Last Updated on June 7, 2025 by Beltz Law Group
Rockwall Ticket Defense Lawyer
Traffic Tickets in Texas: Protecting Your Driving Record (No More Points, But Still Critical!)
214-321-4105
For years, Texas drivers were familiar with the “points system” for tracking traffic ticket convictions. Drivers would accumulate points for moving violations, and reaching a certain number of points could lead to surcharges and even license suspension. However, as of September 1, 2019, the Texas Driver Responsibility Program (DRP) and its associated points system have been repealed. This means that while you no longer accumulate “points” on your license for traffic violations, it is still absolutely critical to keep a clean driving record.
Why Your Driving Record Still Matters
While the points system is gone, the consequences of traffic ticket convictions can still be severe and far-reaching. Here’s why you should still take every traffic ticket seriously:
- License Suspension: Even without a points system, accumulating too many moving violations within specific timeframes (e.g., four or more within 12 months, or seven or more within 24 months) can still lead to the suspension of your driver’s license. Certain serious offenses, like DWI or driving without insurance, also trigger suspensions directly.
- Increased Insurance Rates: Your driving record is a key factor insurance companies use to determine your premiums. Convictions for traffic violations will almost certainly cause your insurance rates to skyrocket.
- Surcharges for Specific Offenses: While the DRP surcharges linked to points are gone, certain convictions (like DWI, Driving While License Invalid, or No Insurance) can still result in separate, direct surcharges from the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). Failure to pay these can lead to further license suspensions.
- Employment Impact: Many employers, especially those requiring driving or a clean background check, review driving records. A history of traffic violations can negatively impact job opportunities.
- Future Legal Trouble: A pattern of traffic violations can make future interactions with law enforcement more difficult and could lead to harsher penalties if you face subsequent charges.
Rockwall Speeding Ticket Lawyer
A Past Example (Illustrating the Old System’s Impact, and Why Avoiding Convictions is Key)
Just a few years ago, we were contacted by a client who had accumulated 6 points on his driving record. This happened after he received two traffic tickets – one for speeding 60mph in a 45mph zone in Richardson, and another for 38mph in a 20mph school zone in Garland. He simply paid off both tickets without contesting them. Unbeknownst to him, each of these convictions added 3 points to his record, reaching the threshold for suspension under the old system. He was then pulled over by a Rockwall Police Officer, informed his license was suspended, and cited for Driving While License Suspended and speeding.
This client’s situation highlights a crucial point: he didn’t know that simply paying a traffic ticket could lead to such severe consequences. While the “points” mechanism is no longer in place, the underlying principle remains: a conviction on your driving record can, and often will, lead to serious issues with your driving privileges and financial obligations.
If You’ve Received a Traffic Ticket in Rockwall County, the Beltz Law Group Can Help!
Regardless of whether you received a ticket in Rockwall Municipal Court or any other court, it is essential to contest it rather than simply paying it. Paying a ticket is an admission of guilt and will result in a conviction appearing on your permanent driving record.
The days of assuming a traffic ticket is a minor inconvenience that can simply be paid off are over. Everything is electronically monitored and reported to the DPS. For this reason, when you are faced with a traffic ticket in Rockwall, Texas, or any other city, call an experienced lawyer to help you.
Occupational Driver License Lawyer In Rockwall County
Our team at the Beltz Law Firm understands the local court procedures, including those in Rockwall Municipal Court. We can assist you by:
- Contesting the Ticket: We will work to prevent the conviction from appearing on your driving record, which is the best way to avoid future suspensions, surcharges, and increased insurance rates.
- Negotiating with Prosecutors: We aim to secure favorable outcomes such as deferred disposition, defensive driving courses, or even dismissal of charges.
- Explaining Your Options: We’ll clearly lay out all your available legal strategies and the potential consequences of each, helping you make informed decisions.
- Assisting with License Issues: If your license is already suspended or you’re facing suspension, we can help you understand the reinstatement process and, if necessary, assist in obtaining an Occupational Driver License (ODL) to get you back on the road legally for essential purposes like work, school, or household duties.
Don’t risk your driving privileges or financial stability by simply paying a traffic ticket. Your driving record is valuable, and protecting it is an investment in your future.
Feel free to contact the Beltz Law Group today at 214-321-4105 to discuss your Rockwall County traffic ticket or any other driving-related legal concerns. We are here to help you navigate the legal system and strive for the best possible outcome.
