DRIVERS LICENSE
Reasons Why Your Drivers License can be Suspended in the State of Texas
Alcohol Related Suspensions
DRIVERS LICENSE
Reasons Why Your Drivers License can be Suspended in the State of Texas
Alcohol Related Suspensions
Why is my license suspended?
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1) A blood or breath test refusal or failure. If a person refuses or fails a blood or breath test following an arrest for driving while intoxicated, the person may receive a license suspension of 90 days up to 2 years. If the driver holds a Commercial Driver License, a breath test refusal or failure will result in an automatic one year disqualification. Texas Transportation Code Chapter 524, Texas Transportation Code Chapter 724, 37 Texas Administrative Code 17.7.
Reinstatement requirements
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A reinstatement fee will be required prior to the renewal/issuance of a driver license.
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2) A conviction for driving while intoxicated (DWI). The license suspension period varies by court order not to exceed two years. A conviction for driving while intoxicated under the age of 21 will result in an automatic suspension for one year. Texas Transportation Code 521.344.
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NOTE: It is possible to receive a suspension for a DWI conviction AND a suspension for a blood/breath test refusal/failure arising from the same arrest.
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Reinstatement requirements
​
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A reinstatement fee will be required prior to the renewal/issuance of a driver license.
-
Obtain proof of insurance (form SR-22) from your insurance company and submit to the Texas Dept. of Public Safety (DPS). The SR-22 is required for two years from date of conviction.
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If a Repeat Offender's DWI education program has been required by the convicting court, certificate of completion must be forwarded to DPS prior to the expiration of the suspension to prevent an additional revocation period.
3) Alcohol related offenses by a Minor. Persons under 21 years of age who are convicted of the following offenses will receive a 30 day license suspension for the first offense, 60 days for a second offense, and 180 days for a third offense. Alcohol Beverage Code 106.071.
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Purchase of alcohol by a minor
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Attempt to purchase alcohol by a minor
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Consumption of alcohol by a minor
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Possession of alcohol by a minor
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Misrepresentation of age by a minor
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Public Intoxication by a minor
​
There are no reinstatement requirements for these alcohol related suspensions.
Why is my license suspended?
​
1) A blood or breath test refusal or failure. If a person refuses or fails a blood or breath test following an arrest for driving while intoxicated, the person may receive a license suspension of 90 days up to 2 years. If the driver holds a Commercial Driver License, a breath test refusal or failure will result in an automatic one year disqualification. Texas Transportation Code Chapter 524, Texas Transportation Code Chapter 724, 37 Texas Administrative Code 17.7.
Reinstatement requirements
-
A reinstatement fee will be required prior to the renewal/issuance of a driver license.
​
2) A conviction for driving while intoxicated (DWI). The license suspension period varies by court order not to exceed two years. A conviction for driving while intoxicated under the age of 21 will result in an automatic suspension for one year. Texas Transportation Code 521.344.
​
NOTE: It is possible to receive a suspension for a DWI conviction AND a suspension for a blood/breath test refusal/failure arising from the same arrest.
​
Reinstatement requirements
​
-
A reinstatement fee will be required prior to the renewal/issuance of a driver license.
-
Obtain proof of insurance (form SR-22) from your insurance company and submit to the Texas Dept. of Public Safety (DPS). The SR-22 is required for two years from date of conviction.
-
If a Repeat Offender's DWI education program has been required by the convicting court, certificate of completion must be forwarded to DPS prior to the expiration of the suspension to prevent an additional revocation period.
3) Alcohol related offenses by a Minor. Persons under 21 years of age who are convicted of the following offenses will receive a 30 day license suspension for the first offense, 60 days for a second offense, and 180 days for a third offense. Alcohol Beverage Code 106.071.
​
-
Purchase of alcohol by a minor
-
Attempt to purchase alcohol by a minor
-
Consumption of alcohol by a minor
-
Possession of alcohol by a minor
-
Misrepresentation of age by a minor
-
Public Intoxication by a minor
​
There are no reinstatement requirements for these alcohol related suspensions.
COVID-19 Update
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