Your driving record is used for different purposes by different
entities. For example, the state uses your driving record to keep track
of how many accidents and violations you've had. The state reviews the
record whenever you renew your license, and may choose not to renew
your license if your record is bad enough. In addition, Texas has a
driver improvement initiative called the Driver Responsibility Program.
Each time you are convicted of a traffic violation, points are assigned
to your license. Any moving violation is 2 points if it does lead to an
accident and 3 points if it does. The only exceptions are for speeding
tickets outside of school zones if you are going less than 10% faster
than the speed limit, and tickets that are dismissed in exchange for
attending a defensive driving course.
If you get 6 driving points on your record in a 3 year period, DPS will
charge you a surcharge of $100.00. If you get more than 6 points, you
will be surcharged $25.00 for each additional point. The surcharges
will continue every year until enough points fall off to put you back
under the 6 point limit.
Also, if you have a DWI on your driving record, you will be charged a
surcharge of $1,000/year for 3 years following your conviction. If you
get busted for DWI a second time in 3 years, that surcharge goes up to
$1,500. Also, if you're really drunk and have a blood alcohol level
above .16, you can expect to pay $2,000/year to renew your license for
the next three years. Other possible surcharges based on
violations found in your driving record include driving with an invalid
license or without insurance ($250.00), and driving without a valid
In addition to being used by the state, your driving record may also be
used by employers or potential employers. If you are looking for a job,
potential employers may check your driving history, especially if the
job you are applying for involves a lot of driving on company time or
in a company vehicle. Even if you are not looking for a job, your
current employer may check your driving record periodically just to
make sure it's still clear.