Reader’s Question:

What are the drunk driving laws in Texas?

Chris

Austin TX

 

Texas drunk driving laws are more or less similar to other states, except that there are slight differences that make the state’s implementation more strict compared with others. Just like the other 50 states, Texas drunk driving laws follow the blood alcohol level 0.08 measurement to test for drunkenness among drivers. A driver whose breath test yields this amount or higher is eligible to become arrested for driving while intoxicated.

Among the states, Texas drunk driving laws are one of the most stringent. This is probably because of the many fatal accidents that have occurred in the past due to drivers who have had a drink too many. In this state, any motorist can be pulled over by police officers and a breath test can be conducted right there and then. A driver who refuses the BAC test is already presumed guilty. When asked to take the test, it is better to do it without making a fuss. When you are not guilty, take the test and go home.

Just like in other states, Texas also follows the same procedures under its drunk driving laws. A person whose breath test shows a BAC higher than normal gets arrested and spends some time in jail until a bail is post. He can go home if he promises the court that he will come back for the hearing. If there is no doubt that he has been drunk while driving, he gets a conviction that includes license suspension, penalties, fines, jail time and even community service.

A person with a drunk driving conviction in Texas normally will get higher rates in his insurance policy, which makes thing worse for him. He has to file for a financial responsibility proof, the SR-22 form, which signifies that he is insured. Worse, a driver with no insurance and caught driving while drunk could say goodbye to driving for a long time.