Last Updated on July 23, 2025 by Beltz Law Group
Texas Habitual Violator Suspensions: How Too Many Tickets Can Cost Your Driving Privileges
Driver License Suspension Attorney
In Texas, accumulating too many traffic violation convictions can lead to a serious consequence known as a “habitual violator suspension” of your driver’s license. This isn’t just a minor inconvenience; it can mean an extended period where you cannot legally drive, significantly impacting your daily life, work, and personal responsibilities.
This article from Beltz Law Group is designed to help those who have received a notice of suspension due to an excessive number of traffic ticket convictions. If you would like to discuss your driver’s license suspension issue with our experienced staff, feel free to contact our office at 214-321-4105.
Understanding the Basics of a Habitual Violator Suspension
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) monitors your driving record for patterns of repeat traffic offenses. A suspension for being a habitual violator is triggered when you reach specific thresholds for moving violation convictions within certain timeframes. These two categories are:
- Four or more moving traffic violation convictions within a 12-month period.
- Seven or more moving traffic violation convictions within a 24-month period.
Once your record shows that you’ve met or exceeded either of these thresholds, DPS will issue a Notice of Suspension.
The Common Mistake: How People Inadvertently Trigger Suspensions
Driver License Suspension Lawyer
Many people don’t realize how easily they can hit these thresholds, often due to a common misconception about how traffic tickets are recorded.
The Big Mistake: Paying Off Old Tickets All at Once
It’s common for individuals to receive traffic tickets over several months or even years and simply not have the immediate funds to resolve them. These tickets often go past due, sometimes even leading to a warrant. When a person finally has the financial means (e.g., after receiving an income tax refund or a bonus), they often decide to “clear their record” by simply paying off all these old tickets at once.
Here’s the critical point: In Texas, paying off an old traffic ticket typically results in a conviction being placed on your permanent driving record.
DPS calculates these thresholds based on the date of conviction, not the date the citation was issued.
Example: Imagine you received tickets on these dates, but only paid them off today (July 23, 2025):
- Ticket 1: Issued 10 years ago (paid today – July 23, 2025)
- Ticket 2: Issued 9 years ago (paid today – July 23, 2025)
- Ticket 3: Issued 5 years ago (paid today – July 23, 2025)
- Ticket 4: Issued 5 years ago (paid today – July 23, 2025)
Driver License Suspension
If you pay off all four of these old tickets today, DPS will see four new convictions recorded on your driving record on the same date (July 23, 2025). This immediately puts you at the threshold for a habitual violator suspension (4 or more convictions in less than 12 months), even though the original tickets were issued years ago.
This is a mistake we see frequently. When tickets go past due, it’s highly advisable to seek the assistance of a lawyer to resolve the cases in a way that aims to keep the convictions off your record and protect your driving privileges.
What To Do When You Get Notified of a Driver’s License Suspension
If you receive a Notice of Suspension from DPS for accumulating too many traffic ticket convictions, it’s crucial to act swiftly and strategically:
- Object to the Suspension Immediately: You typically have a strict deadline (often 20 days from the date the notice was mailed) to formally object to the suspension. If you miss this deadline, you will likely lose your right to a hearing, and the suspension will take effect automatically.
- Request an Administrative Hearing: A timely objection will trigger your right to an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing. This hearing will typically be held before a Justice of the Peace or an Administrative Law Judge in the court closest to where you reside.
- Ensure Your License is “Eligible” Prior to the Hearing: While you are fighting the habitual violator suspension, it’s crucial to resolve any underlying issues that might be preventing your license from being “eligible” for reinstatement. For example, if you have other outstanding tickets or fees that are holding your license, you need to address those first. Our experienced attorneys and staff can help you check your DPS eligibility status and guide you on what needs to be resolved.
- Attend the Driver’s License Suspension Hearing (or Have Your Attorney Attend): This hearing is your opportunity to challenge the suspension. An attorney can represent you at this hearing, presenting arguments and evidence on your behalf. In many cases, if your license is showing “eligible” in the DPS system and you have addressed any underlying issues, judges are often willing to probate the suspension. This means the suspension is put on hold, and you retain your driving privileges, provided you do not receive any new convictions during a specified probationary period.
Suspended Driver License Assistance
Why Hire an Attorney for a Habitual Violator Suspension?
Navigating a habitual violator suspension involves intricate legal processes and understanding DPS regulations. An experienced traffic defense attorney can be invaluable:
- Preventing Convictions: The most effective defense is to prevent the convictions that trigger these suspensions in the first place. For old, outstanding tickets, an attorney can work to resolve them through deferred disposition, defensive driving, or other means that keep the conviction off your record.
- Timely and Accurate Filings: Ensure all legal documents, objections, and hearing requests are filed correctly and within the strict deadlines.
- Expert Representation: Your attorney can represent you at the ALR hearing, presenting your defense and advocating for your driving privileges.
- Negotiating Probation: If a suspension cannot be avoided, an attorney can often negotiate for a probated suspension, allowing you to continue driving legally under certain conditions.
- Navigating DPS Requirements: Understanding reinstatement fees, SR-22 insurance requirements, and other DPS hurdles can be confusing. An attorney can guide you through every step.
- Protecting Your Future: Avoiding a suspension not only keeps you on the road but also prevents significant increases in your auto insurance rates for years to come.
Don’t underestimate the impact of a habitual violator suspension. It requires a proactive and informed approach.
If you are facing a driver’s license suspension due to too many traffic ticket convictions in Texas, contact Beltz Law Group today. Our experienced team can provide the defense and guidance you need. Call us at 214-321-4105.
