Does an Out-of-State DWI Affect Texas Records?

In case you are convicted of DWI in any other state, it raises the question as to whether or not it would have an impact on your Texas driving record. The short answer? Possibly yes. Herein, we will discuss how these interstate charges may be used against you from license suspension to increased insurance and beyond.

Understanding the Driver License Compact (DLC) and How Texas Handles an Out-of-State DWI

Texas is part of the Driver License Compact, an interstate compact that involves 45 states sharing information about traffic citations and license suspensions. As a result of the DLC, most states – including Texas – count an out-of-state DWI offense as if it had taken place within their own state.

In other words, if you are found guilty of a DWI in another state, then the local authorities of Houston, League City, Galveston or any other Texas city will more than likely get this information and may impose the same sanctions just like a Texas-based DWI. For instance, Texas may view a DWI charge involving a breath test refusal just as seriously as if it had happened within the state.

Which States Are Not Members of the DLC?

There are just five states that are not members of the DLC: Georgia, Massachusetts, Michigan, Tennessee, and Wisconsin. Even then, it does not mean necessarily that no information regarding these states in connection to DWI is relayed to Texas. In other words, if you receive a DWI in a state that is not part of the DLC, it may still have an effect on your Texas driving record, yet in a slightly different manner.

Recommendation: Is this your first time dealing with a DWI charge? Have a look at our guide on the first DWI offense.

How This Will Impact Your Texas Driving Record: License Suspension and Fines

Once Texas is on notice of your out-of-state DWI, the Texas DPS may take action against you. This may involve one or all of the following:

• License Suspension or Revocation: Texas will generally suspend or revoke licenses for certain DWI offenses. If the offense you committed out of state would result in a suspension in Texas, DPS can impose a similar penalty. The length of a suspension will depend upon such things as prior offenses and the specifics of the DWI – particularly if the offense involved a breath test refusal, which Texas DWI law considers a serious factor in cases.
• Reinstatement Requirements: If your Texas license is suspended, you will be required to go through reinstatement, which involves fees and requirements established by DPS. Texas will not reissue or renew your license until you have satisfied these requirements. Additionally, Texas will not issue a license if your driving privileges are suspended or revoked in another state. This means you will want to resolve issues in the state in which the offense occurred.
• Points and Record Markings: Though Texas does not have a point system, there are indications of the DWI offenses on your driving record and may impose long-term effects, particularly in the case of prior offenses. Additionally, indications of DWI may contribute to more serious penalties during any subsequent offense.

Insurance Rates and Coverage Impacted

Out-of-state DWIs may impact your insurance rates too. Insurance companies have access to national databases regarding a driver’s record across state boundaries. This is how a DWI in another state may have an impact on your Texas auto insurance:

• Higher premiums: Once your insurer finds out about the out-of-state DWI conviction, your rates will probably go up. Most insurance providers consider this an ‘at-fault’ incident, even if it occurred in another state, and might charge accordingly.
• Possible Cancellation: Some insurance providers cancel their respective policies on drivers convicted of DWI. Not every insurance provider does this, but this might be something important to bear in mind: an out-of-state DWI may indeed affect your insurability.

Facing Out-of-State DWI? We Can Help

Are you concerned about an out-of-state DWI and its effect on your Texas driving record? The Law Offices of Tad Nelson & Associates can help. Our experienced lawyers in Houston, League City, and Galveston will take full advantage of every nuance of Texas DWI law in vigorously defending your rights from the time your case is filed until its resolution.

We know the intricacies of the Driver License Compact and how Texas interprets the various out-of-state convictions to develop a unique defense strategy for you. Contact us now for a consultation, and together we can protect your Texas driving privileges and obtain the best possible outcome.