How Traffic Violations Can Impact Your Criminal Record

That sinking feeling when you see flashing lights in your rearview mirror is something most of us have experienced. Whether it’s for speeding, rolling through a stop sign, or another traffic mistake, getting pulled over is never fun. But in Texas, that traffic ticket can have bigger consequences than you might expect.

Many drivers are surprised to learn that traffic violations in Texas aren’t just annoying expenses – they can actually impact your criminal record. Yes, you read that right. That speeding ticket might follow you for years to come in ways you never imagined.

Let’s break down exactly how traffic violations affect your record in Texas and what you can do about it.

Are Traffic Tickets Criminal or Civil in Texas?

Here’s something that sets Texas apart from many other states: most traffic tickets in Texas are considered criminal matters, not civil infractions.

While getting a speeding ticket in most states is simply a civil violation, Texas takes a different approach. That simple speeding ticket or failure to yield is actually classified as a Class C misdemeanor offense. This means you’re looking at potential fines up to $500, and technically, it counts as a criminal conviction on your record.

There’s only one main exception: parking tickets remain civil matters in Texas.

Why does this distinction matter? Because criminal convictions, even minor ones like traffic tickets, can follow you much longer than civil infractions and may need to be disclosed in certain situations.

Do Traffic Tickets Go on Your Criminal Record in Texas?

Yes, traffic violations in Texas can appear on your criminal record because they’re classified as Class C misdemeanors. When you pay a traffic ticket without contesting it, you’re essentially pleading guilty to a criminal offense.

That said, there’s some good news: most employment background checks won’t flag these minor violations. Class C misdemeanors are the lowest level of criminal offense in Texas, and most employers, professional licensing boards, and other organizations typically overlook them.

However, if you’re applying for certain positions that involve driving, your traffic history will definitely be scrutinized through a Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) check. These positions include:

• Commercial driving jobs
• Delivery services
• Ride-share driving
• Jobs involving company vehicles
• Some government positions

One important thing to remember is that simply paying your ticket is the same as pleading guilty. Court staff often don’t explain this clearly, which means many drivers unknowingly accept criminal convictions when they could have explored other options.

Understanding the Texas Point System

Texas uses a point system to track driving infractions. Each time you’re convicted of a moving violation, points are added to your driving record. These points stay on your record for three years from the date of conviction.

Here’s how the points are assessed:

• 2 points for most moving violations
• 3 points for moving violations that result in a crash

Points matter because they can lead to:

1. License suspension: If you accumulate 4+ moving violations in 12 months or 7+ moving violations in 24 months, your license may be suspended.
2. Surcharges: When you collect 6 or more points on your record, you’ll need to pay annual surcharges in addition to the original fines. The base rate is $100 for the first 6 points, with $25 for each additional point.
3. Insurance increases: Insurance companies regularly check your driving record, and even a single ticket can increase your premiums by 10-15%. Multiple violations can send your rates soaring.

How Long Do Points Stay on Your License in Texas?

Points from traffic violations remain on your Texas driving record for three years from the date of conviction. This three-year window is significant because:

1. Insurance companies typically look at the last 3-5 years of your driving history when setting rates
2. Points that lead to license suspension are counted within specific timeframes (12 or 24 months)
3. The three-year mark is when points expire for surcharge calculations

However, it’s important to understand that while points expire after three years, the actual violations may stay on your record longer. For example:

• Minor traffic violations: Visible on your record for 3 years
• Serious offenses like reckless driving: Up to 10 years
• DWI convictions: Permanently remain on your record unless sealed or expunged (which is rare)

This extended timeline means that even after points expire, certain violations may still affect background checks or specialized employment screenings.

Can Traffic Violations Affect Employment?

The short answer is yes – traffic violations can affect your employment prospects, though this impact varies greatly depending on the job and the severity of the violation.

For most office jobs and positions that don’t involve driving, minor traffic tickets are unlikely to be a barrier. Standard criminal background checks typically focus on more serious offenses, and Class C misdemeanors (like most traffic tickets) often don’t trigger concerns.

However, for jobs that involve driving, your traffic history becomes much more relevant:

1. Commercial driving positions: Companies hiring for these roles must comply with Department of Transportation regulations. Multiple moving violations or serious offenses can disqualify candidates.
2. Jobs with company vehicles: Employers want to minimize risk and liability. A history of traffic violations suggests higher risk.
3. Delivery and transportation roles: Companies like UPS, FedEx, or Amazon review driving records as part of their hiring process.
4. Insurance concerns: If hiring you means the company’s fleet insurance premiums would increase, you may be passed over for a candidate with a cleaner record.

The most serious impact comes from violations like DWIs, which can severely limit employment options across various industries due to their criminal nature and what they suggest about personal judgment.

