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What are the penalties for DWI in Texas?

Texas motorists can receive fines, license suspension and jail time for driving while intoxicated by drugs or alcohol. DWI charges apply to drivers with visible impairment or measured blood alcohol content of at least 0.08% at the time of the arrest.

If you face DWI charges in Texas, review the potential penalties for conviction.

First DWI conviction

If you have no prior DWI convictions in Texas, you could receive the following legal penalties for a first-time conviction:

  • Fines of up to $2,000
  • License suspension for at least three months with ignition interlock device required for those approved for an occupational license
  • At least 72 hours and up to six months in jail

In addition, Texas doubles the maximum first-time DWI penalties for drivers arrested with a BAC of 0.15% or higher.

Second DWI conviction

If you already have a DWI conviction in the past five years, penalties for a conviction may include:

  • Fines of up to $4,000
  • License suspension for at least six months and up to 24 months, with mandatory 12-month IID requirement upon reinstatement
  • At least 30 days and up to 12 months in jail

Third DWI conviction

For a third Texas DWI in the same five-year period, you could receive:

  • Fines of up to $10,000
  • License suspension for at least six months and up to 24 months, with mandatory 12-month IID requirement upon reinstatement
  • At least two and up to 10 years in jail

Texas is an implied consent state for sobriety testing. You can receive added penalties if you refuse a breath test at the scene of an arrest.