Driving Without Insurance: Penalties in Texas
Driving without insurance in Texas has consequences. It is a violation of state law that can carry steep financial, legal, and even criminal consequences. Whether you are a driver facing charges for a car accident or someone injured by an uninsured motorist, understanding Texas’s penalties is crucial. Here is what you need to know.
Texas Auto Insurance Requirements
Under Chapter 601 of the Texas Transportation Code, all drivers must maintain minimum liability coverage or otherwise establish proof of financial responsibility.
The minimum insurance limits, commonly referred to as 30/60/25 coverage, are:
- $30,000 for bodily injury or death per person
- $60,000 total for bodily injury or death per accident
- $25,000 for property damage
Insurance status is tracked through the TexasSure electronic verification system, which allows law enforcement to confirm coverage during traffic stops. The system was designed to reduce the number of uninsured drivers and cut costs for responsible drivers. If your policy lapses, your record is flagged, and you may face penalties even before another offense occurs.
Penalties for Driving Without Insurance
The penalties for uninsured driving in Texas depend on whether it is your first offense or a repeat violation, and they escalate significantly if you cause an accident.
Penalties for First Offense
You can be fined between $175 and $350 for a first offense and must pay a $250 annual surcharge for the next three years. The conviction is recorded as a Class C misdemeanor, which becomes part of your criminal record. However, if you can prove that you had valid coverage at the time of the stop, the charge can be dismissed.
Penalties for Second and Subsequent Offenses
You can be fined between $350 and $1,000 for second and subsequent offenses, and the $250 annual surcharge for three years still applies. You may also face suspension of your driver’s license and vehicle registration until you provide proof of insurance.
In some cases, your vehicle can be impounded for up to 180 days, and the storage fees alone can add hundreds or even thousands of dollars to your costs. Additionally, you will be required to file an SR-22 certificate to prove ongoing financial responsibility.
Potential Civil Liability for Car Accident Cases
Texas follows a fault-based system in car accident cases, meaning the driver responsible for causing a crash must pay for resulting damages. This can have significant implications if you cause an accident while uninsured.
If there is no insurance company to cover the damages, you may be personally liable for medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and other damages. Victims may need to sue you directly and attempt to collect from your assets.
The punishment for causing a crash without insurance can be tough. You could be fined up to $4,000, and if someone is badly hurt or dies, you might go to jail for up to a year. You could also lose your driver’s license and car registration.
These penalties can be very expensive and hard to recover from, for both you and the people hurt in the crash.
Defenses and Exemptions for Driving Without Insurance in Texas
Drivers can avoid uninsured driving penalties by proving they had valid insurance at the time of the citation. Certain vehicles, such as farm equipment or collector cars, may also be exempt from insurance requirements, but these defenses must be presented in court.
Contact the Fort Worth Car Accident Lawyers at Parker Law Firm Injury Lawyers for Help Today
Driving without insurance in Texas is very risky and can cost you much more than just paying for insurance. You could face big fines, lose your driver’s license, or be forced to pay for an accident out of your own pocket. These problems can seriously affect your life.
If you have been involved in a collision with an uninsured driver, speak with a Fort Worth car accident lawyer at Parker Law Firm Injury Lawyers to understand your options and protect your future. We offer free consultations.
Parker Law Firm Injury Lawyers – Bedford
2317 Plaza Pkwy #100,
Bedford, TX 76021
(817) 503-9200
Parker Law Firm Injury Lawyers – Fort Worth
209 N Hampton St,
Fort Worth, TX 76102
(817) 839-3143
