The State of Texas prohibits the operation of a vehicle by drivers with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08% or higher. There are lower limits in place for commercial drivers of .04% and for drivers under the age of 21 of .02% BAC.
Or, for any other reason that a judge deems it necessary for you to prove to the state that you are financially responsible.
Penalties for a first drunk driving conviction are:
72 hours to 180 days in jail
Jail of from 180 days to 2 years if a child under the age of 15 is in the vehicle
Fines up to $2,000.00
Fines up to $10,000.00 if a child under the age of 15 is in the vehicle
License suspension from 90 to 365 days
DWI Surcharge – $1,000.00 per year for 3 years
DWI Surcharge – $2,000.00 per year for 3 years if BAC is .16 or above
In the State of Texas the implied consent law means that any person who receives a driver’s license automatically consents to a chemical test of their blood, breath or urine to determine BAC or the presence of drugs. If you refuse a chemical test your driver’s license will be confiscated and during your hearing the court may rule to suspend your license.
The minimum insurance coverage for private passenger vehicles per the Texas Department of Insurance is as follows:
$25,000 for bodily injury liability to one person
$50,000 for bodily injury liability to more than one person
$25,000 for property damage liability
When you have established financial responsibility through an automobile insurance policy, your insurance company will report that information to the State of Texas.
