Texas DWI Costs (2026)
State-specific DWI cost calculators, law summaries, and guides for Texas.
Calculate your Texas DWI costOn our estimates, a typical first-offense DWI in Texas costs about $23,698, the 8th highest of the 50 states (median of our state estimates: $17,615). Use the calculators below for your own situation.
Texas DWI Key Facts
Texas DWI Calculators
Texas DWI FAQ
How much does a DWI cost in Texas?
Add up the fine ($0-$2,000), attorney fees (our estimate: $1,500-$7,500), insurance, ignition interlock, education, reinstatement and time off work, and our calculator puts a typical first-offense DWI in Texas at about $23,698, within a range of $11,586 to $39,085, using its default answers. Use the calculator for an estimate based on your own situation.
What is the legal DWI term in Texas?
Texas uses the term "DWI" for impaired driving offenses. The legal BAC limit is 0.08% for adults, with enhanced penalties at 0.15% BAC.
How long is your license suspended for a first DWI in Texas?
A first-offense DWI in Texas carries a license suspension of 1 year (365 days), and a second offense carries a license suspension of 2 years (730 days). Whether you can keep driving on a restricted license during that time is covered below.
Is an ignition interlock device required in Texas?
Our Texas data shows no interlock requirement for a first-offense DWI. A second offense requires 12 months of IID.
Does Texas require SR-22 insurance after a DWI?
Yes. Texas requires SR-22 high-risk insurance filing for 2 years following a DWI conviction. We estimate the typical premium increase at 65-130%.
When does a DWI become a felony in Texas?
In Texas, a DWI becomes a felony on the third offense (lifetime lookback). Other factors, such as an injury, can also change how a case is charged; an attorney can tell you how they apply in Texas.
Can a DWI be expunged in Texas?
Texas does not allow DWI convictions to be expunged. Some states have other ways to limit who can see a record, such as sealing, which this site does not cover yet; an attorney in Texas can tell you whether any apply.
How long do you have to request a license hearing after a DWI arrest in Texas?
In Texas, you have 15 days from when you receive the suspension notice to request a hearing on your license (Tex. Transp. Code §§ 524.031, 524.013(b)). The request must arrive within that time. A mailed notice counts as received on the fifth day after mailing, so that is 20 days from the mailing date. The notice you received at arrest gives the exact date.
How long does Texas have to charge you with a DWI?
In Texas, the state generally must file DWI charges within 2 years of the alleged offense. This deadline reflects a first-offense misdemeanor DWI; felony cases can carry a different filing window. If you are charged, an attorney can confirm how the deadline applies to your case.
Can you get a hardship or restricted license after a DWI in Texas?
Texas generally offers a hardship or restricted license that can let you keep driving for work, school, or treatment during part of a DWI suspension. Eligibility and conditions depend on your offense level and the court, so confirm the current rules for your situation.
Calculate Your Texas DWI Cost
Get a personalized cost breakdown for your specific situation.
Start the Calculator