Does Texas use the point-system?

I'm a Califonian (unfortunately), and I've been going over the "Texas
Drivers License Hand book" PDF version.

Anyway, so I noticed Texas calls their DMV's something like "drivers
license stations" instead. Also Organ Donations are now called
"Anatomical gifts". Also the book said "Don't jam on the brakes",
instead of saying "Don't slam on the brakes". I've never heard anyone
say "jam" in place of "slam" before.

Despite all of these odd quirks there is one thing that puzzles me
more. Nowhere in the Texas drivers manual does it ever mention
anything about points being added to the driving record for certain
violations. In fact, even when it lists consequences for DWI or drunk
driving offenses -- the handbook still never mentions anything about
points. Points was not found in either the glossary of the book, nor
the "Table of Contents".

It looks like Texas DMV's (or more appropriately Drivers License
stations), are just as busy as their Californian counterparts. It's
hard to get a hold of anyone during operating hours and as expected
once I do get a hold of somebody they are rude on the phone because i'm
sure there are about 100 people waiting in line. Plus I hate calling
long distance and having to wait on the phone that long.

I have a bunch of other questions too like Interstate speed limits,
right of way laws, and this other thing about "failer to stop and
render aid" which would cause my license to be suspended. Why is that?
I'd be afraid to stop for half the people broken down for fear that
it's a trap and I might get killed for my car and/or money. Maybe it's
only talking about collisions? In that case isn't it better to just
call 911 and let paramedics handle something that serious?

If I were to fax one of the Drivers License Stations with my inquiries,
do you think they would actually respond? Is there an e-mail address
that is functional and where a response is giving in a reasonable
amount of time?

In any case Texas is an amazing, beautifull state with plenty of
stomping ground to explore. I find it very important to figure out the
traffic laws before moving there (San Antone) in about 30 days. I'll
need to anyway in order to get a Texas Drivers License. So better now
than later. Since ignorance is no excuss for breaking the law.


(BTW: The TX DL Handbook is infinitly better than the CA version. The
TX handbook goes into greater detail, has much more material, and
covers a lot more of the important stuff that drivers need to know. If
CA has too many collisions and highway fatalities. It's the penny
pinchers fault for not going the extra mile to provide the public with
decent/informative handbooks. The CA handbook is a far cry in
comparison. I'm amazed.)

In article .com>,
wrote:

> I'm a Califonian (unfortunately), and I've been going over the "Texas
> Drivers License Hand book" PDF version.
>
> Anyway, so I noticed Texas calls their DMV's something like "drivers
> license stations" instead. Also Organ Donations are now called
> "Anatomical gifts". Also the book said "Don't jam on the brakes",
> instead of saying "Don't slam on the brakes". I've never heard anyone
> say "jam" in place of "slam" before.
>
> Despite all of these odd quirks there is one thing that puzzles me
> more. Nowhere in the Texas drivers manual does it ever mention
> anything about points being added to the driving record for certain
> violations. In fact, even when it lists consequences for DWI or drunk
> driving offenses -- the handbook still never mentions anything about
> points. Points was not found in either the glossary of the book, nor
> the "Table of Contents".
>
> It looks like Texas DMV's (or more appropriately Drivers License
> stations), are just as busy as their Californian counterparts. It's
> hard to get a hold of anyone during operating hours and as expected
> once I do get a hold of somebody they are rude on the phone because i'm
> sure there are about 100 people waiting in line. Plus I hate calling
> long distance and having to wait on the phone that long.
>
> I have a bunch of other questions too like Interstate speed limits,
> right of way laws, and this other thing about "failer to stop and
> render aid" which would cause my license to be suspended. Why is that?
> I'd be afraid to stop for half the people broken down for fear that
> it's a trap and I might get killed for my car and/or money. Maybe it's
> only talking about collisions? In that case isn't it better to just
> call 911 and let paramedics handle something that serious?
>
> If I were to fax one of the Drivers License Stations with my inquiries,
> do you think they would actually respond? Is there an e-mail address
> that is functional and where a response is giving in a reasonable
> amount of time?

Check the Texas DMV's web site for contact information. What have you go
to lose by faxing or emailing them? If you don't get a response within a
week or two, write to the Texas governor and complain that you are a
prospective Texas resident and they you have encountered a brick wall
when you tried to contact the DMV to seek answers to your questions, and
be sure to include your questions in your complaint.

Are you from TX by any chance? Would you have anything more to add
about traffic laws and laws in general? It is to my understanding that
TX is ultra conservative. Punishments for law violations are severe.

I heard someone say that road rage is a crime in TX and if caught the
offender(s) can go to jail. But it's just hearsay, I really don't know
for sure.

wrote:

> I heard someone say that road rage is a crime in TX and if caught the
> offender(s) can go to jail. But it's just hearsay, I really don't
know
> for sure.

