by Randy Farrar, Attorney at Law | Aug 1, 2021 | Driver's License Issues, Occupational Driving
Texas driver operating a motor vehicle on a Texas roadway must have a valid driver’s license with them.
Penalties for driving without a license:
- Fine up to $200 for the 1st offense
- Fine up to $200 for the 2nd offense within one year
- Fine up to $200 and/or up to six months in jail for the 3rd offense in on year.
BEWARE: Driving while License Suspended (DWLS) or Driving while License Invalid is a different type of offense. Please go to ________link for further information.
We usually charge $75 for driving without a license. Please complete the contact form below:
Name, address, phone number, copy of citation and copy of your current driver’s license
by Randy Farrar, Attorney at Law | Aug 1, 2021 | Driver's License Issues, Insurance Matters
In Texas, a driver must maintain proof of financial responsibility which usually includes liability insurance with a minimum coverage of:
- $30,000 for bodily injury on one person per accident,
- $60,000 for bodily injury of two or more persons per accident, and
- $25,000 for property damage of others in an accident.
Penalties for Driving without financial responsibility
1st time offender:
- Class C Misdemeanor,
- Fine up to $350,
- Plus annual DPS surcharge of $250 for the next three years.
2nd time offender:
- Class B Misdemeanor,
- Fine up to $1,000,
- Plus annual DPS surcharge of $250 for the next three years,
- The Court may order your car to be impounded for 180 days. Car can be released once you show proof of financial responsibility (liability insurance) The impound yard will charge $15 per day of impound.
What if an accident was involved, then the driver will be required to:
- File an SR-22 for the next three years,
- Automatic suspension of vehicle registration for up to two years,
- Automatic suspension of driving license for up to two years. See suspension and occupational license pages,
- Be 100% liable for injuries and damages for the accident you caused.
What if you did not have a valid driver’s license. You will add:
- An additional $2,000 fine,
- Up to 180 days in Jail.
What if you caused an accident with serious injury(s) or death?
- Up to a $4,000 fine,
- One year In jail.
You if find yourself in this situation, you need to contact my office today! I can help!
No insurance contact form (citation, name, address, phone number, email, did you have insurance coverage, accident involved, Serious injury or death occur? Did you have a valid Driver’s license?
by Randy Farrar, Attorney at Law | Aug 1, 2021 | Driver's License Issues, Insurance Matters, Occupational Driving
A driving while license suspended (DWLS) usually happens when a person forgets to pay a ticket, and their license gets suspended. The person may not even realize until after they get pulled over a simple traffic ticket. When this happens, the person finds themselves facing a misdemeanor criminal charge.
A DWLS/DWLI is a class C misdemeanor, unless it is enhanced to a Class A misdemeanor. Class C Misdemeanor is punishable by a fine of up to $500.
What could enhance your DWLS/DWLI?
- 2nd DWLS or DWLI,
- Driving without liability insurance,
- An accident was involved, and/or
- Suspended as a result of a DWI Arrest.
For a 1st offense, a person could receive up to 6 months in jail plus a fine up to $500.
For a 2nd offense is considered a Class A misdemeanor in Texas, a person could receive up to a year In jail and up to a $4,000 fine.
If I get my license back in order, will the Court dismiss the case? No, you will still need to answer for the current violation, but the prosecutor may take it into account when making the recommended punishment. However, I recommend getting your license back in order and if applicable obtain an occupational license while you are in the process of getting you license valid again.
So how do I get my license back in order? You will need to clear all the holds before DPS will release or allow you to apply for a new license. Go to this website to see what Texas DPS holds you have to clear up. https://txapps.texas.gov/txapp/txdps/dleligibility/login.do
Complete the form below and receive a free quote.
by Randy Farrar, Attorney at Law | Aug 1, 2021 | Driver's License Issues, Insurance Matters, Occupational Driving
This article was originally published on August 1, 2021, and has been reviewed and updated as of February 2026 to reflect current Texas DPS guidelines.
An occupational driver license allows limited daily hours and routes to drive a personal (non-commercial) vehicle for essential purposes: work, attending school, or essential household duties.
You may qualify for an occupational driver’s license if your suspension/revocation/denial results from multiple traffic tickets, failure to pay driver’s license surcharges or reinstatement fees, administrative license revocation (ALR) suspension, or DWI convictions (non-medical/child support-related).
To obtain an ODL, you must first petition a court (Justice of the Peace, county, or district court in your county of residence or original jurisdiction) for an order granting the license. The court order authorizes the Texas DPS to issue the restricted license (typically for up to 1-2 years).
You will need to provide:
- Payment for $300 for attorney fee for Occupational License. Depending on why you were suspended, revoked or denied, you may have additional attorney fees to fix those underlying issues.
- Payment for court filing fee (up to $300 depending on county; may be waived for indigent applicants).
- SR-22 (Financial Responsibility Insurance Certificate). I recommend services like ConceptSR22.com.
- Payment for DPS Occupational fee ($10 for one-year or $20 for two-years) depending on the circumstances.
- Payment for DPS Driving Record $22 for Type AR-Certified Abstract of Driving Record.
- Copy of your physical driver’s license.
- Payment of any DPS reinstatement fees (check the DPS website to see how much you owe or we can check for you).
- Proof of ignition interlock device installation (if required for alcohol-related suspensions).
- Complete the contact form below and submit.
Note (2026 update): Ignition interlock device proof is often required for alcohol-related suspensions. The court order typically allows temporary driving for up to 45 days during DPS processing (allow ~21 business days). Always confirm exact fees/eligibility at dps.texas.gov/section/driver-license/occupational-driver-license.
