Drunk Driving Laws in Houston

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Drunk Driving Laws in Houston

July 1, 2010
Author: Chris M. Alexander

Houston has severe drunk driving laws depending on the intensity of the offense. If you are a minor (below the age of 21), the laws are much stricter. There are law enforcement officers who take care of the cases and deal with necessary actions if someone is found guilty of driving under the influence of alcohol or any drug or driving. The drunk driving laws differ with the state but there are certain concepts and policies common to all states’ drunk driving laws.

DWI Laws and Penalties in Houston

The laws related to driving under the influence of alcohol or driving while intoxicated in Houston are serious because alcohol impairs a person’s judgment and ability to drive safely. There are several punishments associated with the intensity of crime. Below are some of the penalties issued in Houston:

Suspension or loss of license
Good amount of fine
Imprisonment for a long period of time
Substance abuse treatment
Social community service
Issue of criminal record
Restitution
Cinderella licenses
Implement of ignition interlock system

First Offense in Houston

A first offense DUI or DWI in Houston is a Class B misdemeanor. If an open container is found in the vehicle, 72 hours to 6 days jail sentence is possible with a fine of up to $2,000 plus a surcharge ($1,000). The fine doubles to $2,000 if the blood alcohol content is found to be double the legal limit, that is, 0.16%. However, an occupational license may be granted depending on your job.

The state also implements zero tolerance law for offenders under the age of 21. If any detectable amount of alcohol is found in the blood of a minor driver, they are subject to criminal offense laws and fines and imprisonment are possible.

Second Offense in Houston

In Houston, the second DUI or DWI offense is considered as a Class A misdemeanor. The penalties include jail time for 3 days to 1 year depending on the intensity of the offense. Also a fine of $4,000 is imposed with a surcharge of $1,500 per year for 3 years. The surcharge increases to $2,000 a year if the person is found to be drunk with a blood alcohol content of 0.16%, double the legal limit issued by the state.

The suspension period of license for the offender ranges between 180 days and 2 years. Based on the need of the offender, occupational license may be issued. Also a DWI abuse treatment has to be performed by the candidate for a period of minimum 80 hours.

Commercial Vehicle DUI Limit in Houston

In Houston, a person driving a commercial vehicle must not have a blood alcohol content of more than or equal to 0.04%. Any offender caught in this situation may have to face a suspension of the commercial driver’s license for one to three years. If there happens to be a minor in the vehicle, the driver faces more severe punishments.

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