Last Updated on July 16, 2025 by Beltz Law Group
Navigating Driver’s License Suspensions in Texas: Your Guide to Protection
Driver License Suspension Lawyer
For many Texans, the threat or reality of a driver’s license suspension can be a major source of stress and disruption. The good news is that many suspensions are avoidable, especially with timely action and proper legal guidance. This article aims to clarify the common causes of driver’s license suspensions in Texas and outline the steps you can take to protect your driving privileges. If you are facing a potential or active suspension, the attorneys at Beltz Law Group are here to help.
Understanding How Your Texas Driver’s License Can Be Suspended
The most frequent path to a driver’s license suspension in Texas stems from traffic-related convictions. It’s a common misconception that simply paying off old traffic tickets resolves the issue without further consequences. In reality, paying a fine for a traffic citation is often considered an admission of guilt, leading to a conviction being reported to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). Accumulating too many convictions can trigger a suspension.
Here are some of the most common reasons for driver’s license suspensions in Texas:
- Habitual Violator (Department Suspension): You may be deemed a habitual violator if you accumulate a certain number of moving violations within specific timeframes. This typically includes:
- Four or more moving violations arising from separate incidents within a 12-month period.
- Seven or more moving violations arising from separate incidents within a 24-month period. If no hearing is requested, this can lead to an automatic 90-day suspension. With an adverse finding at a hearing, the suspension period can extend up to one year (TRC 521.292(a)(3) & (9)(b); 521.313; 521.293).
- Out-of-State Convictions (Department Suspension): If Texas DPS receives notification of a conviction or suspension from another state, your Texas license can also be suspended. Similar to habitual violator suspensions, failing to request a hearing can result in an automatic 90-day suspension, potentially extending to one year after an affirmative finding at a hearing (TRC 521.294(a)(5); 521.312(c); 521.313; 521.293).
- Driving While License Invalid (DWLI) or Driving While License Suspended (DWLS): Receiving a new moving violation citation while your license is already suspended, canceled, revoked, or denied can trigger an additional suspension from the department. An automatic 90-day suspension can occur if no hearing is requested, potentially extending to one year following an adverse hearing finding (TRC 521.292(a)(1); 521.293).
- Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Related Suspensions (DWLD/DWLI): If you are convicted of driving a commercial motor vehicle on a public highway while your license or driving privilege was suspended, canceled, disqualified, revoked, or denied, a one-year license suspension is typical if no hearing is requested. At a hearing, the presiding officer may set the suspension period, not to exceed one year (TRC 521.292(a)(1), 521.293).
Driver License Suspension
Crucial Steps to Objecting to a License Suspension in Texas
Upon notification of a potential license suspension from DPS, it is critical to act swiftly and correctly. DPS is legally only required to send notice to the last known address they have on file. Therefore, ensuring your address with DPS is current is paramount. If your address is outdated and you miss a notice, it generally will not be considered a valid reason to object to the suspension itself, though it might be relevant if you are charged with Driving While License Invalid (DWLI).
If you receive a suspension notice and your address is accurate, you must formally object to the suspension. The easiest and most recommended method is to object online through the DPS website.
Once your objection is received, DPS will schedule an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing. This hearing typically takes place at the Justice of the Peace court in the precinct where you reside. A judge will then determine whether your license should be suspended.
Preparing for Your Driver’s License Suspension Hearing
Before your hearing, it’s essential to:
- Verify Your License Eligibility: Ensure your license is currently eligible and not under any active suspensions. This also means confirming that any previous reinstatement fees have been paid in full. You can check your driver’s license eligibility online through the official Texas DPS portal.
- Understand Probated Suspensions: If your license is eligible before the hearing and you are not a commercial license holder, the judge may consider probating your license suspension. This means that, for a specified period (often 90 days to one year), you must not incur any new traffic-related convictions. If you successfully complete this probationary period without new tickets, the suspension action will be dismissed.
Suspended Driver License Assistance
Why Hiring a Lawyer for Your Driver’s License Suspension Hearing is Essential
Navigating a driver’s license suspension hearing in Texas can be complex, with specific legal procedures and nuanced arguments that can significantly impact the outcome. Attempting to handle it on your own can put your driving privileges at unnecessary risk.
A skilled attorney from Beltz Law Group can:
- Investigate Your Case: Thoroughly review the details of your traffic tickets, the suspension notice, and any other relevant documentation.
- Identify Defenses: Determine if there were any procedural errors, factual inaccuracies, or legal arguments that can be made in your favor to prevent or minimize the suspension.
- Negotiate on Your Behalf: Potentially work with prosecutors to keep convictions off your record, thereby preventing future suspensions. For existing suspensions, they can advocate for a probated suspension or other favorable outcomes.
- Represent You at the Hearing: Present your case clearly and effectively to the judge, cross-examine witnesses (such as the arresting officer), and challenge the evidence against you.
- Guide You Through the Process: Provide clear explanations of each step, advise you on the best course of action, and ensure all deadlines are met.
Don’t jeopardize your ability to drive in Texas. If you are facing a driver’s license suspension, contact the experienced legal professionals at Beltz Law Group today. We are ready to discuss your specific situation and help you protect your driving record. Call us at 214-321-4105.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information and should not be considered legal advice. Every case is unique, and you should consult with a qualified attorney regarding your specific situation.
