Texas Driver's License Point System Explained (2026)

How the Texas Point System Works

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) uses a point system to track traffic violations on your driving record. Points are assigned when you are convicted of a moving violation — not when you receive the ticket, but when you either pay the fine (which counts as a conviction) or are found guilty in court.

Point Values for Common Violations

Violation	Points
Any moving violation conviction (Texas)	2 points
Any moving violation conviction (other state)	2 points
Moving violation resulting in a crash	3 points
Ticket dismissed via defensive driving	0 points
Non-moving violations (parking, expired registration)	0 points

The DPS Surcharge Threshold

The Texas point system has real financial consequences:

• 6 or more points in 3 years: DPS will send you a warning letter
• Accumulating points rapidly: Can trigger a license suspension hearing
• Subsequent violations after warning: Additional scrutiny from DPS and potential administrative action

How Points Affect Your Insurance

While DPS tracks points for administrative purposes, insurance companies use your driving record to set your premiums. The impact can be significant:

Violations (3-year period)	Estimated Insurance Impact
1 minor violation	10-15% increase
2 minor violations	20-30% increase
3+ minor violations	40-60% increase or policy non-renewal
1 major violation (DUI, reckless)	50-100% increase or cancellation
At-fault accident + violation	30-75% increase

How to Remove Points from Your Record

There are several ways to address points on your Texas driving record:

1. Defensive Driving Course (Best Option)

• Dismiss the ticket before conviction — prevents points from being added in the first place
• Available once every 12 months for ticket dismissal
• Complete a TDLR-approved 6-hour course online
• Cost: typically $28 for the course + court fees

2. Deferred Disposition

• Request from the judge — essentially a probation period
• If you have no violations during the probation, the ticket is dismissed
• Not available for all violations or in all courts

3. Wait for Points to Expire

• Points remain on your record for 3 years from the date of conviction
• After 3 years, they automatically drop off your active record

License Suspension: When It Happens

Your Texas driver's license can be suspended for:

• Accumulating too many points in a short period
• Failure to maintain financial responsibility (no insurance)
• DUI/DWI conviction
• Failure to appear in court or pay fines
• Medical reasons (vision, medical conditions)

The Bottom Line: Prevention Is Key

The most effective strategy is to prevent points from being added in the first place. When you receive a traffic ticket, taking a defensive driving course is typically the best option — it dismisses the ticket, prevents points, and can even lower your insurance rates.