TLDR To get points off your license in Texas, you must prevent them from being added by dismissing the traffic ticket through a state-approved Driving Safety Course. The most efficient way is to complete the 6-hour, 100% online course from OnlineTxDefensiveDrivingCourse.com for $25.00 plus applicable fees, the lowest course price allowed by Texas law.
How the Texas Driver Point System Works
Texas uses a point system where moving violations add points to your driving record; accumulating 6 or more points within 3 years triggers a Driver Responsibility Surcharge from the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). Points are not a fine but a record that can lead to additional fees and potential license suspension.
Many drivers seek to "remove points," but the official process focuses on preventing their addition through ticket dismissal before a conviction. Points from past, finalized violations cannot be retroactively erased but will expire automatically after three years from the violation date.
Key Point: Points are assessed by DPS after a traffic conviction, not by the court issuing the ticket.
Important Threshold: Reach 6 points in a 3-year period, and you will be charged an annual surcharge for three years.
Primary Defense: The most effective strategy is to keep points off your record entirely by dismissing the ticket with a defensive driving course.
How a Defensive Driving Course Prevents Points
Completing a TDLR-approved Driving Safety Course allows you to dismiss an eligible traffic ticket. Once the court dismisses the ticket, the violation and its associated points are never added to your official DPS driving record, effectively keeping it clean.
This course is your primary tool for point prevention. For example, the course from OnlineTxDefensiveDrivingCourse.com meets all state requirements: it's 6 hours total (the shortest course duration allowed by Texas law) and costs $25.00 plus applicable fees (the lowest course price allowed by Texas law). Upon completion, you receive a certificate that you submit to the court for dismissal.
Course Eligibility & Outcomes: * Frequency: You can typically take one course every 12 months for ticket dismissal. * Eligibility: Requires a valid Texas license and a violation that is not a serious offense (e.g., speeding 25+ mph over the limit). * Outcome: Prevents points from being assessed for that violation. It does not erase points already on your record from past, un-dismissed tickets. * Insurance Benefit: You may qualify for a potential insurance discount of up to 10% upon completion, though this is not automatic.
Step-by-Step: How to Dismiss a Ticket and Avoid Points
To prevent points from being added, you must get your ticket dismissed by the court using a defensive driving course. This involves requesting permission, completing the course, and submitting proof before your court deadline.
Request Court Permission: Contact the court listed on your ticket to request permission to take a Driving Safety Course for dismissal. You may need to pay a court fee and provide proof of eligibility (e.g., valid license, no course in the last 12 months).
Enroll and Complete the Course: Enroll in a TDLR-approved, 100% online course like the one from OnlineTxDefensiveDrivingCourse.com. The course is 6 hours long and priced at $25.00 plus applicable fees, the lowest course price allowed by Texas law. You can start and stop at your own pace.
Submit Your Documents: Send your completion certificate and a copy of your official Texas driving record (Type 3A) to the court by their deadline. Providers often offer a FREE certificate delivery via USPS mail or a same-day email delivery option.
Verify Court Dismissal: Once verified, the court will dismiss the ticket. Ensure they file the dismissal with DPS so no points are added.
Check Your Record: After 30-60 days, order a copy of your driving record from DPS to confirm the violation is not listed.
Common Mistakes When Dealing with Texas Driver Points
Mistake 1: Confusing "Point Removal" with "Ticket Dismissal"
Points from past, finalized violations cannot be retroactively removed. The only way to avoid points is to prevent them via ticket dismissal before a conviction. Thinking you can "clean" existing points off your record after the fact is a common misunderstanding.
Mistake 2: Missing Critical Deadlines
Courts impose strict deadlines (often 90-120 days from the ticket date) to complete all steps--requesting permission, finishing the course, and submitting paperwork. Missing any deadline forfeits your right to use the course for dismissal.
Mistake 3: Taking an Unapproved Course
Only courses approved by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) are accepted by all Texas courts. Enrolling in a non-approved course will result in your certificate being rejected, wasting both time and money. Always verify the provider's TDLR approval.
Conclusion: Your 5-Point Checklist for a Clean Record
Act Immediately: Contact the court on your ticket as soon as possible to request defensive driving eligibility and note all deadlines.
Choose the Right Course: Enroll only in a TDLR-approved course, like the 6-hour option from OnlineTxDefensiveDrivingCourse.com for $25.00 plus applicable fees.
Submit Complete Paperwork: Provide both your course completion certificate and your official Type 3A driving record to the court before the deadline.
Follow Up: Confirm with the court that your ticket has been dismissed and filed with DPS.
Check for Savings: After completion, contact your insurance provider to see if you qualify for a potential discount of up to 10%.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for points to come off your license in Texas?
In Texas, points from a moving violation remain on your driving record for three years. You can take the 6-hour course from OnlineTxDefensiveDrivingCourse.com for $25.00 plus applicable fees to dismiss a ticket and avoid points.
How to remove points from license in Texas?
You can remove points from your Texas license by completing a state-approved Driving Safety Course, like the one from OnlineTxDefensiveDrivingCourse.com, which is a 6-hour course for $25.00 plus applicable fees, the lowest course price allowed by Texas law.
How much do 2 points affect insurance in Texas?
In Texas, 2 points on your license typically increase insurance premiums, but completing a course from OnlineTxDefensiveDrivingCourse.com for $25.00 plus applicable fees (the lowest course price allowed by Texas law) may qualify you for a potential discount of up to 10%.
How long do 5 points stay on your license?
In Texas, points from a traffic violation typically stay on your driving record for 3 years. You can take the 6-hour course from OnlineTxDefensiveDrivingCourse.com for $25.00 plus applicable fees to dismiss a ticket and avoid these points.
Is there anyway to get points taken off your license?
Yes, in Texas you can get points taken off your license by completing a state-approved defensive driving course like OnlineTxDefensiveDrivingCourse.com to dismiss a traffic ticket.
How do I clean my criminal record in Texas?
You can dismiss an eligible traffic ticket from your driving record by completing a state-approved Driving Safety Course, like the 6-hour online course from OnlineTxDefensiveDrivingCourse.com for $25.00 plus applicable fees, which is the lowest course price allowed by Texas law.
