Texas Traffic Violation Records

Texas traffic violation records refer to official documents providing information on a driver's history of traffic-related offenses. These records are maintained by the Texas Department of Public Safety. These records include citations issued by the Texas Highway Patrol and other law enforcement agencies. Note that some Texas traffic violation records are also maintained in the state court system, particularly for records relating to individuals charged with criminal offenses.

Speeding remains one of the most common violations of traffic laws in the United States, and it is no different in Texas. However, according to research, the percentage of drivers in Texas (8.26%) with a prior speeding violation on their driving record is lower than the national average (10.54%).

Traffic violations in Texas are punished severely. One of the penalties meted out to offenders is points on driving records. Accumulating too many points from violations can lead to surcharges, increased insurance rates, or license suspension.

Are Traffic Violations Records Public in Texas?

The Department of Public Safety (DPS) maintains traffic violation records such as speeding, running red lights, and other non-criminal traffic offenses. Most traffic violation records in Texas are considered public records under the Texas Public Information Act (TPIA). However, access to an individual's driving record is typically restricted to the person themselves, law enforcement agencies, and certain authorized entities, such as insurance companies or employers requiring driving records for specific purposes.

While minor traffic infractions are generally handled administratively, more severe offenses, such as DWI, reckless driving, and hit-and-run incidents, are classified as traffic crimes (felonies or misdemeanors). Records of such cases are available through local justice of the peace courts, municipal Courts, county courts at law, or district courts, depending on the severity of the offense. These Texas courts maintain case files, which are typically open to the public unless sealed by a judge.

How To Look Up Traffic Tickets in Texas?

There are several ways to look up Texas traffic tickets. If you were issued a citation by the Texas Highway Patrol (THP) in the last 24 months, you may use the THP's Citation Search system to perform a search. The system requires users to provide the driver's license or ID Number, date of birth, first name, and last name to conduct a traffic citation lookup. Individuals may also search for outstanding traffic citations in Texas using the Texas Failure to Appear search system.

Furthermore, with traffic citations handled by the court in the jurisdiction where the ticket was issued, you may look up traffic tickets using the website of the court with jurisdiction in the matter.

Since traffic violation records are public in Texas, you may also find them on reliable third-party websites like publicrecords.us. Third-party platforms offer the public an alternative way to access traffic ticket information from the comfort of their homes.

Where Do I Pay Traffic Violations?

Payments for traffic tickets in Texas are usually handled by the court with jurisdiction in the matter. Typically, these courts allow offenders to pay via multiple methods, such as:

• Online: Many courts in Texas offer online payment options through their websites. You can visit the specific court's website handling your citation and follow the instructions to pay your fine online using a credit or debit card.
• In Person: Visit the court's clerk's office during business hours and make your payment using an acceptable payment method.
• By Mail: Some courts allow you to mail payment.
• By Phone: Contact the court's clerk's office to ask if payment may be made over the phone

How Much Does It Cost To Request Your Driving Records Online?

The Texas DPS provides a driver record request system on the state website for users to request their own driver records online and print the record at the end of a successful order. The system also allows users to opt to receive their driving records by email. The state makes the following types of driving records available:

• Status Record (Type 1)
• 3-year History Record (Type 2)
• Certified 3-year History record (Type 2A)
• Certified List of All Accidents and Violations on Record (Type 3)
• Certified Abstracts of Driving Record (Type 3A)
• Certified abstract of complete driving record of a license holder (Type AR)

Depending on the type of driving record requested, the state charges between $4 and $20. Although the details included in a driving record depend on the type of driving record requested, a complete Texas driving record includes details about the list of crashes (if a ticket was received), all moving violations, all nonmoving violations, and all suspensions on record with the state.

What Are Moving and Non-Moving Violations in Texas?

Traffic infractions in Texas are broadly categorized as moving violations or non-moving violations. Moving violations involve offenses that occur while a vehicle is in motion, whereas non-moving violations are typically related to stationary vehicles or administrative issues.

Common moving violations in Texas include offenses such as:

• Speeding
• Running a red light or stop sign
• Reckless driving
• Illegal U-turns
• Failure to yield

Moving violations are generally considered more serious than nonmoving violations because they typically pose a direct risk to public safety. Penalties for moving violations usually include fines, points added to the driver's license, and potential increases in auto insurance premiums. In some cases, repeated or severe moving violations may lead to license suspension or mandatory attendance at driving courses.

Nonmoving violations include:

• Parking in a restricted zone
• Expired vehicle registration
• Broken tail lights
• Failure to display a valid inspection sticker

Be aware that motorists in Texas may still be penalized for nonmoving violations while the car is moving. Examples include texting while driving, safety belt breaches, and speeding at less than 10% of the posted limit. Penalties for nonmoving violations usually consist of fines and may require corrective actions, such as updating registration or repairing vehicle equipment.

How Long Does DWI Stay on Your Record in Texas?

A DWI charge in Texas remains on a person's record permanently unless they can have it sealed or expunged. In limited circumstances, a DWI charge dismissed without probation may be expunged, while a DWI charge dismissed after probation may in limited circumstances, be sealed by an order of nondisclosure.

Texas ranks high for drunk driving-related deaths in the United States. With 83.65 out of a total score of 199, the state is placed second among the top 10 states in the nation with the highest rates of drunk driving-related deaths. In addition, Texas records more than 300 DUI arrests per 100,000 drivers and approximately 10 DUI road fatalities per 100,000 drivers.

