DPS Surcharges

The Texas Transportation Code, under Chapter 708, authorizes the Department of Public Safety to require drivers to pay surcharges for certain types of offenses or a certain number of offenses. Essentially, drivers are ordered to pay surcharges if they (1) obtain a certain number of points on their driving record; or (2) receive a conviction for certain offenses. These surcharges are in addition to Court Costs and other administrative penalties imposed as a sanction for the ticket itself.

The point system requires that a driver who receives a certain number of points for certain types of traffic convictions. Individuals who have six or more points on their driver record are assessed a surcharge every year they maintain six or more points. Surcharges amounts are:

1. $100 for the first six points on a driver record
2. $25 for each additional point after six

Under the convictions based surcharges system, a conviction for the following will result in an annual surcharge for three (3) years:

• Driving while intoxicated (DWI)
• Driving with an invalid license
• Driving without a license
• Driving without insurance

Surcharge notices are sent via mail and must be paid within 30 days of receipt, or a payment plan must be established, to avoid suspension of driver's license.

Don’t make the mistake of handling your ticket alone. Contact attorney Joseph Echavarria to help you avoid costly surcharges.