Texas Driving Records Pages

Texas driving records, also called Texas motor vehicle records or DMV driving records, are official documents that show a person's driving history report. These records include traffic violations, license suspensions, accidents, and other driving-related activities. Texas driving records are important for drivers and employers since your driving history may affect your insurance rates, job opportunities, and even legal proceedings. Generally, every state, including Texas, maintains its own driving records. However, access to state driving records is subject to state-specific laws on who may access them.

What Is a Texas Driving Record?

A Texas driving record is an official document that details a driver's history on the road. Driving records in the state are maintained by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). Sometimes referred to as a Texas motor vehicle report, Texas driving records typically contain the following information:

• Traffic Violations: All offenses committed while driving, including speeding tickets, DUI offenses, red-light citations, or reckless driving.
• Accidents: It lists details about any accidents you may have been involved in, irrespective of who was at fault.
• Points on the License: The total points on your license for traffic violations. Each violation adds points to your record.
• License Suspensions or Revocations: Information on all periods your driver's license was suspended or revoked.
• Other Driving Incidents: Additional information, like DUI arrest or other criminal offenses related to driving.

What Is The Difference Between Official MVRs and Public Driving Records

Official Motor Vehicle Records (MVRs) are maintained by government agencies, usually the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or the Department of Public Safety. They are the official record of a person's driving history, updated and certified by the state according to its law.

Because the record comes directly from a state agency, MVRs include a certification or seal, making them reliable for legal or official use, such as job applications, employment background checks, or court cases. State laws control MVRs and restrict who may access the records.

Public driving records, on the other hand, are put together by private entities like RecordsFinder. These third-party sources are designed to collect data from multiple sources, including state records. However, since they are not issued directly by the government, they lack certification, and their accuracy or completeness may not be guaranteed. Private driving records are available online and are useful for basic research on driving history. They are ideal for individuals or businesses that need an idea of a driver's record without requesting a certified copy.

Why Would You Need a Driving Record?

Here are some of the most common reasons why you may need your driving records in Texas and other states:

• Defensive Driving Course: A certified driving record is sometimes required to enroll in a defensive driving course, which may help you dismiss traffic tickets.
• Job Applications: Employers, especially those in transportation or delivery services, may request your driving records as part of the hiring process.
• Insurance Purposes: Insurance companies use driving records to set rates. A clean record may help lower your insurance premiums, while a history of violations might raise them.
• Legal Matters: If you are involved in a court case related to traffic accidents, your driving record becomes part of the evidence presented during the proceeding.
• Driver's License Renewal: Sometimes, driver's license renewals may require a review of your driving history to ensure you meet state requirements

What Information Is Included in a Driver Report?

The type of information included in a driving record depends on the type of record request. Most driving records usually include:

• Full name
• Date of birth
• License status
• Home address
• Original license application date
• Accidents
• Moving violations
• Non-moving offenses
• License suspensions and revocations

Types of Driver Records Available in Texas

The Texas DPS offers several types of driving records catering to different needs.

• Type 1 (Status Record): It includes personal details such as birth date, license status, home address, and the date of your initial application for your Texas driver's license.
• Type 2 (3-Year History): It contains all information in Type 1, plus all moving violations and crashes recorded over the past three years.
• Type 2A (Certified 3-year History): It is the certified version of the Type 2 record.
• Type 3 (List of All Crashes and Violations): Provides all information from Type 1, along with a comprehensive list of all crashes and all traffic and non-traffic violations on record.
• Type 3A (Certified List of All Crashes and Violations): A certified version of the Type 3 record.
• Type AR (Certified Abstract of Complete Driver Record): A comprehensive history, including all information from Type 3, including details about any suspensions.

Driving records may also be certified or uncertified records. Certified driving records bear an official certification from the Texas DPS, while non-certified driving records contain the same information as the certified record but lack the official DPS certification. In Texas, driving records are considered nonpublic records, restricted to authorized individuals or entities.

Traffic Violations and Tickets in Texas

Traffic violations, including speeding tickets, are generally managed through a legal process designed to ensure road safety and compliance with state laws. When a driver commits a traffic offense, a law enforcement officer issues a citation detailing the violation, location, and the time it occurred. The citation also specifies a court appearance date by which the driver is expected to respond.

Common Types of Traffic Violations

Traffic violations in Texas are classified into moving and non-moving violations. Moving violations occur when a vehicle is in motion, and the driver violates traffic laws. Common moving violations in Texas include speeding, running red lights, illegal U-turns, and driving under the influence (DUI).

Non-moving violations involve traffic violations committed while the vehicle is parked or stationary. Non-moving violations include driving with expired registration or tags and parking violations, such as illegal parking in restricted zones.

What To Do When You Get a Traffic Ticket

After receiving a traffic ticket in Texas, review the citation to understand the specific violation, instructions, and deadlines for responding to the traffic citation. Texas law requires you to respond to the citation on or before the specified hearing date. You may respond to a traffic citation in person, online, or by mail, depending on the court.

