{"id":376552,"date":"2016-04-11T01:24:12","date_gmt":"2016-04-11T06:24:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/texas-law\/overview-of-texas-dwi-laws.html"},"modified":"2024-01-28T11:37:16","modified_gmt":"2024-01-28T16:37:16","slug":"overview-of-texas-dwi-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/texas-law\/overview-of-texas-dwi-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Texas DWI Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Texas DWI Laws<\/h1>\n
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\n By Amy Vandervort-Clark, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Melissa Bender, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

Driving under the influence is a serious charge. A DWI conviction will follow you for years. With a conviction on your criminal record, you may lose job opportunities, have trouble getting professional licenses, and lose college scholarships. Texas drunk and drugged driving convictions are no different. With one person dying in alcohol-related accidents every 39 minutes<\/a>, Texas takes DWIs very seriously. The state does not allow for expungement of DWI convictions.<\/p>\r\n

In Texas, driving while intoxicated (DWI) by alcohol or illicit and prescription drugs can earn you jail time, even as a first offense. You will lose your driving privileges upon arrest. The ordeal will cost you a lot of time and money.<\/p>\r\n

Learn more about the DWI laws in Texas below.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) Limits and Implied Consent<\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n<\/tr>

"Per Se" BAC Limit<\/a><\/td>\r\n0.08%<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Zero Tolerance (Underage) BAC Limit<\/a><\/td>\r\n0.00%<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Enhanced Penalty (Aggravated) BAC Limit<\/a><\/td>\r\n0.15%<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Implied Consent<\/a> to Submit to BAC Test?<\/td>\r\nYes<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
 <\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Select Penalties<\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n<\/tr>

Minimum License Suspension or Revocation<\/a> (1st, 2nd, 3rd offense)<\/td>\r\n90 days, 180 days, 180 days<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Mandatory Alcohol Education or Assessment and Treatment<\/a><\/td>\r\nEducation<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Vehicle Confiscation<\/a> Possible?<\/td>\r\nYes<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Ignition Interlock Device<\/a> Possible?<\/td>\r\nYes<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>\r\n

Note: <\/b>State laws constantly change through legislative, judicial, or other means. While FindLaw works hard to ensure the accuracy of its legal resources, it’s a good idea to thoroughly research the law or check with an attorney to ensure you have the most recent information.<\/i><\/p>\r\n

Texas DWI Laws<\/h2>\r\n

Texas Penal Code prohibits anyone from operating a motor vehicle in a public place while impaired by alcohol, controlled substances, dangerous drugs, or a combination of these substances. Intoxication is further defined as not having the normal use of your mental and physical faculties because of the ingestion of alcohol or intoxicating substances.<\/p>\r\n

Texas law also prohibits operating the following while intoxicated:<\/p>\r\n