In Cali they can find ways to send you to jail for road rage too. Of
course, our jails are so overcrowded I've never heard of it happening,
but people are threatened with jail time for it. (Both people I know
who were charged got probation/lost license instead.)

Dave

CA has a lot of useless, senseless laws to begin with. Where else in
the country was there talk about giving drivers licenses to illegal
aliens? Talk about incouraging lawlessness.

Does anyone know the right number to call or fax?

I'm a Texas cop, I'll see if I can answer your questions...

> wrote in message
oups.com...
> I'm a Califonian (unfortunately), and I've been going over the "Texas
> Drivers License Hand book" PDF version.
>
> Anyway, so I noticed Texas calls their DMV's something like "drivers
> license stations" instead. Also Organ Donations are now called
> "Anatomical gifts". Also the book said "Don't jam on the brakes",
> instead of saying "Don't slam on the brakes". I've never heard anyone
> say "jam" in place of "slam" before.

We have many slang terms that other states don't use... )

>
> Despite all of these odd quirks there is one thing that puzzles me
> more. Nowhere in the Texas drivers manual does it ever mention
> anything about points being added to the driving record for certain
> violations. In fact, even when it lists consequences for DWI or drunk
> driving offenses -- the handbook still never mentions anything about
> points. Points was not found in either the glossary of the book, nor
> the "Table of Contents".

Texas does not use a point system, but they will suspend a driver's license
for a habitual violator.

>
> It looks like Texas DMV's (or more appropriately Drivers License
> stations), are just as busy as their Californian counterparts. It's
> hard to get a hold of anyone during operating hours and as expected
> once I do get a hold of somebody they are rude on the phone because i'm
> sure there are about 100 people waiting in line. Plus I hate calling
> long distance and having to wait on the phone that long.
>
> I have a bunch of other questions too like Interstate speed limits,
> right of way laws, and this other thing about "failer to stop and
> render aid" which would cause my license to be suspended. Why is that?
> I'd be afraid to stop for half the people broken down for fear that
> it's a trap and I might get killed for my car and/or money. Maybe it's
> only talking about collisions? In that case isn't it better to just
> call 911 and let paramedics handle something that serious?

The Failure to Stop and Render Aid statute applies to a vehicle collision.
If you strike or are struck by another vehicle or person you are required to
stop and render aid, pretty much meaning that you call the police as soon as
possible. If that is not and option for some reason then you are required
to make a report as soon as possible. A self-reported accident is made on
what we call a "blue form" which we hand out for minor collisions usually
where the vehicles are drivable and there are no injuries.

>
> If I were to fax one of the Drivers License Stations with my inquiries,
> do you think they would actually respond? Is there an e-mail address
> that is functional and where a response is giving in a reasonable
> amount of time?

I'm not sure. This is the Texas DPS website:

http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/

>
> In any case Texas is an amazing, beautifull state with plenty of
> stomping ground to explore. I find it very important to figure out the
> traffic laws before moving there (San Antone) in about 30 days. I'll
> need to anyway in order to get a Texas Drivers License. So better now
> than later. Since ignorance is no excuss for breaking the law.

Yes, we're very proud of our state. It's a nice place to live. We do have
a few laws much different than other states. When you get here you can go
to any DPS station around San Antonio and get your Texas license. You have
30 days to do so after changing residence, btw.

>
>
> (BTW: The TX DL Handbook is infinitly better than the CA version. The
> TX handbook goes into greater detail, has much more material, and
> covers a lot more of the important stuff that drivers need to know. If
> CA has too many collisions and highway fatalities. It's the penny
> pinchers fault for not going the extra mile to provide the public with
> decent/informative handbooks. The CA handbook is a far cry in
> comparison. I'm amazed.)

If you have more questions about Texas traffic law you can find it all
listed he

http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/statutes/tn.toc.htm

--
---
jaybird
---
I am not the cause of your problems.
My actions are the result of your actions.
Your life is not my fault.

Thank you.

wrote:
> Where else in
> the country was there talk about giving drivers licenses to illegal
> aliens?

Your ignorance can be stunning sometimes. Where CA only *talks*, WI
*acts*! Until the new law takes effect here soon, illegal aliens can
easily obtain WI drivers licenses. Been that way for years. We need
*something* to lure those wayward Canucks down here!
--
C.R. Krieger
(Been there; done that)

jaybird wrote:
> I'm a Texas cop, I'll see if I can answer your questions...
>
> Texas does not use a point system, but they will suspend a driver's
license
> for a habitual violator.

I think this is what he's looking for. In most states, a habitual
violator is defined by the number of points racked up for various
offenses in a defined period of time. Makes it a simple objective
determination. So how does TX define it?
--
C.R. Krieger
(Been there; done that)