Texas DWI Laws and Penalties

A Texas motorist can get a DWI (also sometimes called "DUI") for operating a motor vehicle while "intoxicated" by drugs or alcohol or with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08% or more.

Texas also has a "zero-tolerance" law that prohibits underage age motorists (those under 21 years old) from driving with any detectable amount of alcohol in their body.

Jail Time and Fines for Texas 1st, 2nd, & 3rd DWI/DUI Convictions

The minimum and maximum jail time and fines you'll face for a DWI conviction in Texas primarily depend on how many prior convictions you have. Here are the possible jail sentences and fines for a first, second, and third DWI conviction.

How Long a DUI/DWI Stays on Your Record in Texas

In some states, there's a "wash-out" (or "look-back") period for DWI/DUI convictions. And drunk driving convictions that are older than the wash-out period don't count as priors. However, Texas doesn't have a wash-out period for DWIs—meaning a DWI conviction stays on your record and counts as a prior conviction forever.

License Suspensions for a Texas DWI/DUI Conviction

All Texas drivers who are convicted of a DWI face license suspension. The possible suspension periods for a first, second, and third DWI are as follows.

Getting a Restricted License in Texas

However, most offenders will be eligible for an "occupational license" for driving to and from places like work and school during at least part of the suspension.

Texas's Implied Consent Laws

Texas has "implied consent" laws that basically say all motorists agree to take a blood or breath test if lawfully arrested for driving while intoxicated. Motorists who refuse testing generally face license suspension of 180 days to two years, depending on their record.

Reducing a Texas DWI Charge/Deferred Adjudication

If you're charged with driving while intoxicated in Texas, it's possible to "plea bargain" for a lesser charge.

As of September 2019 qualifying first-time offenders can plead guilty/no contest to DWI in exchange for a deferred judgment/probationary period. Known as "deferred adjudication," this type of plea bargain ultimately results in the case being dismissed after the successful completion of the probation period.

To be eligible for deferred adjudication, offenders must have had a BAC under .15%, use an ignition interlock device, and comply with a number of other conditions. The program is unavailable to commercial or permit drivers. Also, if the offender subsequently commits another DWI, the deferred DWI counts as a first offense for enhancement purposes.