Can police pull you over for no insurance in Texas?
Asked by: Rick Dibbert | Last update: June 17, 2025Score: 4.7/5 (30 votes)
Can you be pulled over for no insurance in Texas?
This information is available to any police officer who accesses the TexasSure database. If a driver gets pulled over, the officer making the traffic stop will quickly discover that the driver has no insurance, which is a misdemeanor under Texas law.
Can cops pull you over if you don't have insurance?
Driving Without Insurance
The laws can vary across the country, but the law enforcement officer who stops you will likely ask for up to three documents. You will certainly need to provide your driver's license, proof of insurance and quite possibly also your car registration to prove your ownership of the vehicle.
Can you go to jail in Texas for driving without insurance?
Can you go to jail for no insurance in Texas? While jail is not a penalty for no insurance in Texas, you face hefty fines. You also become subject to financial responsibility laws. If you're charged with failing to file proof of financial responsibility, then you could face jail time.
What is the penalty for no insurance in Texas?
A person commits an offense if the person operates a motor vehicle without an automobile liability insurance policy or other evidence of financial responsibility. This offense is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not less than $175.00 or more than $350.00.
How to Beat a Traffic Ticket Due to No Insurance
How long can you go without insurance in Texas?
You can't drive without insurance per Texas law. All drivers are required to have car insurance immediately. However, Texas's grace period allows drivers to carry over coverage from a previous vehicle for 20 days, with some drivers enjoying up to 30 days.
What happens if you hit car without insurance in Texas?
If the accident was your fault
If you get into an accident without insurance, you could be on the hook to pay for any damages to the other person's vehicle. Beyond that, the other party could sue you for expenses associated with personal injury, such as medical bills and lost income due to an inability to work.
Can police tow your car for no insurance in Texas?
§ 76.01 AUTHORITY TO IMPOUND VEHICLES FOR NO INSURANCE OR NO VALID DRIVER'S LICENSE. § 76.02 ESTABLISH NON-CONSENT TOWING FEES AND STORAGE FEES.
Does Texas suspend a license for no insurance?
You're required to carry car insurance while driving in Texas. If you don't have auto insurance, you could get a fine of up to $1,000, your vehicle impounded for up to 180 days and your driving privileges suspended for up to two years.
How to get out of a no insurance ticket in Texas?
The Texas State Law states that a ticket for "no insurance" can only be dismissed if you can provide proof that you had valid insurance coverage on the same date and time you were given the ticket.
How do police catch uninsured drivers?
Officers can determine your insurance status by scanning your license plate, so it's important to always carry proof with you. To that end, yes — cops do know if a car has valid insurance.
What do police see when they run your plates in Texas?
What Information Do Cops Get When They Run Your Plates? When a police officer runs your license plate, they receive a range of information about you and your vehicle. The main information provided is your license plate number, which allows them to access the vehicle's registration details and owner information.
What to do if no car insurance will take you?
If you're denied insurance, the first step is to call another insurer—different companies have different parameters. However, if several insurers have denied you, you may need to consider these options: Join a state assigned risk pool – Auto insurers participate on a voluntary basis in state assigned risk pools.
Can Texas cops see if you have insurance?
TexasSure allows law enforcement, county tax officials and vehicle inspectors to use the system to confirm whether a vehicle has required personal auto liability insurance coverage. They enter a license plate number to verify insurance status.
Can you sue an uninsured driver in Texas?
You can file a lawsuit against an uninsured driver in Texas if you've been involved in an accident and sustained damages as a result of their negligence.
How long can you go without car insurance?
It is a crime to drive almost anywhere without car insurance coverage, even for a minute or just down the street. So, how long can you be without car insurance? If you're driving, you can't. Anytime you get behind the wheel as a licensed driver, you need insurance coverage or you'll risk incurring major consequences.
What happens if I get pulled over without insurance in Texas?
A ticket for driving without insurance can cost up to $350 for first-time offenders. Subsequent infractions can be fined up to $1,000.
Can insurance tell if your license is suspended?
In most cases, the policy will not be issued in the first place; insurance companies can run motor vehicle records pretty quickly and will find out that your license is suspended. It may be instant or a matter of days.
How much is a ticket in Texas for no insurance?
Costs Associated With a No Insurance Ticket
First, you will receive a ticket for no insurance, along with a fine of $175-$350, supposing it's your first offense. Subsequent offenses could entail fines of $350-$1,000 for each infraction.
Can a cop tow your car for no insurance?
Yes, the police can tow your car for not having insurance in many states. If you are caught driving an uninsured vehicle, you may receive a citation to appear in court with proof of insurance and only need to pay a fine. However, every state and situation is different.
How many uninsured drivers are there in Texas?
According to the Texas Department of Transportation, approximately 80% of drivers in Texas carry at least the minimum amount of coverage. However, 20% or one-fifth of the driving population does not carry insurance. Meaning there are over 3,000,000 individuals in the state of Texas driving with no insurance.
When can police tow a vehicle in Texas?
If you are arrested (for example, for DUI), your car can be impounded in a police storage lot. If the vehicle is unattended, inoperable, and left on public property for more than 48 hours, it can be towed.
Do insurance companies go after uninsured drivers?
While insurance companies may pursue uninsured drivers to recover claim costs, the process can be complex and time-consuming. Uninsured drivers involved in accidents should seek legal counsel promptly to protect their rights and explore possible compensation avenues.
What happens if both parties don't have insurance?
Pursuing a Legal Case
If neither party in a car crash has insurance, it is critical to speak to an attorney about your legal rights and options. The evidence may end up showing that the other driver was responsible for the accident, meaning that he or she owes you money rather than the other way around.
What happens if I'm hit by an uninsured driver?
The MIB is a fund that all insurance providers pay in to using money from your premium. The fund provides compensation if you've been hit by an uninsured or untraceable driver (for instance if the other driver didn't stop).