Texas, the country’s second-largest city, has a lot to offer, and so do the state’s traffic laws. Distracted and impaired driving, texting and driving, speeding laws, cellphone laws—the list is quite long to keep up with. However, it is better to pay heed to the long list; otherwise, you will end up with a suspended license in Texas! But there might be instances when you are unaware of your license status and end up driving with a suspended license in Texas. Here is everything you should know if you are driving with a suspended license in the state.
Reasons for a driver’s license suspension in Texas
- DWI charges.
- Not cooperating with an alcohol test.
- Fake ID usage
- Racing on a highway
- Vehicular homicide
Penalties for driving on a suspended license in Texas
Firstly, in Texas, driving with a suspended license is a Class C misdemeanor. However, driving with a suspended license typically does not result in jail time for a first offense, but it could cost you more in fines and a longer license suspension under Texas law. In other words, you will be charged for an additional license suspension in addition to the initial suspension period.
Secondly, you will be charged with a Class B misdemeanor if your suspension occurred due to a DWI and you did not have insurance at that time, or if you have a similar prior conviction. As a result, you will face a fine of up to $2000 and 180 days in jail.
Thirdly, if your license had been suspended due to an accident that resulted in another person’s death in addition to a lack of insurance, you would be charged with a Class A misdemeanor. As a result, you must pay a jail term of one year and/or a fine of $4,000.
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Steps to reinstate a suspended driver’s license in Texas
Here are the steps you should follow if you want to reinstate a suspended driver’s license in Texas.
- Visit the license eligibility page.
- Fill in the driver’s license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your social security number.
- Login after you fill in the details.
- Pay the reinstatement fees, if any.
- Check if you need to submit any further documents.
- Include a copy of your suspension notice.
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The documents required for the reinstatement of your license can be submitted by fax, email, or via mail. However, all the documents must be in PDF format if you are sending them via email.
If sent via mail:
Texas Department of Public Safety
Enforcement and Compliance Service
P.O. Box 4087
Austin, TX 78773-0320
Fax Number:
512-424-2848
Email Address:
driver.improvement@dps.texas.gov
However, in Texas, license suspension can occur for reasons other than driving. For example, if you purchase, attempt to purchase, or consume alcohol under the age of 21, then it can result in result in a 30-, 60-, or 90-day suspension. Similarly, A conviction for a drug or substance offence results in a 180-day suspension of your driver’s license.
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Sara Sam may not look like your typical car and finance expert, but don’t let that fool you. With over four years of experience in the industry, she knows all the ins and outs of cars, car insurance, and refinancing. You can trust Sara to help you navigate the often-confusing world of automobiles and financing. When she’s not busy writing informative blogs, you can find her baking delicious lemon loaves for her coffee break.