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 Administrative License Revocation (ALR) suspension. ALR is the administrative penalty for driving while intoxicated, and DPS may suspend a license under it for a failed breath or blood test, for refusing a test, or for a driver under 21 with any detectable alcohol. The $50 choice understates the handbook figure, while $250 and $500 overstate it. A useful memory cue is to connect ALR with the number 125 when a question asks about reinstatement.

2. 2. Which record can lead Texas DPS to suspend a license, after a hearing, for repeated traffic violations?

   1. Two traffic convictions within any 12 month period
   2. Three traffic convictions within any 36 month period
   3. Four or more traffic convictions within any 12 month period
   4. Ten traffic convictions within any 5 year period
   Show answer

   Four or more traffic convictions within any 12 month period. DPS may suspend or revoke a license after a hearing for repeated violations: four or more separate traffic convictions within any 12 months, or seven or more within any 24 months. Two convictions in 12 months is the threshold for drivers under 18, not for all drivers. Three in 36 months and ten in five years are not Texas thresholds. A reinstatement fee is required for these discretionary suspensions.

3. 3. A Texas driver is caught driving while the license is suspended, with no prior conviction for it and no other aggravating factor. What is the offense?

   1. A Class C misdemeanor with a fine of up to $500
   2. A felony with prison time
   3. A Class A misdemeanor with up to one year in jail
   4. A civil violation with no fine
   Show answer

   A Class C misdemeanor with a fine of up to $500. Basic driving while license invalid in Texas is a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $500. It becomes a Class B misdemeanor, with a fine up to $2,000 and up to 180 days in jail, after a prior conviction, when driving uninsured, or when the suspension came from a DWI offense. A Class A misdemeanor applies only when the uninsured driver causes a crash with serious injury or death. It is not a felony at this basic level, and it is not a civil matter without a fine.

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.