How Many Points Before You Face License Suspension in Texas?

Written by Mary Salatino

Frequent drivers might wonder how accumulating traffic ticket points in Texas can affect their driving record. Luckily, the state did away with its point system, so motorists no longer need to worry about racking up points.

However, drivers can still lose their licenses for serious or repeated offenses.

The Point System Is Gone — Here’s How Suspensions Work Now

Texas formerly used a point system to track traffic violations, with minor infractions adding two points and serious offenses adding three. The consequences of accumulating points within a set timeframe included penalties such as surcharges under the Texas Driver Responsibility Program (DRP).

The DRP was eliminated in 2019. Now, the state handles license suspensions for serious violations through fines, court costs and administrative penalties. Repeated offenses can cause you even more trouble.

Reasons for TX License Suspension

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) enforces suspensions based on the severity and frequency of infractions. Here are the main reasons a driver’s license may be suspended:

Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) or Driving Under the Influence (DUI)

A DWI or DUI conviction results in an automatic license suspension. Suspension length depends on factors such as prior offenses and the driver's blood alcohol concentration (BAC).

  • First offense: 90 days to one year
  • Second offense: Up to two years
  • Refusing a breath or blood test: Automatic 180-day suspension under Texas’ implied consent law

Excessive Moving Violations

Too many traffic violations within a short period can lead to suspension, even though points aren’t being tracked. Generally, individuals who commit four or more moving violations in 12 months or seven or more in 24 months risk suspension.

Driving Without Insurance

All drivers must carry minimum liability insurance. If someone is caught without insurance, they may face fines or license suspension. As always, repeated offenses carry heavier penalties.

Failure to Pay Traffic Tickets or Court Fines

Unpaid traffic tickets, toll violations or court fines can lead to license suspension. The court can notify the DPS to put a hold on license renewal until outstanding fines are paid.

Driving with a Suspended or Invalid License

Operating a vehicle with a suspended or revoked license is a criminal offense in Texas. A first offense is a Class C misdemeanor with fines, while repeat violations can lead to jail time and extended suspension periods.

Failure to Appear in Court

Ignoring a court summons for a traffic violation can result in a Failure to Appear (FTA). You will be suspended until the legal issue is resolved.

Certain Criminal Offenses

Convictions for non-traffic-related offenses, such as drug-related charges, evading police or reckless driving, can also lead to suspension.

Defensive Driving and Ticket Dismissal

Taking a defensive driving course in Texas offers drivers an opportunity to avoid the consequences of certain traffic violations or increased insurance premiums. You can also get your tickets dismissed.

Completing a defensive driving course can help drivers maintain a clean record and avoid license suspension for specific offenses.

Eligibility for Ticket Dismissal

You can dismiss certain traffic tickets by completing an approved defensive driving course. To be eligible for ticket dismissal, you must meet the following criteria:

  • The violation must not be for a serious offense, such as DWI or driving without insurance.
  • The driver must not have taken a defensive driving course for ticket dismissal in the past 12 months.
  • The driver must request to take the course before their court appearance or by the court-appointed deadline.

Steps to Complete Defensive Driving

If eligible, individuals will need to:

  1. Tell the court they intend to take defensive driving within the specified time frame.
  2. Enroll in a Texas-approved defensive driving course. You can choose whether to take it online or in person.
  3. Complete the course. The material typically takes around six hours to finish.
  4. Submit the course completion certificate to the court by the required deadline.

Completing defensive driving allows motorists to avoid penalties, maintain their driving privileges and even improve their safety on the road.

Reinstating A Suspended License

If your license has been suspended, the reinstatement process may vary depending on the reason for the suspension. Generally, the following steps apply:

1. Determine the Reason for Suspension

Visit the state’s official website to find out why your license was suspended.

The site allows you to track your eligibility status, pay suspension and issuance fees, track your lawful presence status and more.

2. Fulfill the Suspension Requirements

Depending on the type of suspension, you may need to complete certain requirements, such as:

  • Paying fines or surcharges related to the suspension
  • Completing a defensive driving course (if eligible for ticket dismissal)
  • Providing proof of insurance (if suspended for not having insurance)
  • Serving a mandatory waiting period (for offenses like DWI)

3. Pay the Reinstatement Fee

Once you’ve met the required conditions, you’ll need to pay a reinstatement fee. The fee amount depends on the reason for your suspension and can be found on the DPS website. Fees can range from $100 to over $1,000.

4. Submit Required Documentation

You may be asked to provide documentation to show that you've met the requirements, such as:

  • Proof of completed courses (defensive driving, alcohol education, etc.)
  • Proof of insurance coverage
  • Court documents confirming that fines or penalties have been paid

5. Submit Your Application for Reinstatement

After fulfilling the necessary requirements and paying any fees, you can apply for reinstatement online through the DPS website, by mail or in person at a DPS office.

6. Wait for Your License to Be Reinstated

After the DPS processes your application, you will receive a license reinstatement confirmation. In some cases, you may receive a temporary license until your new card arrives.

Keeping Your Record Clean

If you’ve received a traffic violation and want to protect your driving record, our Texas-approved defensive driving program can help.

Completing the curriculum allows you to dismiss a ticket, avoid penalties and may even qualify you for insurance discounts. You can also take our course in Spanish if that’s your preferred language.

Enroll now and complete the course at your own pace!