You may plead guilty or not guilty. In a guilty plea, you accept the violation and pay the associated fines or take a state-approved defensive driving course. You may pay the fine by check or money order, via mail, in person at the court, or through online payment systems. A not-guilty plea requires a court hearing. Gather evidence and consult with a legal counsel experienced in Texas traffic laws.

How Does the Texas Point System Work?

Texas eliminated its driver's license point system in 2019 when it repealed the Driver Responsibility Program (DRP). Currently, Texas monitors drivers' moving violations to maintain road safety. Accumulating four or more moving traffic violations within 12 months or seven or more points within 24 months may result in the suspension of your driver's license.

The violations are recorded on the individual's driving records, accessible to insurance companies and employers. Insurers may adjust rates based on the number and severity of these violations, resulting in higher premiums. Employers may refuse to hire someone based on these accumulated points.

How Long Do Violations Stay on Your Driving History?

The length of time a traffic violation stays on your driving record depends on the type and severity of the offense. The table summarizes some common types of violations and how long they typically remain on your driving record in Texas:

Accumulating points on your driving record impacts you negatively. Insurance companies review your driving records to assess risk. A violation may result in higher premiums, especially for multiple infractions. Similarly, for jobs requiring a clean driving record, a record with several violations may reduce your chances of getting hired.

Can You Remove Violations from Your Record?

Expungement or sealing allows you to erase or hide your driving record from the public. Generally, only less serious traffic offenses, such as expired registrations, speeding, or expired driver's licenses, may be removed from your Texas driving record.

More serious traffic violations, such as intoxication manslaughter, repeat DUI offenders, or traffic offenses resulting in conviction, cannot be expunged, sealed, or cleared off your Texas driving record.

How To Check Your Vehicle History

You may look up Texas driving records online, in person, or by mail. Requesting driving records online is done through the Texas DPS Online Driver Record Request System. Log in and provide your driver's license number and other personal data. Pay the fee. You will receive the record instantly.

You may also order driving records in Texas by mail. Complete the Texas Driving Record Request form. Include a check or money order for fees. Send the completed form to:

How Much Does It Cost to Get a Driving Record in Texas?

The cost to get your driving record varies based on the type of record requested.

• Type 1 - $4.00
• Type 2 - $6.00
• Type 2A - $10.00
• Type 3 - $7.00
• Type 3A - $10
• Type AR - $20

For record requests made online, the report is processed immediately and is accessible in your email if you complete the application. Mail requests for driving records in Texas are usually processed within three weeks.

How To Check Your Driving History for Free

Free driving record lookups are unavailable through the Texas DPS. However, some third-party websites offer free DMV driving records online. These platforms provide basic information, such as the license status of your driving record. They typically do not include comprehensive details, like accident history or traffic violations. In addition, the accuracy and completeness of driving records from third-party sources cannot be guaranteed.

What Happens If You Have a Bad Driving Record?

A poor driving record may lead to various consequences, affecting your employment opportunities, insurance premiums, and legal standing. Generally, moving violations are typically recorded on your driving record and may accumulate points, leading to penalties. Non-moving violations, on the other hand, do not appear on your Texas driving records.

Do parking tickets appear on my driving record in Texas? No, parking tickets are non-moving violations and typically do not appear on your Texas driving record. Do warnings go on your driving record? Verbal warnings do not appear on your driving record. Written warnings may be documented by law enforcement, but they do not negatively affect your driving record or insurance rates.

How Does a Bad Driving Record Affect Insurance and Employment?

Insurance companies evaluate your driving history to assess risk and determine premium rates. A clean record often results in lower premiums, while violations may lead to increased costs. Also, most insurance providers review their policyholders' driving records, especially during renewals. New violations may trigger mid-policy adjustments, resulting in higher premiums.

A bad driving record may negatively impact employment opportunities, especially for positions that require driving. Employers typically conduct Motor Vehicle Records (MVR) checks to assess a candidate's suitability. A record with multiple infractions raises concerns about safety and reliability, leading to a loss of employment opportunities.

Who Can Access Your Texas Driving History?

Access to driving records in Texas is protected by federal and state laws. The Driver's Privacy Protection Act (DPPA) restricts the disclosure of personal information from state motor vehicle records. Similarly, the Texas Public Information Act (PIA) includes a provision that protects personal information from public disorder, aligning with the DPPA and ensuring that sensitive data is not freely accessible.

Generally, individuals, employers, insurance companies, and law enforcement agencies have the right to access, request, and obtain copies of your Texas driving records. However, federal law prohibits persons eligible to access the record from disclosing the same to the public.

FAQs About Texas Driving Records

The following are answers to frequently asked questions on Texas driving records.

Related Articles

When Your Driving License Can Be Revoked and What You Can Do About It?

Is Drunk Driving a Felony, What’s the Punishment, and How Many People Die From It?

What Is a Clean Driving Record, How It Affects Insurance and How to Keep It Clean

What is an Ignition Interlock Device?