Texas uses a points system to track driving violations, and your license suspends automatically when you reach 6 points within a 3-year period

Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) assigns points to moving violations — speeding, running a red light, unsafe lane changes, and similar infractions. Each violation carries a specific point value. When your total reaches 6 points in any 3-year window, DPS sends you a notice that your license will suspend 10 days later unless you request a hearing.

The 3-year clock resets: points from violations more than 3 years old no longer count toward your total. So if you got a 3-point violation three years and one month ago, that violation drops off and no longer contributes to your suspension threshold.

This is different from a suspension for failing to pay a ticket, missing a court date, or being convicted of certain crimes — those suspensions happen outside the points system. This guide covers only the automatic points-based suspension.

Key Takeaways

  • Texas suspends your license when you accumulate 6 points within any 3-year period, and DPS gives you 10 days to request a hearing before the suspension takes effect.
  • Each moving violation carries a set point value — typically 2 to 3 points — and points older than 3 years no longer count toward your total.
  • You can request a hearing to contest the suspension, but you must do so within the 10-day window or lose the right to challenge it.
  • Completing a defensive driving course can reduce points on your record, though you can only use this option once every 12 months and it does not erase existing points.

How points are assigned to specific violations

Most moving violations in Texas carry 2 or 3 points. A speeding ticket is typically 2 points. Unsafe lane changes, following too closely, and running a stop sign are usually 2 points. Reckless driving, driving without a valid license, and at-fault accidents are typically 3 points.

Some violations carry no points at all — parking tickets, equipment violations (broken taillight, expired inspection), and violations that do not involve moving the vehicle. You can find the point value for a specific violation on your ticket or by calling DPS at 1-800-558-9895.

If you received a ticket and paid it or pleaded no contest, the violation is recorded and points are added to your driving record. If you contested the ticket in court and were found not guilty, no points are added.

When DPS notifies you of suspension

DPS does not call or email to warn you that you are approaching 6 points. You find out when you receive an official notice in the mail stating that your license will suspend on a specific date — usually 10 days from the date of the notice.

This notice includes your current point total, the violations that caused it, and your right to request a hearing. Read it carefully and note the important date. If you miss the 10-day window to request a hearing, you lose the right to challenge the suspension in advance, though you can still request a hearing after your license is already suspended.

If you move and do not update your address with DPS, you may not receive the notice at all. Your license will still suspend on the scheduled date. You can check your driving record and point total anytime through the DPS website or by calling their customer service line.

Requesting a hearing before suspension takes effect

When you receive the suspension notice, you have the right to request a hearing before the suspension date. You must request it in writing within 10 days of the notice date. Mail your request to the address listed on the notice, or submit it online through the DPS website.

At the hearing, you can present evidence that the violations were not yours, that points were calculated incorrectly, or that the violations should not have resulted in points. You can represent yourself or bring an attorney. The hearing officer will decide whether to uphold or cancel the suspension.

Requesting a hearing does not automatically stop the suspension — it only delays it while the hearing is scheduled and held. The process typically takes several weeks. If you lose the hearing, the suspension takes effect as originally scheduled.

How defensive driving course reduces points

Completing an approved defensive driving course removes up to 3 points from your record. You can take the course once every 12 months. The course does not erase points that are already on your record — it straightforward subtracts points from your current total.

For example, if you have 5 points and complete a defensive driving course, your total drops to 2 points. If you have 7 points and complete the course, your total drops to 4 points. The course must be approved by DPS, and you must provide proof of completion to DPS within 30 days.

Taking a defensive driving course does not prevent a suspension if you are already at 6 points or above — the suspension notice has already been issued. However, if you are at 4 or 5 points and complete the course before receiving a suspension notice, you can avoid reaching 6 points.

What happens after your license suspends

Once your license suspends, you cannot legally drive. Driving with a suspended license is a separate criminal offense that carries fines, jail time, and additional license suspension. Your insurance company will also be notified, which typically raises your rates or cancels your policy.

To reinstate your license after a points-based suspension, you must wait out the suspension period (usually 30 to 90 days, depending on whether it is your first suspension), pay a reinstatement fee to DPS (currently $100), and provide proof of financial responsibility (car insurance). You can then explore to reinstate your license.

If you receive multiple suspensions within a certain timeframe, the suspension period lengthens. A second suspension within five years is typically 60 days; a third is 180 days.

Checking your current point total

You can view your driving record and current point total through the DPS website at dps.texas.gov. You will need your driver's license number and date of birth. The record shows every moving violation on file, the date it occurred, the point value, and how many points are still active (within the 3-year window).

You can also request a copy of your driving record by mail or in person at a DPS office. There is a small fee for a certified copy. If you believe a violation on your record is incorrect or was dismissed in court, you can dispute it with DPS by submitting documentation of the court's decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do points from out-of-state violations count toward my Texas suspension?

Yes. Texas counts moving violations from other states if you were driving a vehicle registered in Texas or if you hold a Texas license. The point value assigned may differ from what the other state assigned, but the violation still contributes to your Texas total.

Can I get points removed before they age off?

Only by completing a defensive driving course, which removes up to 3 points and can be done once every 12 months. You cannot petition DPS to remove points early, even if you believe the violation was unfair. Points automatically drop off your record 3 years after the violation date.

What if I was found not guilty in traffic court?

If the court dismissed the ticket or found you not guilty, no points are added to your record. However, you must may support DPS receives the court's decision. Contact the court that handled your case and ask them to send the dismissal or acquittal to DPS directly, or submit a copy yourself to DPS.

Does paying a ticket mean I accept the points?

Yes. Paying a ticket or pleading no contest is treated as an admission of guilt, and points are added to your record. If you want to avoid points, you must contest the ticket in court and win. Some courts offer traffic school as an alternative, which may reduce or dismiss the charge.

Can I get a hardship license while my license is suspended?

Texas does not issue hardship licenses for points-based suspensions. You must wait out the full suspension period. However, if your suspension is for a different reason (unpaid tickets, failure to appear), you may be able to request a hardship license through the court that issued the suspension.