Last Updated on May 14, 2025 by Beltz Law Group
Major Changes for Texas Drivers: End of Surcharges and Point System
Dallas Ticket Attorney Jeff Beltz
Texas drivers, there’s some welcome news regarding how the state handles traffic tickets! You can now breathe a sigh of relief as two significant programs are no longer in effect:
- The Texas Surcharge Program has ended. This means you will no longer face additional fees on top of your traffic ticket fines based on the severity or number of your violations.
- The Point System for tracking traffic convictions is no longer in use. The state is no longer assigning points to your driving record for traffic offenses.
What’s the New System for Tracking Traffic Convictions?
While the point system is gone, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) still keeps track of traffic convictions. The new system focuses on the number and type of convictions within a specific timeframe to determine potential driver license suspension or other administrative actions. Here’s a general outline:
- Moving Violations: The DPS monitors the number of moving violations you accumulate within a certain period (typically 12 or 24 months). Multiple convictions can still lead to license suspension.
- Specific Offenses: Certain serious offenses, such as driving while intoxicated (DWI), driving with a suspended license, or causing a serious accident, carry their own specific penalties and can result in immediate license suspension, regardless of a point system.
- Administrative Actions: The DPS retains the authority to take administrative actions based on your driving record, even without a point system. This could include license suspension, probation, or other requirements depending on the nature and frequency of violations.
- Insurance Implications: It’s important to remember that while the state’s point system is gone, your insurance company will still consider your driving record when determining your premiums. Multiple violations or serious offenses will likely lead to increased insurance rates.
It’s crucial to understand that even without the surcharge program and the point system, traffic tickets still carry significant consequences. Ignoring a ticket can lead to warrants for your arrest, and multiple convictions can still jeopardize your driving privileges and increase your insurance costs.
Dallas Ticket Attorney
Navigating Texas Traffic Laws? We’re Here to Help.
Understanding the nuances of Texas traffic laws and how convictions can impact your driving record can be challenging. If you’ve received a traffic ticket in North Texas, it’s wise to seek expert legal counsel to explore your options and protect your rights.
Beltz Law Group: Your Premier North Texas Traffic Ticket Defense Firm
At Beltz Law Group, we have a proven track record of successfully defending drivers against a wide range of traffic violations. Our experienced attorneys understand the complexities of Texas traffic law and are dedicated to providing you with the best possible defense.
Dallas Traffic Ticket Attorney
Whether you’ve received a speeding ticket, a moving violation, or are facing more serious traffic charges, we can help you:
- Understand your rights and options.
- Negotiate with prosecutors to potentially reduce or dismiss charges.
- Represent you in court to fight your ticket.
- Minimize the impact of a traffic ticket on your driving record and insurance rates.
Don’t face your traffic ticket alone. Contact the experienced team at Beltz Law Group today for a consultation.
Phone: 214-321-4105
