In Texas, traffic tickets don’t disappear overnight. Depending on the violation, a ticket can stay on your record for up to three years — but there are ways to shorten that timeline. Here’s how long tickets last, what affects removal, and how defensive driving courses can help.
How Long Tickets Stay on Your Texas Record
For most drivers, a traffic violation remains on the record for three years from the date of conviction. During that time, insurance companies and employers can see it when pulling your driving history.
- Minor moving violations — 3 years
- Serious violations (like reckless driving) — up to 5 years
- DWI or DUI-related offenses — 10 years or more
Each new violation resets the timeline for that specific ticket, meaning older tickets don’t automatically vanish when you get new ones.
How Tickets Affect Your Record and Insurance
Even a single speeding ticket can raise your insurance rates by 10–20% for up to three years. Too many points may also trigger a license suspension or limit your eligibility for new discounts.
That’s why many drivers act quickly to dismiss a ticket with a state-approved defensive driving course.
Using Defensive Driving to Keep Tickets Off Your Record
If you meet eligibility requirements, you can complete a TDLR-approved defensive driving course to dismiss a ticket before it ever becomes a conviction. Once the court accepts your completion certificate, the ticket will not appear on your public record and no points will be added.
- Request court permission for defensive driving before your appearance date.
- Take the online course and pass the final quiz.
- Submit your Certificate of Completion and, if required, your Texas driving record.
- Confirm the court has dismissed your case.
Doing this right away means the ticket never lands on your record at all.
How to Check if a Ticket Is Still on Your Record
To see which violations are still visible, order your official Texas driving record. Choose the “Type 3A” version, which includes the certified history often required by courts and employers.
Tickets that were dismissed through defensive driving will not appear as convictions.
Do Tickets Ever Expire?
Yes — but only after the time period set by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) passes. After three years, most tickets “age off” your record and no longer count toward insurance or state penalties.
However, serious violations may remain visible longer for background checks or certain employment screenings.
How to Avoid Future Rate Increases
- Take a continuing education course every few years to refresh your skills.
- Drive within limits — most tickets are for small, avoidable errors.
- Ask your insurance provider if they offer discounts for safe-driver certificates.
Keep Your Record Clean Starting Today
Don’t wait three years for a ticket to drop off your record. You can act now with a TDLR-approved defensive driving course and prevent new violations from appearing at all.