Driving While Intoxicated in Texas

About every 20 minutes in Texas, someone is hurt or killed in a crash involving alcohol. We urge you to take responsibility for your actions. Don't drink and drive.

Impairment begins with the first drink. Your gender, body weight, the number of drinks you’ve consumed and the amount of food you’ve eaten affect your body’s ability to handle alcohol. Two or three beers in an hour can make some people legally intoxicated. Women, younger people and smaller people generally become impaired with less alcohol.

If you’re stopped, be ready to show your driver license, proof of insurance and vehicle registration. If you refuse to take a blood or breath test, your driver license will be automatically suspended for 180 days.

Punishment for DWI varies depending on the number of convictions:

First Offense

• A fine of up to $2,000
• Three days to 180 days in jail
• Loss of driver license up to a year
• Annual fee of $1,000 or $2,000 for three years to retain driver license

Second Offense

• A fine of up to $4,000
• One month to a year in jail
• Loss of driver license up to two years
• Annual fee of $1,000, $1,500 or $2,000 for three years to retain driver license

Third Offense

• A $10,000 fine
• Two to 10 years in prison
• Loss of driver license up to two years
• Annual fee of $1,000, $1,500, or $2,000 for three years to retain driver license