Texas Driving Records

Driving records are important for both individuals and businesses, as they provide a detailed history of a driver's activities. These records typically include information on traffic violations, license suspensions, accidents, and any other relevant incidents.

In Texas, driving records are made public through the Texas Public Information Act, although some sensitive details are kept private. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) manages these records, updates the data, and ensures they are accurate.

While the public can request driving records for various reasons, the DPS regulates access to protect confidentiality. Access to these records is valuable for employers conducting background checks and for individuals keeping track of their driving history.

Types of Driving Records Available in Texas

Texas offers various types of driving records, each tailored to different needs:

Status Record (Type 1)

A status record offers basic information about a driver, including their name, date of birth (DOB), license status, and the most recent address on file. It is primarily used to verify a driver's eligibility to operate a vehicle.

3-Year History Record (Type 2)

A Type 2 record summarizes a driver’s history over the last three years, including traffic violations, accidents, and any instances of license suspension or revocation during that period.

Certified 3-Year History Record (Type 2A)

The Type 2A record is an official version of the 3-Year History Record. It is often required for legal purposes.

List of All Crashes and Violations (Type 3)

The Type 3 record includes all crashes and violations associated with a driver's history. It is accessible exclusively to the individual it pertains to.

Certified Complete Accident and Violation Record (Type 3A)

This document is the certified version of the Type 3 record and is acceptable for use in Defensive Driving Courses (DDCs).

Certified Abstract of Driving Record (Type AR)

The Type AR provides a comprehensive overview of a license holder's entire record. It includes details found in the Type 3 report and information on any license suspensions.

Fees

The cost of obtaining a driving record varies based on the type of report and whether it requires certification. The current fees are:

Type 1: $4
Type 2: $6
Type 2A: $10
Type 3: $7
Type 3A: $10
Type AR: $20

Note that these fees are subject to change. For the most current information, it is recommended to check the DPS website.

How To Request a Texas Driving History Report?

Texan residents and authorized entities have the option to obtain a driving history report online or by mail. The DPS does not offer in-person driver record services at any of its physical locations.

Online Request

The easiest method to request a driving history report is online. To do so, individuals should visit the DPS Online Driver Record Request System and enter the type of driving record they need. They should also have the following details ready:

The number of the most recent Texas driver's license, commercial driver's license, or identification card
Audit number on their license or identification card
Their DOB
The last four digits of their Social Security Number (SSN)

A valid credit card is necessary for payment. Individuals should be able to print or email the report immediately upon completion of the transaction.

Mail-In Request

To request a driver record by mail, individuals must download, print, and fill out the Application for Copy of Driver Record (DR-1) form. The accomplished document, along with the required payment, should be sent to:

Texas Department of Public Safety
P.O. Box 149008
Austin, Texas 78714-9008

Individuals should make checks or money orders payable to the DPS. Processing may take up to three weeks from the time the application is received.

Uses of Texas Driving Records

All requests in the state must adhere to the Texas Public Information Act and the Driver’s Privacy Protection Act (DPPA). As such, usage of driving records in Texas is subject to specific guidelines and limitations. The following are some of its permitted uses:

Personal review to identify and correct any errors
Employment screening to assess suitability for driving-related positions and evaluate potential risk
Insurance underwriting for setting appropriate rates based on the driver’s profile
Background check for vehicle rental companies
Evidence in legal proceedings

The state strictly prohibits the misuse of driving records, which include:

Unauthorized dissemination of sensitive information
Commercial solicitation and targeted advertising
Stalking and other forms of harassment

Understanding Texas Driving Laws

Texas driving laws are formulated to uphold road safety and proper vehicle operation. The following is an overview of critical regulations and requirements for Texan motorists:

Speed Limits

In Texas, speed limits are determined by the road type and area. Common speed limits are 30 miles per hour (mph) in city areas, 70 mph on most highways, and up to 85 mph on certain roads.

