SR-22 Insurance in Texas
When Texas requires an SR-22 (or similar) certificate of insurance, how long you must keep it, and what happens if it lapses.
Short answer: 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. Tex. Transp. Code §§ 601.231, 601.262
| SR-22 filing | 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. |
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| Driving without insurance | 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. |
More Texas car insurance & vehicle laws
- Minimum Car Insurance in Texas
- Driving Without Insurance in Texas
- When a Car Is a Total Loss in Texas
- Transferring a Car Title in Texas
- All Texas car insurance & vehicle laws rules
FAQ
When do you need an SR-22 in Texas, and for how long?
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.
What is the penalty for 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.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.