Texas DUI Laws
Texas DUI Defense
What you're facing, what the deadlines are, and the questions your attorney needs to answer, specific to Texas (TX) law.
BAC Limit
0.08
Enhanced BAC
0.15
Higher penalties above this
Lookback Period
Lifetime (for felony enhancement after 2 priors)
Prior offenses count within
15 days-Day DMV Hearing Deadline
In Texas, you have 15 days days from your arrest to request an administrative DMV hearing. Miss this deadline and your license suspension goes into effect automatically , even if the criminal case is later dismissed.
First Offense Penalties in Texas
Implied Consent & Test Refusal
Like all 50 states, Texas has an implied consent law, by driving on Texasroads, you've already agreed to submit to a chemical test (breath, blood, or urine) if an officer has probable cause to believe you're impaired.
Refusal Penalty
180-day license suspension
Texas-Specific Detail
Texas calls DUI 'DWI' (Driving While Intoxicated). The 15-day ALR hearing request deadline is critical, miss it and the administrative license suspension stands. Texas uses a lifetime lookback for third-offense felony enhancement.
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Other Texas defense topics
Facing a different charge in Texas? Penalty ranges, enhancements, and defense questions for related crimes:
Important: This page provides general legal information about Texas DUI laws as of the date of publication. Laws change frequently. This is not legal advice. For guidance specific to your case, speaking with a Texas-licensed attorney is one option, or take the free Masked Researcher’s First Read to see where your case stands.