How To Avoid A Suspended Driver License In Texas

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How to Avoid a Suspended Driver’s License in Texas

Losing your driving privileges in Texas can have a devastating impact on your daily life, affecting your ability to get to work, school, or manage essential household duties. Driver’s license suspensions are a serious matter, and understanding the common causes and how to proactively address them is crucial.

At Beltz Law Group, we understand the complexities of Texas traffic laws and the stress a potential license suspension can cause. Our goal is to help you navigate these challenges and protect your driving privileges.

Common Reasons for Driver’s License Suspension in Texas

There are numerous reasons why your driver’s license can be suspended in Texas, ranging from traffic violations to administrative issues. Some of the most frequent causes include:

• Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) or Driving Under the Influence (DUI) offenses: These are among the most common reasons for license suspension. This includes both administrative license revocation (ALR) actions, which can suspend your license civilly even before a criminal conviction, and conviction-based suspensions.

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  Accumulating Too Many Traffic Ticket Convictions (Habitual Violator): Texas law can designate you as a “habitual violator” if you accumulate a certain number of moving violation convictions within a specific timeframe (e.g., 4 or more in 12 months, or 7 or more in 24 months). Many people unknowingly contribute to this by simply paying off tickets, which often results in a conviction on their driving record.

• Failure to Appear (FTA) or Failure to Pay (FTP) Traffic Tickets: Ignoring a traffic ticket or failing to appear in court as promised can lead to an automatic suspension through the Failure to Appear Program, which prevents license renewal until the issue is resolved.

• Driving Without Insurance / Safety Responsibility Suspensions: If you’re involved in an accident and found to be at fault without adequate liability insurance, your license can be suspended until damages are paid or proof of financial responsibility (like an SR-22 certificate) is provided.

• Drug-Related Offenses (even if not driving-related): Convictions for drug offenses, even if you weren’t operating a vehicle at the time, can lead to a driver’s license suspension.

• Failure to Complete Required Courses: If a court orders you to complete specific courses (e.g., DWI education, defensive driving) and you fail to do so, your license can be suspended.
• Child Support Arrearages: Failure to pay court-ordered child support can lead to a suspension of your driver’s license by the Attorney General’s office.

How to Proactively Avoid a License Suspension

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The best defense against a suspended license is proactive action and understanding your rights. Here are key strategies:

1. Address Traffic Tickets Promptly and Strategically:

   • Do Not Simply Pay Off Every Ticket: As mentioned, paying a ticket off often results in a conviction on your record. This can quickly accumulate points or convictions, leading to a habitual violator suspension.

   • Consider Contesting the Ticket: Many traffic tickets can be contested, potentially leading to dismissal, deferred disposition (where the ticket isn’t reported as a conviction if you meet certain conditions), or reduced charges. This prevents negative entries on your driving record.

   • Request Deferred Disposition: If eligible, this allows you to complete a probationary period and often a driving safety course. If successfully completed, the ticket is typically dismissed and not reported as a conviction.

   • Don’t Miss Court Dates: Always appear in court on your scheduled date or ensure your attorney appears on your behalf. Failure to appear can lead to a warrant for your arrest and an automatic license suspension.

2. Understand Administrative License Revocation (ALR) Hearings (Especially for DWI/DUI):

   • If arrested for DWI/DUI, you typically have only 15 days from the date of arrest to request an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing. This hearing is separate from your criminal case and determines if your license will be suspended administratively.

   • Requesting an ALR hearing is critical. Failing to do so will result in an automatic suspension.

   • Hire an Attorney for Your ALR Hearing: Your chances of successfully fighting an ALR suspension significantly increase with experienced legal representation. An attorney can challenge the evidence, cross-examine the officer, and argue to protect your license.

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   Maintain Valid Auto Insurance:

   • Always carry the minimum required liability insurance. Driving without it can lead to tickets and, more critically, license suspension if you’re involved in an accident where you are at fault and uninsured.

4. Know Your Driving Record Status:

   • Periodically check your driving record with the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). This allows you to see any accumulating points or convictions and identify potential suspension triggers before they occur. You can do this online through the DPS Driver Eligibility System.

5. Address Outstanding Issues Immediately:

   • If you receive a notice of intent to suspend your license, act quickly. There are often tight deadlines (e.g., 20 days) to respond and request a hearing to contest the suspension.

   • If you have unpaid fines, surcharges, or outstanding warrants, address them promptly. Many courts and agencies offer payment plans or other resolution options.

What to Do If Your License is Already Suspended

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If your Texas driver’s license has already been suspended, don’t panic, but don’t drive. Driving with a suspended license carries additional, severe penalties, including further fines, extended suspension periods, and even jail time.

Your immediate steps should include:

1. Determine the Reason for Suspension: Use the Texas DPS Driver Eligibility System to find out exactly why your license was suspended and what requirements you need to meet for reinstatement.

2. Contact an Attorney: An experienced traffic ticket and license suspension lawyer can help you:

   • Identify the fastest and most effective path to reinstatement.

   • Navigate complex reinstatement requirements (e.g., fees, courses, SR-22 insurance).

   • Apply for an Occupational Driver’s License (ODL): If eligible, an ODL (also known as an “essential need license”) can allow you to drive legally for work, school, and essential household duties during your suspension period. This is a court-ordered restricted license.

   • Contest the underlying reasons for the suspension if possible.

Let Beltz Law Group Help You

The attorneys at Beltz Law Group are dedicated to protecting the driving privileges of Texans. Whether you’re trying to prevent a suspension, contest a notice of suspension, or need assistance reinstating a suspended license, we can provide the knowledgeable and affordable legal assistance you need.

Don’t let a suspended license disrupt your life. Contact Beltz Law Group today at 214-321-4105 for a FREE phone consultation. Let us put our experience to work for you.