How Driver Points Work in Texas

Texas repealed its Driver Responsibility Program (Transportation Code Chapter 708), which had assessed point surcharges, effective September 1, 2019; DPS reinstated licenses suspended only for unpaid surcharges. DPS still suspends the license of a 'habitual violator': a driver with four or more moving-violation convictions from separate incidents in 12 consecutive months, or seven or more in 24 months. Drivers under 18 can be suspended for two or more moving violations within 12 months.

No points or surcharges are assessed since the Driver Responsibility Program was repealed in 2019. A speeding conviction is a moving violation that counts toward DPS's habitual-violator suspension (four in 12 months or seven in 24 months).

A driver charged with an eligible traffic misdemeanor can have the charge dismissed by completing a TDLR-approved driving safety course. To qualify, the driver must have a Texas license or permit (or be active-duty military or a military spouse or dependent), must not have completed a course in the 12 months before the offense, must show proof of financial responsibility, and must, on or before the answer date on the notice to appear, plead guilty or no contest and request the course. The court defers judgment and allows 90 days to complete the course. Not eligible: speeding 95 mph or more or 25 mph or more over the limit, serious traffic violations, and certain other offenses.