However, speed limits are not solely about adhering to posted signs. They also require adjusting speed based on driving conditions. Drivers should reduce their speed in adverse weather conditions such as rain, fog, or ice, as well as in heavy traffic and when approaching road construction zones.

Drivers are fined depending on how much they exceed the posted limit. Additional consequences may include citations on the driver’s record and potential increases in insurance rates.

Seat Belt Use

The state mandates that all vehicle occupants wear seat belts. Non-compliance risks fines and court costs up to $200. Children under eight years old must also use a child safety or booster seat unless they are taller than four feet nine inches. Otherwise, the driver could face fines of up to $250 plus court costs.

Texas enforces seat belt use and child safety through "Click It or Ticket" and "Child Passenger Safety" campaigns. The state, through the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), offers free car seat checks across 25 district offices. Local motorists can find the closest to them through the Save Me With a Seat website.

Texting While Driving

Texting while driving is illegal throughout the state. Some cities go further by banning all cellphone use while driving to enhance road safety.

Drivers are not allowed to send or receive text messages while driving. For those with learner's permits, cellphone use is restricted during the first six months of driving to ensure their full attention is on the road. Additionally, using handheld devices is prohibited in school zones to safeguard children and minimize distractions.

Drivers under 18 are banned from using handheld devices altogether while driving. School bus drivers must also refrain from using cell phones when transporting children to maintain focus on their driving duties.

Fines for violating these laws can reach up to $200.

Move Over or Slow Down

The Move Over or Slow Down law requires drivers to either change lanes or slow down when approaching stopped roadside vehicles with flashing lights. This applies to law enforcement, tow trucks, utility vehicles, emergency responders, and TxDOT vehicles.

Drivers who do not follow the rules can face fines up to $1,250 for a first offense. If a driver’s failure to comply results in serious injury, the penalties can include fines up to $4,000 and potential jail time.

Minimum Auto Liability Insurance

Texas law mandates that drivers be financially responsible for accidents they cause, which are typically covered through liability insurance.

Drivers must carry liability insurance with a minimum coverage of $30,000 per person for injuries, up to a maximum of $60,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident. This standard coverage is commonly referred to as 30/60/25.

Driving Requirements for Residents and Foreign Nationals

New residents must obtain a Texas driver’s license within 90 days of moving. To get the license, they need to pass written, vision, and driving tests and provide proof of identity, residency, and SSN.

For those new to Texas with a valid out-of-state license, driving is allowed for up to 90 days before needing to transfer the license to a Texas one. This transfer usually involves a vision test and presenting documentation from the previous license.

Foreign nationals can temporarily drive in Texas using a valid International Driving Permit (IDP) and their home country’s driver’s license. However, if they become residents, they must apply for a driver’s license, provide proof of legal residency, and pass the required tests.

The Points System in Texas

Texas previously used a points system through the Driver Responsibility Program (DRP). Under this system, points were assigned for traffic violations, and accumulating too many points within a specified period could lead to a license suspension.

In 2019, the state transitioned into a fine-based system for traffic violations. Common offenses that result in fines include unsafe lane changes, reckless driving, driving without a license or insurance, failing to use turn signals, speeding, and making illegal U-turns.

Texas tracks traffic violations over a 12-month and 24-month period. Drivers may face license suspension if they:

Accumulate four or more moving violations within 12 months
Accumulate seven or more moving violations within 24 months
Commit two or more offenses that violate license restrictions
Cause an accident resulting in serious injury or death
Have an accident while uninsured

Criminal vs. Civil Driving Offenses in Texas

In Texas, driving offenses can be classified as either criminal or civil offenses. Each category has distinct consequences and legal impacts.

Criminal Driving Offenses

Criminal driving offenses in Texas can be classified as felonies or misdemeanors, depending on the severity of the violation and the resulting harm.

Impaired Driving

Legally, a driver is considered intoxicated if their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) reaches 0.08% or if any substance impairs their driving abilities.

