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Driving While Intoxicated Laws in Texas |
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Wednesday, 23 May 2007 |
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Before discussing Texas DWI laws we need to see what exactly is DWI. DWI stands for Driving While Intoxicated. Sometimes it is also known as DUI (Driving Under Influence). Recently DWI laws have gathered everyone’s attention not just in Texas or US but also around the world. Basically DWI laws vary in different parts of the world. The laws may be extremely stringent or lenient depending upon the state or country you reside in. Here is a brief description of Texas DWI laws (DWI laws prevalent in Texas):
The legal limit for intoxication of alcohol or any other drug/substance/combination is set at 0.08%. This means that the BAC (Blood Alcohol Content) limit is set at 0.08% and zero tolerance law is observed in Texas. Moreover, as per the current Texas DWI laws, anybody under the age of twenty-one drinking and driving would be considered as a criminal offence. When it comes to Blood Alcohol Content limit, it is calculated upon the combination of the following conditions:· Weight
· Gender
· Body metabolism
· Age
· Number of drinks In Texas, as per DWI Laws, if anyone is intercepted by patrolling police and asked for a particular roadside test, he or she must adhere to the instructions given by the law enforcement officers. In case, you refuse, you would have to face suspension of driving license for 180 (one hundred and eighty) days. The amount of fines and the degree of punishment may vary from situation to situation. Here is a list of various punishable situations under Texas DWI laws. a) For Adults Driving Drunk Alone: In this case, the culprit has to pay fine up to $2000. He or she may also be liable to spend 72 hours to one year in jail. Additionally, the driver’s license may also be suspended for ninety days to one year, depending upon the situation.
b) Adults Driving And Drunk Alone II: In this case, the culprit would have to give away a fine up to $4000. He or she may also have to spend 30 days to one year in jail. The driver’s license may also be suspended from 180 days to two years.
c) Offense III: In this case, one may have to incur a fine up to $10,000 or 180 days to two years in penitentiary. The driver’s license may also be suspended from 180 days to two years.
d) Under 21: In case, you are under 21 then your driver’s license would be suspended for thirty days. You may also have to incur a fine up to $500. Around eight to twelve hours of community service and compulsory attendance in Alcohol Awareness Program (AAP) would also be the part of penalty.
e) Minor: If the culprit were a minor then the driver’s license would be suspended for ninety to one hundred and eighty days. |
