Suspensions, revocations and license penalties

Key points

1. Once you pass, always carry your license when driving and show it when asked.

   Source: Handbook p. 9

   “If you pass the driving exam, always carry your license with you when driving and upon request, show it to:”
   Texas Driver Handbook, Handbook p. 9

2. A first conviction for driving without a license is a fine of up to $200.

   Source: Handbook p. 9

   “1st conviction A fine of up to $200.”
   Texas Driver Handbook, Handbook p. 9

3. Four or more traffic convictions in any 12 months, or seven or more in any 24 months, can bring a suspension.

   Source: Handbook p. 11

   “Four or more traffic convictions occurring separately within any 12-month period or b. Seven or more traffic convictions within any 24-month period”
   Texas Driver Handbook, Handbook p. 11

4. DPS can suspend a license if a driver over 21 fails a breath or blood test with 0.08 or more.

   Source: Handbook p. 12

   “For individuals who are over 21 years of age who fail a breath or blood test (the blood alcohol content indicates a level of 0.08 or more)”
   Texas Driver Handbook, Handbook p. 12

5. DPS can also suspend the license of anyone who refuses a breath or blood test, and of drivers under 21 with any detectable alcohol.

   Source: Handbook p. 12

   “Of any person who refuses to submit to a breath or blood test, or 3. For individuals who are under 21 years of age for any detectable amount of alcohol”
   Texas Driver Handbook, Handbook p. 12

6. A $125 reinstatement fee is required for all ALR suspensions.

   Source: Handbook p. 12

   “A $125 reinstatement fee is required for all ALR suspensions.”
   Texas Driver Handbook, Handbook p. 12

7. Driving while your license is invalid can be a Class C misdemeanor with a fine of up to $500.

   Source: Handbook p. 13

   “Class C misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $500.”
   Texas Driver Handbook, Handbook p. 13

8. An occupational (essential need) license lets some suspended drivers drive when a court finds an essential need.

   Source: Handbook p. 14

   “An occupational license, also called an essential need license, is a special type of restricted license issued to individuals:”
   Texas Driver Handbook, Handbook p. 14

9. Street racing can be punished from a Class B misdemeanor up to a second degree felony.

   Source: Handbook p. 46

   “The criminal penalty for a conviction of Speed Racing ranges from a Class B misdemeanor to a second-degree felony.”
   Texas Driver Handbook, Handbook p. 46

Numbers to know

3 questions from the Texas practice test

1. 1. What reinstatement fee does Texas require for an Administrative License Revocation suspension?

   1. $500
   2. $50
   3. $250
   4. $125
   Show answer

   $125. Texas lists a $125 reinstatement fee for every ALR suspension. The amount is tied to the administrative action, so it is separate from the underlying criminal case and from other possible court costs. The $50 choice confuses this fee with a smaller administrative charge, while $250 and $500 overstate the handbook figure. A useful memory cue is to connect ALR with the number 125 before thinking about DWI penalties or license restoration. If a question asks specifically about an ALR reinstatement fee, look for the fixed amount rather than a jail term, suspension length, or BAC threshold.

2. 2. What does Texas's Administrative License Revocation law provide for driving while intoxicated?

   1. A vehicle registration discount
   2. An administrative penalty
   3. A replacement license without review
   4. A requirement to retake the road test
   Show answer

   An administrative penalty. Administrative License Revocation is a licensing consequence for driving while intoxicated, separate from the ordinary process of renewing or replacing a card. The handbook describes it as an administrative penalty and notes that a reinstatement fee applies to ALR suspensions. The registration choice concerns a different record, while a replacement license and a new road test do not describe this program. When studying, connect ALR with an administrative suspension or revocation after an alcohol related driving event, rather than with vehicle paperwork.

3. 3. A Texas driver who owns the vehicle is convicted a second time of driving without evidence of financial responsibility. What penalty applies?

   1. A $50 fine
   2. Only community service
   3. A warning because the first fine was paid
   4. License suspension, a $350 to $1,000 fine, and court impoundment of the vehicle
   Show answer

   License suspension, a $350 to $1,000 fine, and court impoundment of the vehicle. The handbook's penalty table for driving without evidence of financial responsibility lists a fine of $175 to $350 for a first conviction. A second or later conviction brings suspension of the driver license, a fine of $350 to $1,000, and court impoundment of the vehicle when the defendant owned it at the time of the offense and still owns it on the conviction date. A $50 fine, community service alone, or a warning understate a repeat insurance violation.

Source: the Texas Driver Handbook, Chapter 1: Your License to Drive. This lesson is a plain English summary, not the law itself; where it differs, the manual and the statute govern. Last checked 2026-09-27.