Last Updated on June 19, 2025 by Beltz Law Group
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I will update the article to reflect a historical perspective on the Texas points system and the types of violations that accrued points before its end. This will include explaining what the points system was, how it operated, and why certain violations led to points. I will also clarify that the points system, in its original form tied to surcharges, is no longer active, but that convictions still have consequences.
Here are the search queries I will use:
- What was the Texas Driver Responsibility Program and when did it end?
- How did the points system in Texas function for traffic violations before 2019?
- What types of traffic violations added points to a driver’s record in Texas under the old points system?
- “Texas Driver Responsibility Program history”
- “Texas traffic conviction points pre-2019”
I will now proceed with updating the article.
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Dallas Traffic Ticket Lawyer: A Historical Look at the Texas Points System (and Why Convictions Still Matter)
For many years, understanding your Texas driving record meant understanding the Driver Responsibility Program (DRP) and its associated “points system.” While this specific program is no longer active, its impact on countless Texans was profound, and the concept of how traffic violations affect your record remains crucial. At Beltz Law Group, we’ve helped countless clients navigate the complexities of their driving records, both during and after the DRP era.
This article provides a historical perspective on the points system in Texas, outlining how it operated and the types of violations that added points to a person’s record before the DRP ended. If you have questions about your past or current traffic citations, our Dallas traffic ticket lawyers are here to help. Contact us at 214-321-4105.
The Era of the Driver Responsibility Program and Points
From its inception on September 1, 2003, until its repeal on August 31, 2019, the Driver Responsibility Program fundamentally changed how Texas handled traffic offenses. The stated goal was to monitor and punish “high-risk” drivers to enhance road safety. In practice, it became a significant financial burden for many.
The core of the DRP was the points system:
- Point Accumulation: DPS assigned points to a driver’s record for certain traffic convictions. These points would remain on the driver’s record for three years from the date of conviction.
- Two points were assessed for a standard Texas or out-of-state traffic conviction (moving violation).
- Three points were assessed for a Texas or out-of-state traffic conviction that resulted in a crash.
- Surcharge Assessment: The most impactful aspect of the points system was the surcharge. If a driver accumulated six or more points on their record, they were assessed an annual surcharge for every year they maintained six or more points. These surcharges were:
- $100 for the first six points.
- $25 for each additional point over six. These surcharges were in addition to court fines and fees, and they did not replace any driver’s license suspensions or other penalties resulting from the conviction itself. Failure to pay these surcharges would lead to the automatic suspension of a driver’s license.
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Beyond the points system, specific convictions also triggered automatic annual surcharges, regardless of points accumulated. These included convictions for offenses like:
- Driving While Intoxicated (DWI)
- No Insurance (Failure to Maintain Financial Responsibility)
- Driving While License Invalid (DWLI)
Violations That Added Points to a Person’s Record
Nearly all moving violations had the potential to add points to a driver’s record under the DRP. The comprehensive list of offenses that could lead to points was extensive, as outlined in the Texas Administrative Code. While the full historical list is vast, common examples of violations that would incur points included:
- Speeding
- Running a red light or stop sign
- Failure to yield right-of-way
- Unsafe lane change
- Following too closely
- Illegal turn
- Disregarding a traffic control device
- Driving on the wrong side of the road
- Failure to stop for a school bus
It was crucial for drivers to understand that if their moving violation was on this list, a conviction for that violation would add points to their record and potentially trigger surcharges.
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The End of Surcharges, But Not the End of Consequences
The Driver Responsibility Program, including its points-based surcharges, officially ended on August 31, 2019. All outstanding surcharge debts were forgiven, and DPS no longer assesses surcharges based on points or specific convictions.
However, the repeal of the DRP does NOT mean that traffic ticket convictions are consequence-free. The underlying convictions still go on your driving record and can lead to:
- Driver’s License Suspensions: DPS still monitors the number of moving violations you accumulate. Too many convictions within certain timeframes can still lead to an automatic driver’s license suspension.
- Increased Insurance Rates: Insurance companies continue to access your driving record. Convictions for moving violations signal higher risk and can result in significant increases in your auto insurance premiums for years.
- Employment Impact: Many employers conduct driving record checks, especially for positions that involve driving. Convictions can negatively impact job opportunities.
Why You Still Need a Dallas Traffic Ticket Lawyer
Even without the threat of surcharges, protecting your driving record from convictions remains paramount. If you receive a moving violation in Dallas, you still need to seriously consider hiring an experienced traffic ticket attorney.
A lawyer can act as a crucial buffer between you and the court system, working to prevent convictions from ever appearing on your permanent record. Our team at Beltz Law Group can:
- Negotiate for Dismissals or Deferred Disposition: We strive to get your case dismissed or to arrange for deferred disposition, where the ticket is dismissed upon successful completion of a probationary period, preventing a conviction from appearing on your record.
- Represent You in Court: We can often appear on your behalf, saving you time, stress, and potential missed work or school.
- Safeguard Your Driver’s License: By preventing convictions, we help you avoid accumulating too many violations that could lead to a license suspension.
- Protect Your Insurance Rates: Keeping your record clean helps maintain favorable insurance premiums.
If you would like to discuss your traffic case with our experienced legal team in Dallas, feel free to contact us at 214-321-4105. We are dedicated to helping you protect your driving privileges and your future.
