Last Updated on June 20, 2025 by Beltz Law Group
Driver License Suspension
Lawyers For Invalid Driver License Issues in North Texas
214-321-4105
Unresolved traffic tickets are, by far, one of the leading causes of driver’s license suspensions and invalidity issues in Texas. Many people don’t realize the severe implications of unaddressed citations until they are denied a license renewal. For that reason, we’ve outlined some of the main issues associated with old traffic tickets that lead to a hold on your driver’s license, and how to correctly resolve them.
If you would like to discuss your old traffic tickets or a potentially invalid driver’s license with our experienced lawyers, feel free to contact us at 214-321-4105.
Attorney For Invalid License
Driving While License Invalid (DWLI) and Traffic Ticket Convictions
If you’ve been informed by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) that you cannot renew your driver’s license due to old traffic tickets, it means your license is currently invalid. Under Texas law, if you are caught driving on an invalid license, you can face serious charges under Texas Transportation Code Section 521.457, “Driving While License Invalid” (DWLI).
Driver License Suspension Lawyer
The severity of a DWLI charge depends on various factors:
- Class C Misdemeanor: A first-time offense for DWLI is typically a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $500. This is usually issued as a citation.
- Class B Misdemeanor: The charge can be elevated to a Class B misdemeanor if:
- You have a previous conviction for DWLI.
- You were driving without current proof of financial responsibility (auto insurance).
- Your license was previously suspended as a result of an offense involving the operation of a motor vehicle while intoxicated (DWI). A Class B misdemeanor carries a maximum punishment of 180 days in county jail and/or a $2,000 fine.
- Class A Misdemeanor: The offense can be a Class A misdemeanor if it’s shown that at the time of the offense, you were operating a motor vehicle in violation of the financial responsibility law (no insurance) and caused or were at fault in a motor vehicle accident that resulted in serious bodily injury or death to another person. A Class A misdemeanor is punishable by up to one year in jail and/or a $4,000 fine.
As you can see, the penalties for DWLI can be severe. Understanding how these charges arise is critical. In many cases, DPS may not know you were driving while your license was invalid unless you mishandle your old traffic tickets. If you are convicted of a traffic offense while your license is invalid, this conviction is reported to DPS and can trigger further enforcement actions against your license.
For example, if you find out you have old tickets causing an invalidity and then simply rush to the court to pay them off, this payment often constitutes a conviction without legal intervention. This conviction is then reported to DPS, which can lead to a new suspension action on your record for having driven on an invalid license, compounding your problems.
Understanding Driver’s License Holds: The OmniBase System
OMNI Holds Texas
Most driver’s license holds stemming from unpaid or unresolved traffic tickets are managed through the OmniBase Services of Texas (often referred to as OmniBase or Failure to Appear/Pay program). When a court reports an outstanding traffic ticket for failure to appear or failure to pay, OmniBase places a “hold” on your driver’s license renewal, preventing you from renewing, replacing, or obtaining a new license until the issue is resolved.
You can check for OmniBase holds by visiting the official Texas Failure to Appear website: www.texasfailuretoappear.com. You will need your driver’s license number and date of birth.
The Repeal of the Driver Responsibility Program (Surcharges)
Historically, traffic ticket convictions, especially for DWLI and other specific offenses, could trigger significant annual “surcharges” under the now-repealed Driver Responsibility Program (DRP). This program placed a heavy financial burden on many Texans, often leading to a cycle of debt and further license suspensions.
Effective September 1, 2019, the Texas Driver Responsibility Program was repealed. This means:
- No New Surcharges: No new surcharges have been assessed since this date.
- Old Surcharges Waived: Any unpaid DRP surcharges owed before September 1, 2019, were waived.
- Suspensions Lifted: Many driver’s license suspensions based solely on DRP surcharges were automatically lifted.
Important Note: While the DRP is repealed, you are still responsible for paying any underlying court fines, fees, and the specific OmniBase hold fees (typically $10 or $30 per hold). The repeal does not eliminate the need to address the original traffic tickets or other non-DRP related suspensions.
Hire A Lawyer For Tickets That Have A Hold On Your License
Removing OMNI Hold On Driver License
The laws surrounding invalid driver’s licenses, traffic ticket resolution, and license holds can be incredibly complex. The key to navigating this labyrinth is to have a knowledgeable advocate on your side who can help you resolve the issues without further harm to your driving record or legal standing.
It always benefits you to talk to a legal professional about your old traffic tickets, especially if you currently have a hold on your driver’s license. Our traffic ticket lawyers can assist you by:
- Identifying All Holds and Warrants: We can help you pinpoint exactly which courts and tickets are causing the hold on your license.
- Negotiating with Courts: We can work with the courts to recall warrants, arrange payment plans, or seek alternative resolutions like deferred disposition or defensive driving, which can prevent a conviction from appearing on your record.
- Avoiding DWLI Convictions: Our primary goal is to resolve your underlying tickets in a way that avoids a conviction for DWLI, preventing further suspensions and potential criminal penalties.
- Guiding Through Reinstatement: We will guide you through the process of paying any necessary OmniBase fees and DPS reinstatement fees to get your license valid again.
- Protecting Your Record: Protecting your permanent driving record is crucial for maintaining reasonable insurance rates and avoiding future complications.
Don’t let old traffic tickets escalate into serious criminal charges or prolonged license suspensions. If you would like to talk with our traffic ticket lawyers about your old tickets or an invalid driver’s license, feel free to contact us at 214-321-4105.
