Driving on a Suspended License in Texas

In Texas, there are a variety of reasons why a driver’s license can be suspended, whether it’s due to a traffic violation or even a criminal conviction. Having a suspended license means you cannot operate any vehicle for a specific period.

Common reasons for a suspended license include:

• Being convicted of driving while intoxicated (DWI)

• Refusing to submit to a chemical test (e.g., breath or blood test) after a DWI arrest

• Using a fake ID or allowing another person to use your ID

• Being convicted of vehicular homicide

• Accumulating four moving violations or more within 12 months, or seven moving violations or more within 24 months

Driving on a suspended or revoked license in Texas is a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $500. However, if your driver’s license was suspended due to DWI, you have a prior conviction for driving on a suspended or revoked license, or you didn’t have insurance at the time of the offense, then driving on a suspended or revoked license is a Class B misdemeanor, which carries a maximum jail sentence of 180 days and/or a fine of up to $2,000.

If you were driving without insurance and caused a car accident that resulted in another person’s injury or death, then driving with a suspended or revoked license is a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by a jail term of one year and/or a maximum fine of $4,000.