Last Updated on June 6, 2025 by Beltz Law Group
Good News for Texas Drivers: The “Points System” for Traffic Tickets is Gone!
Ticket Defense Attorney
For years, Texas drivers lived under the shadow of the “points system” and the dreaded Driver Responsibility Program (DRP). Accumulating points for traffic ticket convictions meant facing additional annual surcharges, which could quickly add up to thousands of dollars and often led to driver’s license suspensions for those unable to pay.
However, The Beltz Law Group is pleased to inform Texas drivers that this system has been repealed!
Effective September 1, 2019, the Texas Legislature officially ended the Driver Responsibility Program and with it, the points system that assigned points to your driver’s license for traffic violations. This means:
- No More Points: You no longer accumulate points on your driver’s license for moving violations in Texas. The old system, which assessed 2 points for a moving violation and 3 points if it resulted in an accident, is no longer in effect.
- Surcharges Eliminated: All outstanding DRP surcharges were waived as of September 1, 2019, and no new surcharges will be assessed based on the old point system or conviction-based DRP offenses. This is a significant relief for thousands of Texans who faced financial burdens and license suspensions due to these fees.
- License Reinstatements: Many driver’s licenses that were previously suspended solely due to unpaid DRP surcharges were automatically reinstated when the program ended.
What Does This Mean for Your Traffic Tickets Now?
While the points system and surcharges are gone, it’s crucial to understand that traffic tickets still carry significant consequences.
- Fines and Court Costs: You are still responsible for the original fines and court costs associated with your traffic ticket. These vary by jurisdiction and the nature of the offense.
- Driver’s License Suspensions: Even without the points system, your driver’s license can still be suspended for other reasons, such as:
- Failure to Appear/Pay: If you fail to appear in court or fail to pay fines, your license can still be suspended through the Omni Base program.
- Serious Offenses: Convictions for serious offenses like Driving While Intoxicated (DWI), Driving While License Invalid (DWLI), or repeated moving violations can still lead to license suspension.
- Accumulation of Violations: While there’s no “points” system, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) still tracks convictions. Accumulating too many moving violations (e.g., four or more in one year, or seven or more in two years) can still result in your license being suspended.
- Insurance Premiums: Traffic convictions still go on your driving record, and your insurance company will see these. A history of violations can still lead to significantly higher insurance premiums.
Why You Still Need a Traffic Ticket Attorney
Traffic Ticket Defense Attorney
The repeal of the points system is undoubtedly good news for Texas drivers. However, it does not mean traffic tickets are consequence-free. Avoiding a conviction on your driving record remains paramount to protect your driver’s license, your insurance rates, and your peace of mind.
At The Beltz Law Group, we have extensive experience defending traffic tickets in Dallas and throughout Texas. We understand the current landscape of traffic laws and can help you:
- Fight for Dismissals: Our goal is always to get your ticket dismissed whenever possible.
- Negotiate Deferred Disposition: We can work to get your case placed on deferred disposition, which allows the ticket to be dismissed after a probationary period, keeping it off your driving record.
- Prevent License Suspensions: We can help you understand the current rules for license suspension and take steps to avoid them.
- Minimize Fines: We strive to achieve the best possible outcome, including reducing fines where appropriate.
Don’t assume that because the points system is gone, a traffic ticket is a minor issue. A conviction can still have a lasting impact.
If you’ve received a traffic ticket in Texas, contact The Beltz Law Group today. Let us put our experience to work for you to protect your driving record.
