How to Get a No Insurance Ticket Dismissed in Texas

Getting pulled over and ticketed for not having auto insurance can be frustrating, especially if you were actually insured at the time. In Texas, you can get a no insurance charge completely dismissed by providing proof of valid coverage.

This article explains Texas no insurance laws, penalties, and how to fight a ticket.

Texas Requirements for Car Insurance

Under the Texas Motor Vehicle Safety Responsibility Act, all drivers must maintain minimum auto liability coverage levels, which are:

• $30,000 for injuries per person
• $60,000 for injuries total per accident
• $25,000 for property damage

This state-required insurance helps cover damages if you cause an accident. Having valid coverage is also mandatory to register a vehicle in Texas.

You must be prepared to show proof of your current policy any time you are stopped by law enforcement while driving. If you fail to provide it, you may be ticketed for lacking insurance.

Penalties for No Insurance Violations in Texas

Driving without required auto insurance in Texas leads to the following penalties:

• First offense – Misdemeanor fine of $175 to $350
• Second offense – Misdemeanor fine of $350 to $1,000, plus a driver’s license suspension until you can prove coverage
• Annual surcharge – $250 per year for 3 years after a conviction, paid to the state
• SR-22 requirement – Must file an SR-22 form with the DPS for 2 years after some convictions

Two or more no insurance convictions will also cause the DPS to suspend your license. To reinstate it, you’ll need to file an SR-22 showing liability coverage.

Defending Against a No Insurance Ticket

If you did have valid auto insurance when you were pulled over, you can fight a no insurance ticket in Texas. The steps are:

1. Gather your proof of insurance

Collect documentation showing your active Texas policy on the date and time you were stopped. Acceptable options include:

• Insurance card or printed policy document showing effective dates
• Declaration page from your insurer
• Proof of insurance letter from your provider
• Photos or screenshots of your insurance card or policy info
• Mobile policy proof through an insurer app

2. Request a hearing

Contact the court on your ticket to request a hearing to contest it. This is usually the municipal or justice court with jurisdiction over where you were stopped.

Submit your hearing request within 20 days of getting the citation to avoid a default judgment against you. Include your current mailing address.

3. Present your coverage proof to the judge

Bring your insurance documentation to your hearing. Texas Transportation Code §601.193 states that having valid coverage is a defense against a no insurance charge.

Show your judge verification that your policy was active when you received the ticket. Ask them to dismiss the citation.

4. Get documentation of the dismissal

Request a signed order from the judge confirming they are dismissing your no insurance ticket because you proved valid insurance. Keep this document so you have a record of the positive outcome.

Following these steps properly will allow you to avoid fines, surcharges, license suspension, and a misdemeanor conviction.

What if You Didn’t Have Insurance?

If you actually did not have the state-required liability insurance when you were ticketed, do not ignore the citation. Instead, take these steps:

Pay the fine

For a first offense, your fine will be $175 to $350. Fines for a second offense range from $350 to $1,000. Take care of this promptly to avoid late fees.

Reinstate your license if suspended

A second no insurance conviction leads to a suspended license in Texas. To get it reinstated, you must obtain coverage and file an SR-22 form with the DPS for two years.

Get insured immediately

Make arranging proper insurance coverage your top priority. You need it to start driving again legally and avoid more violations.

Consider defensive driving

Taking a Texas DPS-approved defensive driving course can keep the citation off your record and prevent premium hikes. This option is only available once per year.

Ask about payment plans

If you cannot afford to pay the full fine at once, request information on payment plans from the court. They may allow you to pay in installments over time.

No Insurance Violations and Your Driving Record

Convictions for no insurance in Texas do not add points to your license under the DPS point system. However, they lead to other penalties, like fines and surcharges. Multiple no insurance tickets will also cause your rates to increase over time.

No insurance convictions in Texas fall into two categories:

• Failure to Maintain Financial Responsibility – Violation of the law requiring drivers to carry minimum liability coverage. No insurance tickets are charged under Transportation Code §601.191.

• Failure to Maintain Evidence of Financial Responsibility – Violation of the law requiring proving continued coverage after certain convictions. Tickets are issued under TC §601.195.

Both types of no insurance violations show on your driving record as misdemeanors. They impact your auto insurance pricing and eligibility. Too many can get your license suspended.

Common Questions About Dismissed No Insurance Tickets

Can I get a ticket dismissed by getting insurance after the fact?

No, you must prove you already had active coverage when you were pulled over. Backdating a new policy or getting insured after being ticketed does not invalidate the citation.

What if I couldn’t find my proof of insurance when pulled over?

It doesn’t matter if you couldn’t locate your documents during the traffic stop. You can still get a no insurance ticket dismissed later by presenting valid proof to the court.

Do I have to go to court to get my ticket dismissed?

Yes, you must request a hearing and attend it to present documentation and ask the judge to dismiss the charges. Mailing proof of insurance is not sufficient by itself to get a citation overturned.

Should I hire a lawyer to fight my no insurance ticket?

While you can handle the dismissal process yourself, hiring a traffic ticket attorney can be helpful if there are any complexities involved. Consider representation if your situation is outside the norm.

What if the officer’s records were wrong and I was insured?

It does not matter if the officer was mistaken in thinking you lacked coverage at the time. Clerical errors do not invalidate the ticket. You still must prove active insurance through the dismissal process.

Can my insurer help get a no insurance ticket dismissed?

Yes, contact your insurer immediately and ask them to provide official proof of coverage documents that you can present in court. This evidence from them can help get the ticket thrown out.

Being issued a traffic citation for lack of auto insurance can be stressful. But in Texas, you can successfully challenge a no insurance ticket and get it dismissed if you follow the proper steps. With valid proof of your active coverage, the charges will be thrown out and leave your driving record clear of any negative impacts.