Points, tickets and licence suspension in Texas
Texas does not use a points table for ordinary drivers in its current handbook. Instead, DPS looks at how many traffic convictions you have in a set time, and some offenses suspend your license automatically.
Older guides mention the Driver Responsibility Program and its surcharges. That program ended on September 1, 2019, so those rules no longer apply.
By the end of this topic you can
- You can explain how Texas counts convictions instead of points.
- You can state the stricter rule for drivers under 18.
- You can name offenses that bring an automatic suspension.
- You can describe what driving while your license is invalid can lead to.
- You can explain reinstatement and the occupational license in outline.
What you need to know and understand
- After a hearing, DPS can suspend a license for four traffic convictions in 12 months or seven in 24 months.
- For a driver under 18, two traffic convictions within 12 months can lead to a suspension.
- A hardship license is suspended after two or more moving violations within 12 months.
- Convictions for DWI, failing to stop and render aid, racing, evading arrest, or driving while license invalid can bring an automatic suspension.
- Driving while your license is suspended, revoked, denied or canceled is a Class C misdemeanor, up to $500, rising to Class B with a prior conviction, no insurance or a DWI-based suspension.
- Reinstatement generally costs $100, or $125 after an administrative revocation.
- The Driver Responsibility Program surcharges ended on September 1, 2019.
How a ticket can affect a new driver
A ticket is a charge, not a conviction. Signing a citation does not admit guilt; it is a promise to deal with it. If you are convicted, it goes on your driving record, and that record matters more when you are young. A few tickets in a short time can cost you your license, and they also tend to raise insurance costs.
Phone offenses, speeding, failing to yield and running a red light all count. Under 18, breaking the passenger, curfew or phone limits of your provisional license is also an offense.
Other reasons Texas can suspend, cancel or deny a license
- Refusing a breath or blood test, or failing one
- Alcohol offenses by minors, even away from the wheel
- Causing a serious crash, after a hearing
- Driving uninsured and failing to meet safety responsibility rules after a crash
- Giving false information on an application, or not finishing driver education
- A parent or guardian who signed for a minor withdrawing consent in a sworn writing
- Failing to appear in court or pay certain fees
Getting back on the road
When the suspension ends, you pay the reinstatement fee and meet any other conditions. Some cases also need an SR-22, a certificate from your insurer showing you have coverage. If you can prove an essential need to drive during a suspension, a court may order an occupational license. It costs $10 a year for up to two years, never covers a commercial vehicle, and you must carry a certified copy of the court order. Our Texas learning-to-drive guide lists the full set of suspension grounds.
Common mistakes
- Ignoring a ticket. Failing to appear can lead to a denial of your license.
- Thinking Texas points will expire. Texas counts convictions within 12 and 24 months instead.
- Driving on a suspended license to get to school or work. It is a criminal offense; ask about an occupational license.
- Relying on older articles about surcharges. That program ended in 2019.
Test yourself: Points, tickets and licence suspension in Texas
Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.
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Sources: Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7, revised January 2026), chapter 1, Suspensions and Revocations, Driving While License Invalid and Occupational License, Texas Department of Public Safety; Texas Transportation Code sections 521.204, 521.242 and 521.371 to 521.374. Independent guide, not affiliated with any licensing agency. Always check the latest official rules with the Texas licensing agency.