Driver Responsibility Surcharges (DPS)
In the state of Texas, a Driver Responsibility Program has been established
by Texas Transportation Code, Chapter 708 and is overseen by the Texas
Department of Public Safety (DPS). The purpose of the program is to allow
a system wherein surcharges can be assessed based on specific traffic
offenses. These surcharges, or administrative fees, are charged to drivers
based on the number and type of convictions that have been reported to
their record.
There are two primary criteria which are used to determine whether or not
surcharges will be assessed. The first criteria is a point system for
moving traffic violation convictions. Any person who receives a moving
violation conviction, as per Texas Administrative Code, Title 37, Part
1, Chapter 15, Subchapter D, Rule 15.89, will have two points added to
their record. Three points are added for a moving violation conviction
that results in a crash. Each time points are added, they remain for a
period of 3 years. Should any driver accumulate six points or more, they
will be required to pay a $100 surcharge for the first 6 points and $25
for each additional point.
The second criteria is conviction based. Any driver who is convicted of
any of the following specific offenses, will be required to pay an annual
surcharge for a period of three years following their conviction.
- No drivers' license or an expired license, is a $100 per year surcharge
- Driving while license suspended or invalid is a $250 per year surcharge
- No insurance is a $250 per year surcharge
- First time DWI is a $1000 per year surcharge
- Multiple DWI is a $1500 per year surcharge
- DWI with blood alcohol concentration of 0.16 of more is a $2000 per year surcharge
If you or a loved one has received moving traffic violations, has been
assessed driver responsibility surcharges, or has failed to pay surcharges
and had your drivers' license suspended, you need to consult with
The Samuelson Law Firm as soon as possible. My staff and I will be able to review your case,
evaluate the ticket or charges against you, and help you determine how
best to proceed. Aggressively fighting traffic ticket and other charges
can prevent them from being reported as convictions to the DPS, thus eliminating
any surcharges from being assessed.
DWI Lawyer Serving the Houston Area
As soon as you receive a moving traffic violation ticket, I urge you consult
with an attorney at my firm. Due to the surcharges which can be assessed
on drivers after numerous traffic violations, or specific driving convictions,
it is extremely important that you have an attorney who will aggressively
fight your ticket or the charges against you. If you do not act quickly
you could be facing heavy fines, the loss of your drivers' license
and increased insurance rates. Even if you are already paying surcharges,
my staff and I can review your case and work directly with the DPS to
either clear your record, or get the charges or amount you are paying reduced.