What To Know About Driver License Suspensions For Traffic Ticket Convictions

Last Updated on June 19, 2025 by Beltz Law Group

Beltz Law Group

Driver License Suspension Attorney in North Texas: Understanding “Habitual Violator” Suspensions

In Texas, driving is a privilege, not an inherent right, and the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has broad authority to suspend this privilege for various reasons. One of the most common and often surprising reasons individuals face driver’s license suspension hearings is due to the accumulation of too many traffic ticket convictions – what we frequently refer to as “habitual violator” suspensions.

This article aims to provide a clear and comprehensive understanding of how accumulating traffic ticket convictions can lead to a driver’s license suspension in Texas, and why acting quickly with legal representation is crucial. If you would like to discuss your driver’s license suspension hearing with one of our experienced attorneys, feel free to call us at 214-321-4105 after reading this article.

How Traffic Ticket Convictions Lead to Driver’s License Suspensions

The DPS maintains a driving record for every licensed driver in Texas. While the Driver Responsibility Program (DRP), which included surcharges and a “points” system, was repealed effective September 1, 2019, the State still actively monitors traffic offenses. Accumulating a certain number of moving violation convictions will still trigger a suspension review.

The Current “Habitual Violator” Rules:

Your driver’s license may be suspended if you are convicted of:

• Four or more moving traffic violations within a 12-month period, OR
• Seven or more moving traffic violations within a 24-month period.

Driver License Suspension Lawyer

It’s important to understand that these are based on convictions being reported to DPS. Simply getting a ticket does not immediately trigger this. It’s when that ticket is paid, or you are found guilty in court, that the conviction is recorded and counts towards these totals. Many people get into trouble by simply paying off multiple old tickets at once (e.g., after receiving an income tax refund), inadvertently creating numerous “convictions” that are reported to DPS within a short timeframe, thereby triggering a habitual violator suspension.

Other Related Triggers:

DPS may also initiate a suspension if:

• You have been convicted of at least two offenses for a violation that conflicts with a restriction or endorsement printed on your driver’s license (e.g., driving without required corrective lenses).
• You are under 18 years of age and have been convicted of two or more moving violations committed within a 12-month period.

The Suspension Process: Notification and Administrative Hearings

When DPS determines that you meet the criteria for a habitual violator suspension, they will initiate an enforcement action:

1. Notification of Enforcement Action: DPS will mail a “Notification of Enforcement Action” letter to your address on record. This letter outlines the reason for the proposed suspension and your right to request a hearing.

   • Crucial Tip: Keep Your Address Current! Many individuals claim they never received a suspension notice. This is almost always due to an outdated address on file with DPS. Failure to receive the notification does NOT invalidate the suspension. You can update your address on the official DPS website.

2. The 20-Day Hearing Deadline: If you receive a suspension notice, you have a strict 20-day deadline from the date the notice was mailed to request an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing. If this request is not submitted correctly and on time, you forfeit your right to contest the suspension, and it will take effect automatically.

3. The Hearing Itself: If you timely request a hearing, DPS will schedule it (which can take up to 120 days) and notify you of the date, time, and location. Hearings are typically conducted in a municipal or justice court in the county where you reside.
   1. During the hearing, an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) presides. DPS will present evidence of your convictions. You, or your attorney, will then have the opportunity to present facts and arguments to contest the validity of the suspension. The ALJ will determine if the grounds for the suspension are valid based on the evidence presented.

Suspended Driver License Assistance

Consequences of a Habitual Violator Suspension

If your license is suspended as a habitual violator, the consequences can be significant:

• Loss of Driving Privileges: You will lose the legal ability to drive for the duration of the suspension, typically 90 days to 1 year, depending on various factors and the ALJ’s decision. This can severely impact your ability to get to work, school, medical appointments, and fulfill family responsibilities.
• Reinstatement Requirements: After the suspension period, you will need to meet specific reinstatement requirements set by DPS, which often include:
  • Paying reinstatement fees (typically $100 for this type of suspension).
  • Providing proof of financial responsibility (SR-22 high-risk insurance) for a specified period, which can be significantly more expensive than standard auto insurance.
• Increased Insurance Rates: Even though surcharges are gone, a history of multiple traffic convictions and a license suspension will cause your auto insurance rates to increase substantially for several years, costing you hundreds or even thousands of dollars in extra premiums.

The Critical Role of an Attorney in Defending Habitual Violator Suspensions

Driver License Suspension Hearing

When faced with a driver’s license suspension in Texas, obtaining legal help is not just beneficial—it’s often essential. Our experienced driver’s license suspension attorneys can:

1. Timely Hearing Request: We ensure your request for an ALR hearing is properly submitted within the strict 20-day deadline, preserving your right to contest the suspension.
2. Strategic Case Preparation: We will obtain and review your complete driving record from DPS, analyze the specific convictions triggering the suspension, and identify any errors or discrepancies.
3. Representation at the Hearing: We will represent you before the Administrative Law Judge. This involves:
   • Challenging the validity of the convictions presented by DPS, if possible.
   • Presenting arguments and evidence on your behalf.
   • Seeking to convince the ALJ that a suspension is not warranted or should be mitigated.
   • In some cases, we may be able to negotiate a probationary period in lieu of a full suspension.
4. Guidance on Reinstatement: If a suspension is upheld, we guide you through every step of the reinstatement process, ensuring all fees are paid, and all requirements (like SR-22 insurance) are met so you can regain your valid driving privilege as soon as possible.
5. Obtaining an Occupational Driver’s License (ODL): If your license is suspended, we can help you petition the court for an Occupational Driver’s License (ODL). This special license allows you to drive legally for essential purposes like work, school, and necessary household duties during the suspension period, preventing severe disruption to your life.

Your driving privilege is too important to risk. While there is a cost associated with legal representation, it is almost always a worthwhile investment that can save you significant financial burden in the long run (through avoiding increased insurance rates and lost income due to inability to drive) and protect your mobility.

Take the time to discuss your driver’s license suspension with an experienced lawyer today. Call The Beltz Law Group at 214-321-4105.

Beltz Law Group Ticket, Criminal Defense & Personal Injury Attorneys

See Full Bio

Dallas Garland Farmers Branch Flower Mound Frisco Plano Richardson