Texas Car Insurance Laws

We’re happy to help you and fellow Texans find affordable car insurance to get you driving legal for less¹.

Before you buy auto insurance, it’s important to know Texas’s car insurance laws so you can make sure you’re meeting the legal requirements for your state.

According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, Texas’s car insurance laws require all drivers to present proof of liability insurance when they register their vehicle. Texas vehicle owners with cars registered in their name must be able to certify that they have insurance and that it meets state minimum requirements for:

$30,000 for bodily injury to or death of one individual in any one accident
$60,000 for bodily injury to or death of two or more individuals in any one accident
$25,000 for injury to the property of others in any one accident

Texas Penalties for Driving Without Car Insurance

In the state of Texas, it is illegal to drive any motor vehicle without proof of insurance or financial responsibility. The driver must maintain proof of continuous insurance throughout the registration period. The penalties for driving without car insurance in Texas include: suspension of driving privileges, fines of up to $350 for a first offense and up to $100 for subsequent offenses, and vehicle impoundment for up to 180 days.

Texas DUI/DWI Laws and Penalties

Texas DUI laws state that drivers with a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of 0.08 or more are considered to be driving under the influence. Texas DUI laws also prohibit driving under the influence of controlled substances such as marijuana, cocaine or inhalants. Penalties for a first offense DUI in Texas include a fine up to $2,000, 72 to 180 days in jail and 90 days to 1 year of licensure suspension. Penalties for a subsequent DUIs in Texas can include a fine up to $10,000 up to 2 years in jail and up to 2 years of licensure suspension.

Texas Cell Phone Driving Laws and Texting While Driving Laws

The state of Texas currently does not have a full ban on cell phone use for all drivers except when they are driving through school crossing zones. However, municipalities can, and have, enacted their own laws. Texas also has a texting while driving ban for all drivers. It is a minor misdemeanor and violators could face a fine of $200 to $500.

Texas SR-22 Insurance Documents

Texas SR-22 insurance documents are required for drivers who have been convicted of driving without auto insurance. An SR-22 form may need to be filed for three years with the DPS, showing proof of financial responsibility. This filing is usually required after the suspension of your driving privileges has been lifted. Your insurer can electronically file SR-22 insurance documents to the state of Texas for drivers that are required to keep and show valid auto liability insurance.

Cheap Car Insurance in Texas

If you are looking for cheap car insurance in the Lone Star State, Good2Go Auto Insurance^® may be able to help. We help you find low down payments and easy monthly payment options to get you on the road for less.

Start Your Free Texas Quote Online.

¹Consult with an attorney to see if it is illegal to drive without insurance in your state. Quote times on partner sites may vary. Prices vary based on the state where you reside, the coverage limits you purchase, and other underwriting factors.