How Much Is a No-Insurance Ticket in Texas?

Texas law requires drivers to prove their financial ability to pay for any damages they may cause if they are involved in an accident. Drivers demonstrate their ability by buying auto liability insurance. 

Liability insurance covers the cost of medical expenses for injuries from accidents and repairs for property damage of third parties from vehicle accidents. For instance, Texas law requires you to have $30,000 to cover bodily injury per person and $60,000 per accident. 

If a driver does not have the required insurance, a law enforcement officer can fine a first-time offender between $175 and $350. The fines can go up substantially if a driver has subsequent offenses, and they might face other penalties, as well. 

Uninsured Motorists Face Big Consequences

If you don’t have insurance in Texas, you could face a fine of up to $1,000. Your vehicle could be impounded for up to 180 days, and your driving privileges suspended for up to two years.

Is Driving Without Insurance a Misdemeanor in Texas?

Texas law § 601.191 prohibits drivers from operating their vehicles without minimum insurance coverage. Anyone who violates this law can be guilty of a Class C misdemeanor, which will go on their record.

What Is the Penalty for Driving Without Insurance in Texas?

Penalties for driving without car insurance in Texas can include:

Penalties for the first offense

You’ll have to pay a fine of $175 to $350 for the first offense. You may also have to obtain SR-22 to verify you carry the state-required minimum insurance coverage.

Penalties for the second offense

If caught without insurance for a second or subsequent offense, you’ll have to pay a fine of between $350 and $1,000. The court can order your vehicle to be impounded for 180 days; however, you can request its release by showing evidence of financial responsibility.

Repeat offenders must also pay a responsibility surcharge of $250 per year for the next three years.

Do Uninsured Motorists Get Caught Without Getting in an Accident?

The police can pull you over if they have reasonable and articulable suspicion that you do not have insurance. Texas and U.S. courts have verified that the police can use a database to confirm whether a driver has insurance.

What Happens if I’m in a Wreck Without Insurance in Texas?

If you’re in a crash with a driver who does not have insurance, never wait to speak to an experienced car accident attorney. Many people believe that seeking compensation is pointless without liability coverage, but there are often other options for seeking compensation for your losses. 

Your lawyer might:

• Identify other parties who share liability for the crash. This can include employers if the driver was on the job when they caused the accident or other drivers who might have contributed to the accident, among others. 
• File a claim with your uninsured motorist policy, which exists to provide coverage when an at-fault party has insufficient liability coverage. 

Get in Touch With an Experienced Car Accident Attorney in Austin

Is important to know how much is a no insurance ticket in Texas and at TK Injury Lawyers we are a team of legal professionals with decades of experience representing injured victims if is your situation. Feel free to contact us online for a free consultation, we are ready to support you.