Driver Responsibility Program

The Driver Responsibility Program establishes a system that assesses a surcharge based on certain traffic offenses committed on or after September 1, 2003.

Points are assigned to moving violations and are applied to drivers based on the type of offense and the time period in which the offense was committed. More information about the Driver Responsibility Program can be found in Chapter 708 of the Texas Transportation Code.

Points remain on the driving record for a period of three (3) years.

 

Points and Surcharges

Your driver's license will accumulate points as follows.

  • 2 points for a conviction for a moving violation, except speeding less than 10% faster than the posted speed limit in a location other than a school zone.
  • 2 points for a conviction for an offense relating to child passenger safety seat systems.
  • 3 points for a conviction for a moving violation resulting in an accident.

If you accumulate six (6) or more points during the preceding 36 month period, you will be required to pay to the Department of Public Safety a surcharge of $100.00 for the first six (6) points and $25.00 for each additional point.

Each year the Department of Public Safety will assess a surcharge of $250.00 if, during the preceding 36 month period you have been convicted of:

  • Driving while license invalid
  • Failure to maintain financial responsibility (no liability insurance)
  • Operating a motor vehicle while the registration is suspended

Each year the Department of Public Safety will assess a surcharge of $100.00 if, during the preceding 36 month period you have been convicted of:

  • Driving without a valid license

For more information concerning the Driver Responsibility Program, including Driver’s License Points and Surcharges, visit Texas Surcharge Online or contact the Department of Public Safety at (512) 424-2000.