TRAFFIC laws

Driver Responsibility Law

For your convenience The Beltz Law Firm has included the most recent law changes regarding driver responsibility in the State of Texas and the surcharges that apply to convictions for various class "C" misdemeanor traffic violations.

Points system
The Driver Responsibility law (TRC §708; Article 10, House Bill 3588, 78th Legislative Session) establishes a system which assigns points to moving violations classified as Class C misdemeanors and applies surcharges to offenders, based upon the type of offense and the time period in which the citation was received. For each conviction, DPS will assign points to a person's driver license as follows:

• Two points for a moving violation (defined by 37 TEX. ADMIN. CODE §15.89) conviction in Texas or that of another state.
  
• Points will not be assigned for speeding less than 10% over the posted limit or for seat belt convictions.
  
• Three points for a moving violation conviction in Texas that resulted in a vehicle crash.
  
• Effective September 1, 2005, Child Safety Seat Violations will accrue two points.

Points accrued remain on the driver record for a period of three years from conviction date. An offense committed prior to September 1, 2003 will not apply to the assessment of points under the program.

Points surcharges
DPS will assess a surcharge when the driver accumulates a total of six points or more on their record during a three-year period. The driver must pay a $100 surcharge for the first six points and $25 for each additional point.

Annual surcharges for certain convictions
Drivers who receive a conviction for any of the following offenses that occur on or after September 1, 2003 are required to pay an annual surcharge for three years from the date of conviction.

• Driving While Intoxicated (DWI), or a DWI-related offense
  •First Conviction - $1,000 annual surcharge
  •Second Conviction - $1,500 annual surcharge
  •Any Conviction with a BAC of .16 or greater - $2,000 annual surcharge
  
• Failure to Maintain Financial Responsibility
  •$250 annual surcharge
  
• Driving While License Invalid
  •$250 annual surcharge
  
• Driving without a Valid License (i.e.; No Driver License, No Commercial Driver License, No Endorsement Violation, No Motorcycle License, Operate with License for other Class Vehicle).
  •$100 annual surcharge

Surcharges are automatically assessed for these convictions and do not accrue points. All surcharges assessed for this program are in addition to all other reinstatement fees required for other administrative actions and do not replace any administrative suspension, revocation, disqualification or cancellation action that results from these same convictions.

Driver notification of surcharge and driver license suspension
The offending driver will be notified by mail to the address on record with DPS of the assessment of a surcharge on their driver license.

Helpful phone numbers to help you dispose of any possible surcharges and/or fees associated with your citations:

•FTA Hotline (automated service, Drivers License # is needed): (800) 686 0570
•DPS office Dallas Main Branch (Used for Surcharges): (214) 861-2125
•DPS office Austin Main Branch (Used for Surcharges): (512) 424 2000

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HELPFUL links

The Beltz Law Firm strives to insure that you are armed with the knowledge to help you defend your driving record. The ramifications of not protecting your driving record in Texas can be catastrophic for you and your family. The old days of throwing your ticket out the window and forgetting about it are over. The Texas Legislature has given DPS and other agencies the ability to suspend and/or revoke your license for certain traffic related offenses that have been neglected or that go on your record. For this reason we have included these helpful links to keep you on top of recent changes in the law and also to help you protect your driving record and your ability to commute freely across this great state.

Defensive Driving Course Links: This is one of the best courses our office has found online. It is only $25.00 for the course. Further, the site will order your driving record for you to turn in with your certificate of completion once you have finished the course. http://www.getdefensive.com/

Driving Record Request: If you need a copy of your driving record for reasons other than compliance with Driving Safety Course requirements you can visit this site. One reason for requesting a driving record is to determine if your license has been suspended or revoked. Ordering your driving record can help you determine what offenses are causing the suspension or revocation.
http://www.texasonline.state.tx.us/NASApp/txdps/TXDPSLicenseeManager

Driver's License Renewal: Need to renew your driver's license? Click on the link below
http://www.texasonline.state.tx.us/NASApp/rap/apps/dpsdl/jsp/eng/welcome.jsp

Texas DPS Driver Responsibility Surcharge Payments: This site allows Texans to pay any outstanding surcharges online for faster processing.
https://www.msb-gila.com/ePay/Welcome.aspx

City of Mesquite Online Ticket Payment System: If you have received a ticket in the City of Mesquite and wish to pay it online. Click on the link below.
http://www.texasonline.state.tx.us/NASApp/rap/apps/cmotpa/jsp/eng/welcome.jsp

Texas Legislature Online: Want to learn more about the laws being passed in the State of Texas?
http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/

Texas Driver's License Office Locations: If you need to visit a DPS office location to have your license renewed or to speak with customer service representative regarding your license click on the link below to find the office nearest your location.
http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/administration/driver_licensing_control/
rolodex/search.asp

Driver's License Customer Service Bureau: The Customer Service Bureau is the Driver License Division's contact center.   Customers may call 512/424-2600 to speak to a customer service representative (English) or 512/424-7181 (Spanish) or e-mail at customerservicedl@txdps.state.tx.us for answers to their driver license questions.   The automated menu tree allows customers to choose from a variety of options to obtain the services they need automatically or by holding for a representative. Our hours of operation in the contact center are from 7:30 AM until 5:00 PM Central Time, Monday through Friday except for National Holidays. DPS Austin Lobby hours are from 8:00 AM until 5:00 PM Central Time.

Typical contacts include:

•Change of Address
•Driver Records or Accident Records
•Original, renewals, replacing lost or stolen licenses and license status
•Parent Taught Driver Education Program Inquiries
•Suspended, canceled or revoked licenses and reinstatements
•Verify Issue Former State
•Web/Phone Renewals

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