Other Texas DWI Laws

ALR – In Aid of Other Texas DWI Laws

The crime of Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) is taken seriously by the state of Texas. This is the reason why stiff penalties are enacted by the state legislature of Texas on DWI offenses. Texas’ Penal Code and Transportation Code contain laws that pertain to crimes of drunken driving particularly DWI. These Texas laws are the following: Chapter 49 of the Texas Penal Code entitled Intoxication and Alcoholic Beverage Offenses and Chapters 524, 708 and 724 of Texas Transportation Code. Chapter 524 is entitled License Suspension for Breath or Blood Test Failure, Chapter 708’s title is Selected Provision Dealing With DWI Surcharge for License Renewal and Chapter 724 is entitled Implied Consent and Breath and Blood Specimens License Suspension for Refusal. The definitions, provisions, penalties and processes of Texas DWI laws basically originate from these four.

On January 1, 1995, Administrative License Revocation (ALR) Program was implemented by Texas Department of Public Safety with the aim of suspending in a very swift and sure manner the licenses of dangerous drivers who are arrested for DWI. Effectively, the program suspends the licenses of individuals who refused to take the chemical test or give specimens for BAC test. This program was effected to help in the implementation of the existing Texas laws mentioned above.

Recently, the Legislature of Texas further enhanced the ALR Program by amending the statutes governing it authorizing the arresting policeman to confiscate the offender’s Texas license upon giving him the Notice of Suspension and issue instead a temporary permit. Likewise, these amendments provided for additional suspension periods.

These Texas DWI laws and programs and their corresponding penalties are designed to greatly minimize, or possibly diminish, the crime of DWI in Texas. Let us just hope that the laws will serve their purpose.