when violations will expire and understand your current point total. If you see an error — a violation you did not receive or incorrect point assignment — you can dispute it by contacting the DPS directly with documentation.

What happens if your license is suspended

During a suspension, you cannot legally drive. Driving on a suspended license is itself a violation that carries points and can result in criminal charges. If you are stopped by law enforcement while your license is suspended, you face fines, possible jail time, and additional points on your record.

To have your license reinstated after a suspension, you must wait out the suspension period and then pay a reinstatement fee to the Texas Department of Public Safety. The fee is typically $100, though it can be higher if your suspension was for certain violations. You may also be required to provide proof of financial responsibility (SR-22 insurance) if your suspension was related to an accident or certain violations.

How points affect your insurance rates

Insurance companies use your driving record to set your rates. Points on your record signal to insurers that you pose a higher risk, so they typically raise your premiums. The amount of the increase depends on the insurance company and the type of violation, but even a single two-point violation can raise your rates by 10 to 20 percent.

Some insurance companies offer accident forgiveness or safe driver discounts that can offset rate increases, but these vary by company and policy. It is worth asking your insurance agent what discounts you might may have access to for and whether your rates will increase based on a specific violation before the violation appears on your record.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do points from out-of-state violations count in Texas?

Yes. If you receive a violation in another state and you hold a Texas driver's license, that violation and its points will be reported to Texas through the Interstate Compact on Driver's License Compact. The points count toward your Texas record and can trigger a suspension if you accumulate enough points.

Can I get points removed before three years?

A defensive driving course removes up to three points when ready, and you can request this once every 12 months. Otherwise, points remain on your record for the full three years. Some violations may be dismissed in court if you contest the ticket successfully, which would prevent points from being recorded at all.

What if I get a ticket but don't pay it?

If you do not pay a ticket or appear in court, the violation still goes on your record and points are still assigned. Additionally, the court may issue a warrant for your arrest, and your license can be suspended for failure to appear or failure to pay. It is better to address the ticket promptly, even if you plan to contest it.

Does a defensive driving course remove points from a ticket I already paid?

Yes. You can take a defensive driving course after you have paid a ticket or been convicted of a violation. The course removes up to three points from your record regardless of when the violation occurred, as long as it is still within the three-year window.

How do I request a hearing if I think my suspension is wrong?

The suspension notice you receive in the mail includes instructions for requesting a hearing. You typically have 10 days to request one. The hearing is held before a hearing officer who reviews your record and the points assigned to each violation. If you believe points were assigned incorrectly, bring documentation to the hearing.