Reader’s Question:

I live in Texas and I was curious as to what are the different DWI laws applicable in my state. My boyfriend was convicted a DWI arrest and I want to know what are the penalties for a DWI arrest.

Hannah

Fort Worth, TX

In Texas, it is illegal to drive while intoxicated, it means that either your blood alcohol content is 0.08 or more or you are physically and mentally incapable because of the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Driving while intoxicated (DWI) is punishable by a minimum term of 72 hours in jail. This offense is a class B misdemeanor. Upon a second conviction is a class A misdemeanor, the penalty is increased to a minimum term of 30 days in jail. A third conviction is a felony of the third degree, punishable by a term of not less than two years, not more than ten years. In addition, a fine of up to $10,000 may be required.
Driving while intoxicated and causing someone “serious bodily harm” (meaning that there was a) a substantial risk of death, b) serious permanent disfigurement, or c) protracted loss/impairment of function of a body member or organ) is a third degree felony, punishable by a term of not less than two years, not more than ten years. In addition, a fine of up to $10,000 may be required.

Driving while intoxicated and causing the death of another is second degree felony, punishable by not less than two years, not more than 20 years. In addition, a fine of up to $10,000 may be required.
Driving while intoxicated with a minor (under the age of 15) in the car is termed a state jail felony, punishable by a term of not less than 180 days, not more than two years. In addition, a fine of up to $10,000 may be required.

Reader’s Question:

Do I have to have car insurance in Fort Worth TX? What If I don’t have? What will happen?

Leo

Fort Worth, TX

Thanks for asking, Leo. Yes, under Texas law, drivers are required to have a car insurance to be able to pay for the accidents they cause. Automobile liability insurance pays to treat people injured in a car accident. They also pay for the repair or replacement of other driver´s damaged property.

You must have sufficient car liability insurance to pay up to $25,000 in medical expenses for each person injured in an accident, up to a combined total of $50,000 for everyone who was harmed in an accident. Plus, you also must have at least $25,000 in coverage to pay to repair or replace the other driver´s automobile. Basic minimum liability coverage is often called “25/50/25 coverage” because of these coverage amounts.
In Texas, driving without car insurance is against the law. During any traffic stop a law enforcement officer will require you to show proof that you have car insurance. You will be provided with an “insurance card” by your insurance company that will qualify as proof. If you are unable to show this proof of insurance, you will probably get a ticket and could face a fine of $175 to $350 for a first offense. If you’re again stopped without proof, you could be charged up to $1,000, your car could be impounded for 180 days, and your driver´s license may be suspended.

Reader’s Question:

I received a OUIL almost 4 years ago in Michigan, I now live in Fort Worth, Texas and have had no traffic violations nor accidents since. Should I tell my conviction when applying for auto insurance?

Bill

Fort Worth, TX

OUIL means “operating under the influence of intoxicating liquor” and now has been renamed as OWI meaning “operating while intoxicated”.

Now that you are living in Fort Worth an insurance provider can still access your MI driving record so you will need to mention this old conviction if they asked for violations dating this far back on your auto insurance application. If you do not tell them and the insurance carrier finds out about this OUIL conviction then your quote would be incorrect and would need to be reevaluated including this offense. If you have already received your insurance policy and this infraction is later found out about by your insurance company then it could be said that you misrepresented your driving history which may be considered fraud in most states.

Reader’s Question:

How many points does it have to be on your driving record before they suspend your drivers license? I live in fort Worth Texas.

Sam

Fort Worth, TX

Your license will be suspended in Texas if you have what they term “habitual traffic violator”. The meaning of this is an individual who receives four or more traffic violations in a period of 12 months or has 7 or more moving violations in a period of months. If you receive and are convicted of this many infractions you are subject to have your license suspended according to the transportation code 521.292.

You can verify with TX department of public safety to check if there is also a point limit or just the number of violation convictions as listed above.

Reader’s Question:

I received a speeding ticket in IL and I am wondering if this will this affect my insurance rates in Fort Worth, Texas?

Jim

Fort Worth, TX

Your home state of Texas and Illinois are both members of the Drivers License Compact (DLC) so if you plead guilty and were convicted of the speeding infraction then the TX Department of Public Safety (DPS) will be notified.

The Texas Department of Public Safety states that they will place out of state violation onto your TX driving record. The Texas points system lists that it is two points for a moving infraction conviction in Texas or that in another state. However, points are not assigned for speeding less than 10% over the posted limit or for seat belt infractions.

