Points on Your Texas Driving Record

Traffic tickets are often more than just an inconvenience, but could end up being a significant drain on your finances. For instance, many traffic citations come with hefty fines, but this is not the only cost that a driver may incur, as it is a common practice for auto insurers to increase premiums after a driver has accumulated a certain number of points on his or her driving record. Fortunately, it is often possible to amend a citation, so that points are not added to your record,  so if you were recently cited for a traffic violation, you should consider speaking with an experienced Houston traffic violations attorney about your options.

 

Assessing Points on Your Record

Texas, like most states, has a specific system, under which the Department of Public Safety used to assess points and surcharges for traffic violations. Texas ended both on September 1, 2019. Today, too many convictions on one’s driving record can still result in:

• The assessment of hefty fines; 
• An increase in auto insurance costs; and
• A driver’s license suspension. 

The scope of these costs, however, will depend on the number of points on a driver’s record, as certain traffic citations come with a specific number of points. Generally, the more severe the violation, the more points will be added. For instance, most moving violations come with a two point assessment, unless the violation resulted in an accident, in which case, three points will typically be added to a driver’s record. 

Offenses like driving while intoxicated, or driving without a license or insurance, carry their own penalties. A DWI conviction, for example, now carries a one-time state fine of $3,000 to $6,000 instead of the yearly surcharge Texas used before September 1, 2019. 

Insurance Rates

Besides having to pay the fines that come with a traffic citation, drivers can also expect a hike in their auto insurance rates. Insurers justify this by claiming that they are taking on more risk by insuring the driver in question, whose citations may be evidence of negligent or reckless driving. Fortunately, drivers who amend their citations to a lesser violation are often able to avoid the accrual of points on their records. 

Here to Help with Your Traffic Citation-Related Questions

Receiving a traffic citation can result in fines, the accrual of points on your driving record, increased insurance premiums, and even the suspension of your driver’s license. There are, however, steps you can take to help mitigate these penalties, so if you received a traffic citation and have questions or concerns about what to do next, please call the dedicated Houston traffic violations lawyers at The Law Offices of Tad Nelson & Associates. Initial consultations are offered free of charge, so don’t hesitate to call our office or to send us an online message with your contact information.