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Why you should know DUI Laws in Texas?

The cost of drinking and driving in the State of Texas is not only expensive but it could cost you your freedom. A single DUI conviction could end up costing you as much as $5000 or more. Some penalties and fines for driving under the influence in Texas may include:

 
 

More articles on DUI Laws in Texas

  
 
  • Court costs
  • DUI Fines
  • Increase in auto insurance
  • Ignition interlock installation fees
  • Vehicle towing and impound fees
  • Bail
  • Drivers license reinstatement fees

Texas DUI/DWI Legislature

The Texas legislature has specifically defined the term "intoxication" as it relates to DWI cases. There are two definitions as stated in the legislature:

  1. Not having the normal use of mental or physical faculties by reason of the introduction of alcohol, a controlled substance, a drug, a dangerous drug, a combination of two or more of those substances, or any other substance into the body; or
  2. Having an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more. The law allows for intoxication by way of any intoxicating substance. It is no defense that the intoxicating substance was a prescribed drug; if any substance, legal or illegal, deprives a driver of the normal use of mental or physical faculties, the case may be prosecuted.

Texas DUI – 1st Offense

Fine: The first time you are arrested in the State of Texas for drunk driving you will receive a fine up to $2000.

Imprisonment: You will also be confined to jail for no less than 72 hours and no more than 180 days.

Drivers license suspension: Your drivers license will be suspended for no less than 90 days and no more than 1 year.

Ignition interlock device: You may be ordered by the court to install an ignition interlock device on the vehicle at your own expense.

Texas DUI – 2nd Offense

Fine: The second time you are arrested and convicted of a DWI in Texas you will be fined up to $4000.

Imprisonment: You will have to serve a minimum of 30 days in jail up to 1 year.

Drivers license suspension: Your drivers license will be suspended for a minimum of 6 months or up to 2 years.

Ignition interlock device installation: You may be ordered to install an ignition interlock device on the vehicle at your own expense.

Texas DUI – 3rd Offense

3rd degree felony: The 3rd conviction for a DWI in Texas is considered a 3rd degree felony.

Fine: You will be fined up to $10,000 and serve no less than 2 years or up to 10 years in the penitentiary.

Drivers license suspension: Your drivers license will also be suspended up to 2 years.

Ignition interlock device installation: You may also be ordered to install an ignition interlock device on the vehicle at your own expense.

This is why it is so important to know your Texas DUI laws. Being knowledgeable about the dos and don’ts, the drinking and driving alcohol limit, the punishments, penalties and fees are all important information to know so that you don’t get caught up in a Texas DUI arrest and conviction.