Driving Without Insurance in Texas

Driving without required insurance is a misdemeanor with a fine of $175 to $350 for a first offense (the court may reduce it if the person cannot pay) and $350 to $1,000 for a later offense. After a second conviction, the Department of Public Safety suspends the driver's license unless the person files and maintains proof of financial responsibility until the second anniversary of that conviction, and the court must order an owner's vehicle impounded for 180 days. It is a defense to show the court a valid insurance document in effect at the time.

On request, a driver must show a peace officer, or anyone involved in a collision, evidence of financial responsibility, such as the policy or a copy, the TDI standard proof-of-insurance card, an image on a phone or other wireless device provided by the insurer, a binder, a surety bond certificate, or a comptroller deposit certificate. Texas checks coverage through TexasSure, its electronic insurance verification program; a citation for driving uninsured must state that the officer could not verify coverage through the verification program. Proof of insurance is required to register a vehicle.

After a second conviction for driving uninsured, a person must file and maintain evidence of financial responsibility (commonly an SR-22 certificate) with the Department of Public Safety until the second anniversary of the conviction, or the license is suspended. To release a vehicle impounded after a second conviction, the owner must show financial responsibility covering the two-year period that follows.