Since the Illinois speeding violation will be placed on your Fort Worth TX driving record your insurance carrier will see it the next time they pull your MVR. To verify if this Illinois speeding ticket will affect your rates in Fort Worth Texas you would need to find out about your specific insurance carrier’s rating system. You can find out about a rating system usually by asking your agent or the TX TDI since the insurance company’s rates are filed with this state agency.

Reader’s Question:

I live in Fort Worth TX and I found out your license is suspended in Texas for a no insurance ticket, how much does it cost to get it back?

Penny

Fort Worth, TX

To reinstate your license after a suspension for driving without insurance there is a reinstatement fee due prior to the renewal/issuance of a driver’s license. You must also get a proof of insurance (form SR-22) from an insurance company and submit it to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). The SR-22 financial responsibility certificate is required for 2 years from date of conviction.

The reinstatement fee I think is around $100 to $125. There will also be a driver responsibility surcharge included. Motorists who receive a conviction for certain offenses that happen on or after September 1, 2003 are required to pay an annual surcharge for 3 years from the date of conviction. If you fail to Maintain Financial Responsibility it comes with a $250 annual surcharge.

Reader’s Question:

I live in Forthworth TX. How long do you have to carry sr-22 insurance in my state?

Harrison

Forthworth, TX.

Normally, you have to get and carry an SR-22 for two years in Texas.

The TX Department of Public Safety states that, the SR-22 is required for two years from the date of accident, date of conviction or date the judgment was rendered. You can check the law regarding this under Texas Transportation Code 601.056.

You do not have to have your own car to purchase this kind of car insurance policy. If you do not own a car, you may call an insurance provider or agent of your choice and speak to them about a non-owner SR-22. However, you do need to get the car insurance policy and SR22 form from an insurance agent who is authorized to write liability insurance for the State of Texas.

Q: I want the cheapest SR22 in Ft Worth TX, but I’m a teenager and new college student. What, oh what, am I to do?

A: Hey, the cheapest SR22 in Fort Worth TX may be a little out of your reach, but as a teen, especially a teen college student, you can still cheapen those numbers a little bit and save yourself some money. Where are you going to school, first of all? Are you from Ft Worth, or are you going to school elsewhere, or coming from elsewhere to go to school here? If your home and parents are at least a hundred miles away (unless you’re an international student or something), then you can keep your name on their policy and leave your vehicle with them so you can all save money and you can just take public transportation.

Also, keep up with your studies now that you’re in college. If you are enrolled full time and are able to pull in a B average in your classes, you can get the cheapest SR22 in TX for college students by showing your car insurance company your transcript and getting an additional discount for your good grades.

Q: When searching for car insurance, is the cheapest SR22 insurance quote always the best?

A: No. Like in all situations, cheapness and quality may magically coincide, but cheap doesn’t always fit into that category. If you want the cheapest SR22 insurance, you need to think of it on a relative level. You need the cheapest GOOD SR22 insurance, and that’s the attitude you need to have. You should be looking for one thing in auto insurance, and that is value. Value combines savings and quality for the best car insurance experience.

Now, what are the other factors you should consider when looking for the cheapest SR22 insurance with value? First of all, you want a car insurance company which has enough money to cover your claims, and also one which doesn’t drop the ball when it does so. You should also get with a company which has great customer service.

You will need kind, informative help to guide you through the claims process when you are stressed after an accident. Other things price wise such as discounts, ratings policies, and accident forgiveness should also be taken into the equation.

Q: I live in FT Worth TX, and I am in need of DMV SR22 filing, and my friend drives my car a lot. He doesn’t have the best driving record, but he has his own insurance policy. If he crashes my car, his insurance will cover it, right?

A: Nope. It sounds from your post that you’re completely aware that your friend is driving your car and aren’t making any moves to stop it, which means that you consent for him to drive your car. If you consent, then he’s covered. Even if you don’t physically open up your mouth and say, “hey, man, you can drive my car”, so long as he has reason to believed you would let him, your DMV SR22 filing company will cover him if he gets into an accident. Even if you withdraw consent, it’s very hard to prove that you did this if he is a friend of yours.

Now, if he gets into a car accident in your car, and that accident is his fault? It’ll be on you to pay the deductible, and in the end if your policy increases then you will be the one paying more for your already expensive DMV SR22 filing. So, when you’re considering letting a friend with a bad driving record take a spin in your car, think again, because if anything happens, you will be the one suffering the consequences.