Texas Driver Handbook 2017

Chapter 1: Your License to Drive 

Texas Driver Handbook

1.  Driving while intoxicated (DWI) by use of alcohol or drugs

2.  Drug offense

3.  Intoxication manslaughter or intoxication assault

4.  Failure to stop and render aid

5.  Causing the death or serious injury of anyone while operating a motor vehicle; involuntary manslaughter

6.  Any offense punishable as a felony under the motor vehicle laws of Texas

7.  Overtaking and passing a school bus (subsequent conviction)

8.  Boating while intoxicated

9.  Evading arrest

10.  Driving while license invalid

11.  Altered/unlawful use of a driver license

12.  Displaying or possessing a fictitious or altered driver license or ID card

13.  Lending a driver license or ID card to someone

14.  Possessing more than one valid driver license or ID card

15.  Providing false information or documents when applying for a driver license

16.  Making, selling, or possessing a document deceptively similar to a driver license or ID card issued by DPS

17.  Graffiti

18.  Fictitious license plate, registration certificate, or safety inspection sticker

19.  Fraudulent government records

20.  Racing a motor vehicle on a public highway or street

Administrative Suspensions and Revocations

DPS has the authority to suspend or revoke a driver license or privilege of any driver, after an opportunity for a proper hearing, for 

any of the reasons listed below. A reinstatement fee is required for all discretionary suspensions and revocations.

1.  Driving while license invalid 

2.  Causing a serious crash while driving a motor vehicle

3.  Becoming incompetent to drive

4.  Repeated violations of traffic laws, including:

a.  Four or more traffic convictions occurring separately within any 12-month period or 

b.  Seven or more traffic convictions within any 24-month period

5.  Failure to complete a drug education program as required upon conviction of a drug offense 

6. Failure to provide medical information when requested

7.  Failure to take or pass a test when requested

8.  Fleeing or attempting to flee from a law enforcement officer

9.  Person has committed an offense in another state, which if committed in this state would be grounds for suspension or revocation

10.  Fail to stop for a school bus (second conviction)

11.  Violates a probation order set by a previous hearing

Suspensions and Revocations (Under 21)

Convictions or failure to comply with the following offenses will result in automatic suspension of the driving privilege of indi-

viduals who are less than 21 years of age (See Administrative License Revocation (ALR) section for more suspension information 

regarding minors.)

Alcoholic Beverage Code Offenses

1.  Minor in possession

2.  Attempt to purchase alcohol by a minor

3.  Purchase of alcohol by a minor

4.  Consumption of alcohol by a minor

12

---

Chapter 1: Your License to Drive 

Texas Driver Handbook

5.  Misrepresentation of age by a minor

6.  Driving or operating a watercraft under the influence of alcohol by a minor

7.  Failure to complete an alcohol awareness class

Health and Safety Code Violations

1.  Failure to complete a tobacco awareness class when required

2.  Drug offense

3.  An offense under the Controlled Substance Act

4.  A felony under Chapter 481 that is not a drug offense

Family Code Violations

1.  Delinquent conduct by a minor or juvenile

2.  Truancy

Suspend or Revoke After Hearing of Minor

DPS has the authority to suspend or revoke the license or driving privilege of a minor after a proper hearing, for:

1.  A juvenile court order

2.  Failure to pay a fine or juvenile contempt, and

3.  Two or more traffic convictions occurring separately within any 12-month period for a driver who is less than 18 years of age

Administrative License Revocation (ALR) 

The Administrative License Revocation (ALR) law provides an administrative penalty for driving while intoxicated. A $125 rein-

statement fee is required for all ALR suspensions.

DPS is authorized to suspend a license or driving privilege:

1.  For individuals who are over 21 years of age who fail a breath or blood test (the blood alcohol content indicates a level of 0.08 

or more)

2.  Of any person who refuses to submit to a breath or blood test, or

3.  For individuals who are under 21 years of age for any detectable amount of alcohol

Cancellations

DPS is authorized to cancel the driver license or ID card of individuals who do not meet certain qualifications. The following types 

of cases require cancellation of a driver license or ID card:

1.  Suspension and revocation action from another state

2.  Parental authorization withdrawn (for individuals who are under 18 years of age)

3.  Failure to give the required information on the application for the license or ID card

4.  Person is not entitled to the license or ID card

5.  Incomplete driver education

6.  Voluntary surrender for medical or insurance purposes

7.  False statement on an application for a license or ID card

Court-Ordered Suspensions, Revocations, and Cancellations

Upon receipt of a court order, DPS will suspend, revoke, or cancel a license or driving privilege for:

1.  Delinquent child support

2.  Requirement for an ignition interlock device (see www.dps.texas.gov/DriverLicense/IgnitionInterlock.htm for more information)

3.  Failure to repay any overpayment of food stamps or financial assistance

4.  Mentally incapacitated

5.  Chemically dependent

6.  Failure to renew their license annually as required (classified sex offender)

13

---