Penalties for driving while intoxicated (DWI) vary:

First Offense: Fines up to $2,000, up to 180 days in jail, and a license suspension for up to a year
Second Offense: Fines up to $4,000, jail time from one month to a year, and a license suspension for up to two years
Third Offense: Fines up to $10,000, two to 10 years in prison, and a license suspension for up to two years

Moreover, if a driver is impaired with a child under 15 in the vehicle, they can be issued fines of up to $10,000 and face two years in jail.

Reckless Driving

Reckless driving involves operating a vehicle with a blatant disregard for safety. It is usually a misdemeanor but can become a felony if it results in serious injury or death. Penalties may include fines, jail time, and license suspension.

Hit and Run

A hit-and-run occurs when a driver leaves the scene of an accident without providing information or helping those injured. Texas law requires drivers to stop, exchange information, and assist the injured at the scene of an accident.

The severity of the penalties depends on the accident's impact. For minor accidents, the driver may face a Class C misdemeanor, which can result in fines and possible jail time. If the accident involves injury or death, the offense becomes a felony.

Civil Driving Offenses

Civil driving offenses, also known as traffic infractions, are less severe violations that usually result in fines and administrative penalties. Some common infractions are the following:

Improper turns
Improper lane change
Failing to yield
Speeding
Running a red light

Texas Driving Statistics and Goals

The TxDOT collects annual motor vehicle crash statistics. According to the 2023 reports:

One person was killed every two hours and three minutes.
One person was injured every two minutes and six seconds.
One reportable crash occurred every 56 seconds.
Of those killed in vehicles, 48.89% were not wearing restraints at the time of the fatal crash.
There were 15,219 serious injury crashes in Texas, resulting in 18,752 serious injuries.
The fatality rate on roadways was 1.45 deaths per 100 million vehicle miles traveled.

Road fatalities pose a significant risk in Texas, where driving is an integral part of daily life. To address this, Texas has launched the "Road to Zero" initiative.

Established by the Texas Transportation Commission in 2019, this plan challenges the TxDOT to eradicate road fatalities by 2050. The commission also aims to cut the number of fatal crashes in half by 2035, with a goal of reducing annual deaths to around 1,800.

Frequently Asked Questions About Texas Driving Records

The following are some common questions concerning drivers in the state:

Who Can Request a Driving Record?

Individuals can request their own driving records. Employers, insurance companies, and law enforcement may also request records with the driver’s consent or under specific legal conditions.

How Can Drivers Remove Citations From Their Records?

Drivers can reduce citations by completing an approved DDC. To be eligible, they must hold a valid Texas driver’s license, not have taken a defensive driving course for ticket dismissal in the past 12 months, not have been driving a commercial vehicle when cited, and have received a court notice indicating eligibility for the course.

How Do Drivers Remove Incorrect Data About Crashes on Their Record?

Drivers should contact the TxDOT at (800) 558-9368 to address incorrect crash data on their records.

Helpful Links and Resources

Here are some useful links for drivers in Texas and for accessing driving records:

Added driver protection as indicated in the Motor Vehicle Records Disclosure Act: https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/TN/htm/TN.730.htm
Details on DDCs in Texas: https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/driver/safety/students/taking-a-course.htm
Information on the Driver's License hearing program: https://www.soah.texas.gov/about-drivers-license-hearings
TxDOT Traffic Safety Data Portal: https://data.texas.gov/stories/s/Texas-Department-of-Transportation-Traffic-Safety-/nze5-dppu/

Counties in Texas

List of Content

Types of Driving Records Available in Texas
How To Request a Texas Driving History Report?
1. Online Request
2. Mail-In Request
Uses of Texas Driving Records
Understanding Texas Driving Laws
The Points System in Texas
Criminal vs. Civil Driving Offenses in Texas
1. Criminal Driving Offenses
2. Civil Driving Offenses
Texas Driving Statistics and Goals
Frequently Asked Questions About Texas Driving Records
Helpful Links and Resources