Texas suspends your license when you reach 12 points in a 12-month period, 18 points in 24 months, or 24 points in 36 months

Texas uses a point system to track driving violations. Each traffic violation you receive adds a certain number of points to your record. The state does not suspend your license at a specific point total — instead, suspension happens when you accumulate points faster than the state's time windows allow.

If you get 12 or more points within any 12-month period, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) will suspend your license. The same rule applies at higher thresholds: 18 points within 24 months, or 24 points within 36 months. This means you could hit suspension even if you have fewer than 12 total points on your record, as long as they clustered within a short timeframe.

The suspension is automatic — you do not receive a warning before it takes effect. DPS mails you a notice, and your license becomes invalid on the date shown in that notice.

Key Takeaways

  • Texas suspends your license when you accumulate 12 points in 12 months, 18 points in 24 months, or 24 points in 36 months.
  • Different violations carry different point values: speeding 1–4 points, at-fault accidents 3–6 points, reckless driving 4 points, and DWI 6 points.
  • Points stay on your record for three years from the violation date, but only violations within the relevant time window count toward suspension.
  • You can request a hearing with DPS within 10 days of receiving a suspension notice to challenge the suspension or ask for a work-restricted license.

What each traffic violation costs in points

The number of points you receive depends on the type of violation. Speeding carries 1 to 4 points depending on how far over the limit you were driving. A minor speeding violation (1–10 mph over) is typically 1 point, while speeding 20 mph or more over the limit is 4 points.

At-fault accidents add 3 to 6 points, depending on whether anyone was injured. A property-damage-only accident is 3 points; an accident with injury is 4 points; an accident with serious injury is 5 points; and an accident with a fatality is 6 points. Reckless driving is 4 points. Driving with an expired license is 2 points. Failure to stop at a red light or stop sign is 2 points.

A DWI (driving while intoxicated) conviction adds 6 points. Driving with a suspended or revoked license adds 6 points. Fleeing police adds 6 points. These serious violations move you toward suspension much faster than minor speeding tickets.

How long violations stay on your record

Points remain on your driving record for three years from the date of the violation, not from the date you paid the fine or went to court. This means a violation from January 2022 will still count toward your point total in January 2025, but will drop off on January 26, 2025.

The three-year window is important because it determines which violations count toward suspension. If you received a violation 37 months ago, it no longer counts, even though it is still visible on your record. Only violations within the relevant time window (12, 24, or 36 months) trigger suspension.

You cannot remove points early by taking a defensive driving course in Texas, though you may be able to reduce a fine or avoid points in the first place by completing a course before your court date. Once points are on your record, they stay there until the three years pass.

What happens when you receive a suspension notice

When DPS determines you have reached the suspension threshold, they mail you an Administrative License Suspension notice. This notice includes the suspension start date, the reason for suspension, and your right to request a hearing. The suspension typically becomes effective 10 days after you receive the notice.

You cannot drive on a suspended license in Texas. Doing so is a separate criminal offense that can result in arrest, fines, and jail time. If you are stopped while driving on a suspended license, you will face additional charges beyond the original suspension.

The notice will also tell you how long the suspension lasts. A first suspension is usually 90 days. A second suspension within five years is typically 6 months. A third or subsequent suspension within five years can last up to two years.

Requesting a hearing to challenge the suspension

You have the right to request a hearing with DPS within 10 days of receiving the suspension notice. At the hearing, you can challenge whether DPS correctly counted your points, dispute whether a violation was actually yours, or ask for a work-restricted license (also called an occupational license) that lets you drive to work, school, or medical appointments even while suspended.

To request a hearing, contact the DPS Driver License Division in writing or by phone. The notice you received will include the address and phone number. You must request the hearing before the 10-day window closes, or you lose the right to challenge the suspension.

At the hearing, you will present your case to a DPS hearing officer. You can bring documents, witnesses, or an attorney. The hearing officer will decide whether to uphold the suspension, reduce it, or grant you a work-restricted license. The decision is usually mailed to you within 30 days.

Getting a work-restricted license during suspension

A work-restricted license (occupational license) allows you to drive only for specific purposes: getting to and from work, school, medical appointments, or court-ordered programs like alcohol education. You cannot use it for any other reason.

You can request a work-restricted license at your hearing, or you can explore for one directly through DPS after your suspension has been in effect for at least 40 days (for a first suspension). To explore, you will need to show proof of financial responsibility (car insurance), proof of employment or school enrollment, and proof of a valid reason to drive.

A work-restricted license costs money — the fee varies but is typically $100 or more. You will also need to install an ignition interlock device on your vehicle if your suspension was due to a DWI conviction, which adds additional cost.

How to avoid suspension in the first place

The most direct way to avoid suspension is to avoid violations. However, if you have already received tickets, you have a few options. If you have not yet reached the suspension threshold, you can focus on staying violation-free for the next 12, 24, or 36 months, depending on which threshold you are closest to.

If you have received a ticket but have not yet gone to court, you may be able to take a defensive driving course to reduce or eliminate the points. Some courts allow this; others do not. You will need to ask the court or the prosecutor handling your case whether this option is available for your specific violation.

If you have already been suspended, the only way forward is to serve the suspension period, request a work-restricted license if you need to drive, and then wait for your license to be reinstated. Once reinstated, focus on avoiding new violations to prevent a second suspension.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive to work on a suspended license without a work-restricted license?

No. Driving on a suspended license for any reason — including work — is illegal in Texas and can result in arrest and additional criminal charges. You must obtain a work-restricted license from DPS before you can legally drive, even if it is only to your job.

Do points from other states count toward my Texas suspension?

No. Only violations that occurred in Texas or violations you received in other states that are reported to Texas count. Texas has reciprocal agreements with other states, so some out-of-state violations do transfer to your Texas record, but the point system itself is Texas-specific.

What if I was not the one driving when I got the ticket?

You can contest the ticket in court and present evidence that you were not driving. If you win, the violation is dismissed and no points are added. This is one reason to request a hearing with DPS if you believe a violation on your record is incorrect.

How much does it cost to reinstate my license after suspension?

Reinstatement fees vary but typically range from $100 to $300, depending on the reason for suspension and whether you have had previous suspensions. You will also need to provide proof of financial responsibility (car insurance) before reinstatement. Contact DPS for the exact fee for your situation.

Can I get my points reduced or removed early?

Points cannot be removed before three years have passed. However, if you believe a violation was incorrectly recorded on your record, you can request a hearing to challenge it. If you win, that violation and its points are removed when ready.