How Serious Traffic Violations Impact Your Record

While minor tickets are classified as Class C misdemeanors, some traffic violations cross into more serious territory:

Reckless Driving

Defined as driving with “willful disregard” for safety, reckless driving in Texas is a more serious offense than:

• Remains on your record for up to 10 years
• Can result in jail time (up to 30 days)
• Comes with fines up to $200
• Significantly impacts insurance rates (increases of 75% or more)
• Creates major obstacles for employment in transportation fields

DWI (Driving While Intoxicated)

DWI convictions represent the most severe traffic-related offense and:

• Permanently remain on your record unless expunged or sealed (which is rare)
• Result in automatic license suspension
• Trigger surcharges of up to $2,000 annually for three years
• Can double or triple insurance premiums
• Create significant barriers to employment

Driving Without Insurance or a Valid License

These violations:

• Remain on your record for 3-5 years
• Trigger automatic surcharges ($250 for no insurance, $100 for no license)
• May result in license suspension
• Signal high risk to insurance companies

How Can I Get a Traffic Violation Dismissed?

Fortunately, Texas offers several options to keep traffic violations off your record:

1. Defensive Driving Courses

One of the most common methods to dismiss a ticket is completing a defensive driving course (also called a driving safety course). To be eligible:

• You must have a valid Texas driver’s license
• You cannot have taken a course for ticket dismissal in the past 12 months
• Your violation cannot involve speeding 25+ mph over the limit
• You cannot have a commercial driver’s license

The process typically works like this:

1. Inform the court before your appearance date that you want to take the defensive driving option
2. Pay court administrative fees (usually $10-$15 plus the cost of your driving record)
3. Complete a state-approved defensive driving course (online or in-person)
4. Submit your completion certificate to the court before the deadline

When you successfully complete this process, the violation won’t appear on your driving record, saving you from both points and insurance increases.

2. Deferred Disposition

Another option is deferred disposition (sometimes called deferred adjudication), which works as a type of probation:

1. You plead guilty or no contest to the violation
2. The court defers finding you guilty for a specific period (usually 90-180 days)
3. During this period, you must:
   • Pay special court fees
   • Avoid any new traffic violations
   • Meet other requirements set by the court
4. If you successfully complete the terms, the case is dismissed without a conviction on your record

Deferred disposition can be especially valuable when you’re not eligible for the defensive driving option.

3. Legal Representation

Hiring a traffic attorney gives you additional options:

• They can negotiate for reduced charges
• They understand legal technicalities that might result in dismissal
• They can represent you in court, often without you needing to appear
• They can advise which option (defensive driving, deferred disposition, or fighting the ticket) makes the most sense for your situation

A traffic attorney’s fees may seem like an added expense, but when you consider the long-term costs of insurance increases and potential employment impacts, legal representation often pays for itself.

Tips for Maintaining a Clean Driving Record

The best approach to traffic violations is avoiding them altogether. Here are some practical tips:

1. Set reminders for vehicle maintenance – Burned-out lights or expired registration stickers are common reasons for being pulled over
2. Use technology to your advantage – Many GPS apps alert you to speed limits and upcoming traffic enforcement areas
3. Build in extra time for trips – Running late is a major contributor to speeding and other traffic violations
4. Take immediate action when cited – Don’t simply pay a ticket without exploring your options for dismissal
5. Consider periodic defensive driving even without a ticket – In Texas, you can voluntarily take defensive driving for insurance discounts (often 10%)

When Past Violations Are Already on Your Record

If you already have violations on your record, you might have options for cleaning them up:

Expungement and Record Sealing

For certain offenses, Texas law provides limited opportunities to clear your record:

• Expungement: Completely removes the offense from your record, but eligibility is narrow. Typically, only available for dismissed charges or acquittals.
• Orders of Nondisclosure (Record Sealing): Limit public access to your record while still allowing law enforcement and certain agencies to see it. First-time DWI offenders may qualify under specific conditions.

These remedies typically require legal assistance and aren’t available for all offenses, but they’re worth exploring if past violations are causing ongoing problems.

Ready to Protect Your Driving Record? Contact DFW Legal Today

Don’t let a traffic ticket follow you for years to come. Our experienced legal team specializes in helping Texas drivers keep their records clean and their futures secure.

We evaluate all your options for ticket dismissal and represent you in court, often without you needing to appear personally. Our attorneys can negotiate reduced charges or alternative resolutions based on your specific situation and guide you through defensive driving or deferred disposition processes with clarity and confidence.

Contact us today at (972) 535-4484 or email [email protected] to schedule your consultation. Our office is conveniently located at 101 West Renner Road, Suite 190 in Richardson, TX. We’re available Monday through Thursday from 9am-5pm and Friday from 9am-12pm to discuss your case.

Take the first step toward protecting your driving record and future opportunities. The consultation you have today could save you years of headaches tomorrow.

This blog post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Laws and regulations change over time, so it’s important to consult with a qualified attorney about your specific situation.