Last Updated on June 7, 2025 by Beltz Law Group
The Texas Points System: A Look Back & Why Your Driving Record Still Matters (Rowlett & Beyond)
Rowlett Traffic Ticket Defense Lawyer
Protecting Your Future on the Road 214-321-4105
For many years, Texas drivers were familiar with the “points system” as a primary method by which traffic ticket convictions could lead to severe penalties, including hefty state surcharges and even license suspension. If you’ve received a notice of surcharges from the Department of Public Safety (DPS) in the past after simply paying off a ticket, you’ve experienced the sting of this system firsthand.
Historically, the Texas Transportation Code outlined how points were assessed:
- Sec. 708.052. ASSIGNMENT OF POINTS FOR CERTAIN CONVICTIONS: This statute mandated that a person’s driver’s license accumulated points based on conviction dates recorded by the department.
- Two points were assigned for a moving violation of the traffic law (in Texas or another state) that did not result in an accident.
- Three points were assigned for a moving violation that did result in an accident.
- Certain exceptions existed, such as for speeding less than 10% over the posted limit (unless in a school crossing zone) or if the offense was successfully adjudicated (e.g., through deferred disposition).
- Sec. 708.053. ANNUAL SURCHARGE FOR POINTS: This critical section stated that a surcharge would be assessed once a driver accumulated six (6) or more points within a three-year period. For example, three moving violations (each worth 2 points) would trigger a $100.00 annual surcharge for the next three years, totaling $300.00.
The Historical Perspective: A Costly Lesson
Attorney For Traffic Tickets And Warrants In Rowlett
This system meant that simply “paying off” a ticket to make it go away quickly was often the worst financial decision. What seemed like a convenient solution resulted in convictions going on your driving record, triggering points, and leading to significant, recurring surcharges from the DPS – often far exceeding the initial ticket fine. It was a costly lesson for many drivers in Rowlett and across the state.
The Current Reality: No More Points, But the Stakes Are Still High!
As of September 1, 2019, the Texas Driver Responsibility Program (DRP) and its associated points system have been repealed. This means that the direct “point accumulation” leading to state surcharges is no longer in effect.
However, this absolutely DOES NOT mean that keeping a clean driving record is any less important. The consequences for having a poor driving record still exist and can be severe:
- Direct Surcharges for Specific Offenses: While the DRP points-based surcharges are gone, convictions for certain serious offenses (such as DWI, Driving While License Invalid, or driving without insurance) can still trigger substantial, direct surcharges from the DPS.
- Driver’s License Suspension or Revocation: Accumulating convictions for moving violations can still lead to the suspension or even revocation of your driver’s license, especially for multiple offenses within certain timeframes (e.g., too many convictions in a 12 or 24-month period).
- Skyrocketing Insurance Rates: Auto insurance companies heavily rely on your driving record to determine your premiums. Every conviction on your record, even without a “point” assigned by the state, can flag you as a higher risk, leading to significant increases in your insurance costs for years.
- Employment Impact: For many jobs, particularly those involving driving or requiring a clean background check, a history of traffic convictions can negatively impact your employment opportunities.
Rowlett Ticket Defense Lawyer
How the Beltz Law Group Can Still Assist You
Regardless of whether your ticket was issued in Rowlett or any of the surrounding communities, the Beltz Law Group is here to help you navigate traffic ticket challenges and protect your future. We understand the current landscape of Texas traffic law and the ongoing importance of a clean driving record.
Our experienced attorneys will review your case and determine the best possible strategy to protect you from conviction. We will:
- Strategically Negotiate with Prosecutors: Our primary goal is to prevent a conviction from appearing on your driving record. We will negotiate with the prosecutor (in Rowlett Municipal Court or other local courts) for outcomes like deferred adjudication. This allows you to pay a deferral fee to the court and, upon successful completion of a probationary period, the ticket is dismissed and kept off your driving record.
- Explore All Defense Avenues: We explore every available legal option, from challenging the evidence to pursuing alternative resolutions, all aimed at protecting your record.
- Advise on License Issues: If your license is at risk of suspension or already suspended, we can guide you through the process and, if necessary, assist with obtaining an Occupational Driver License.
Don’t fall into the trap of thinking a ticket is harmless just because the points system is gone. Contact the Beltz Law Group today and talk with one of our attorneys so that we may help you save money and protect your driving record.