Penalties for first-time DWI may involve fines of up to $2,000, jail time ranging between 72 hours and 180 days, and license suspension of up to one year. Repeat offenders may be fined up to $10,000, prison time of up to 10 years, and license suspension of up to two years. Additional penalties include mandatory IID installation, substantial community service requirements, and potential enrollment in long-term alcohol or substance abuse treatment programs.

What Are the Penalties for Breaking the Speed Limit in Texas?

Speed limits in Texas are governed by the provisions of Chapter 545 of the Transportation Code. According to subsection 351 of the chapter, drivers in the state must operate at a reasonable and prudent speed under existing conditions. This specific provision has been construed to mean that Texas has no speed limit. However, you may still be cited for speeding if you exceed the posted or prima facie speed limits.

Prima facie speed limits in Texas include the following:

• 15 mph in alleys
• 30 mph on urban district streets
• 60 mph on unnumbered highways outside urban districts
• 70 mph on highways outside urban districts

Note that Texas law allows the state Transportation Commission to raise speed limits to 85 mph on designated highways.

For a first-time speeding offense in Texas, fines generally range from $150 to $300. However, the amount may be higher if the driver significantly exceeds the speed limit. The specific fine depends on factors such as the designated speed zone and any aggravating circumstances, such as speeding in a construction or school zone.

For repeat offenders, penalties become more severe and may include misdemeanor charges, community service, mandatory enrollment in defensive driving courses, or even short-term jail time. Additionally, some cities, including Austin and Houston, enforce stricter local ordinances that increase fines and penalties to discourage reckless driving.

How Long Does a Speeding Ticket Stay on Your Record in Texas?

In Texas, a speeding ticket generally stays on a driver's record for three years from the date of the conviction.

How To Appeal A Traffic Ticket?

You may use the following defensive strategies against traffic tickets in Texas:

• Dispute the Officer's Judgment: If the ticket is based on the officer's opinion, such as an unsafe lane change, you may argue that your actions were reasonable given traffic and weather conditions.
• Challenge the Evidence: Request a dashcam or surveillance footage to dispute the officer's account. If the ticket was issued without concrete evidence, you may highlight this lack of proof in your defense.
• Question the Officer's Perspective: If the officer's viewpoint was limited due to distance, obstructions, or being ahead of your vehicle, you may argue that they may not have accurately assessed the situation. Present witness statements or other evidence to support your case.
• Prove Legal Justification: If an emergency or road hazard forced your driving maneuver such as swerving to avoid debris, provide proof like witness statements or photos to show your actions were necessary and justified.
• Attend Court Prepared: Gather evidence, including photos, diagrams, or expert testimony, and present a well-structured argument in court. If the officer fails to appear, the judge may dismiss the ticket.

Note that you may need to hire an attorney if your ticket will significantly increase the rates for your auto insurance or result in a driver's license suspension. In such a case, an experienced traffic attorney may help you determine the best course of action.

How To Resolve an Out-of-State Traffic Ticket?

Most states in the United States participate in the Driver's License Compact (DLC) - an agreement that allows states to share traffic violation information. Consequently, if you receive a ticket in another state, your home state may apply the same penalties as if the violation had occurred locally. Texas is part of the DLC, meaning if you have an out-of-state traffic ticket, it will be reported and resolved in Texas.

Texas is also part of the NonresidentViolation Compact (NVC). Under this compact, if you fail to pay a traffic fine in a participating state, your home state may suspend your driver's license until the fine is resolved.

You may contest an out-of-state speeding ticket in the following way:

• Plead Not Guilty: Submit a plea of "not guilty" to the court handling your case. This can often be done by mail, in person, or online.
• Request a Hearing: Attend a hearing where you can present your case and evidence to a judge.
• Gather Evidence: Collect any evidence that supports your case, such as photographs, witness statements, or dashcam footage.
• Hire a Traffic Attorney: Consider hiring a local traffic attorney who is familiar with the laws and procedures in the state where you received the ticket.
• Negotiate a Plea Deal: In some cases, you may be able to negotiate a plea deal with the prosecutor to reduce the charges or penalties.

How Does Texas Traffic Laws Differ From Other States?

Many traffic laws may be consistent across the county, however, Texas has a few regulations that may not be in place in many other states in the United States. Some of these unique traffic laws include the following:

• Leaving Keys in the Ignition Is Illegal: Under Texas Transportation Code § 545.404, it is unlawful to leave keys in the ignition of an unattended vehicle.
• Left-Lane Passing Only: In Texas, the left lane on multi-lane highways is reserved strictly for passing. Drivers are expected to keep right when not actively overtaking other vehicles. This law is especially enforced in rural areas, and violators risk getting ticketed for "left-lane camping.
• Move Over for Emergency and Utility Vehicles: Texas has a strict "Move Over/Slow Down" law that requires drivers to change lanes or reduce their speed when approaching stopped emergency vehicles, tow trucks, or Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) vehicles with flashing lights. If you cannot move over, you must slow down by at least 20 mph below the posted speed limit.
• Daytime Headlights in School Zones: Texas requires drivers to turn on their headlights while driving through school zones, even during the daytime. This regulation aims to improve visibility for other drivers, pedestrians, and crossing guards.