Pass the Exam easily with Premium Practice Tests | Unlock All with 7 Days Plan 
Offer Ends in 
Spanish 
English 
Traffic Enforcement Penalties
- 1/9If you furnish alcohol to a person under 21 years of age
It is illegal to give, sell, or provide alcohol to a minor. The penalty can be a fine up to $4,000 and/or up to one year in jail.
If you are under 21 and found guilty of an alcohol-related offense
You may be required to complete alcohol education, perform community service, and have your license suspended for 30 to 180 days, depending on the offense and prior history.
If you are convicted of a first DWI offense in Texas
You may face a fine of up to $2,000, a jail sentence between 72 hours and 180 days, and a drivers license suspension lasting from 90 days to 1 year.
If you are convicted of a third or subsequent DWI offense in Texas
You face a felony charge, with penalties of up to $10,000 in fines, 2 to 10 years in prison (Texas Department of Criminal Justice), and a license suspension of 180 days to 2 years
If you commit any felony-level DWI offense in Texas
You may be sentenced to time in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) with a long-term license suspension and a permanent criminal record.
When there is an open container of alcohol in the passenger area of a vehicle on a public highway
It is illegal to have any open container of alcohol in the passenger area of a vehicle, regardless of whether the vehicle is moving, stopped, or parked. Violating this law may result in a fine of up to $500.
If you are not wearing a safety belt while driving or riding in a vehicle in Texas
You may be fined up to $200 plus court costs. Beyond being unsafe, not wearing a seatbelt is also financially costly. Texas law requires all drivers and passengers to be properly secured.
When a crash in Texas involves injury, death, suspected intoxication, or vehicles that cannot be moved from the scene
You are required to notify law enforcement immediately. Texas law mandates reporting in these situations to ensure safety, proper documentation, and legal compliance.
When involved in a crash in Texas and information is requested
Texas law requires that you exchange your name, address, phone number, vehicle identification number (VIN), license plate number, driver license, and insurance information after a crash if requested.