How to Get a No Insurance Ticket Dismissed in Texas

Getting pulled over and receiving a ticket for driving without insurance can be extremely frustrating. Especially if you actually had valid auto coverage at the time. Luckily, in Texas you can fight a no insurance citation and potentially get it dismissed by providing proof of your active policy.

This guide explains everything you need to know about dismissing no insurance tickets in Texas We’ll cover the state’s insurance requirements, penalties for driving uninsured, and the steps to contest a citation.

Texas Requirements for Car Insurance Coverage

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

• $30,000 bodily injury per person
• $60,000 bodily injury per accident total
• $25,000 property damage

This mandatory auto insurance helps cover damages if you cause an at-fault accident Having valid coverage is also required to legally register and operate a vehicle in the state of Texas

Whenever you drive, you must carry proof of current insurance and be prepared to show it if stopped by law enforcement. Failing to provide it can result in being ticketed for lack of required coverage.

Penalties for No Insurance Violations in Texas

Driving without the state-mandated minimum auto liability insurance leads to the following penalties in Texas

• First offense – Misdemeanor fine of $175 to $350
• Second offense – Misdemeanor fine of $350 to $1,000, plus driver’s license suspension until you provide proof of 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 certain convictions

Receiving two or more no insurance convictions will also result in the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) suspending your driver’s license. To get it reinstated, you’ll have to submit an SR-22 showing current liability coverage.

How to Defend Against a No Insurance Ticket

If you did in fact have valid auto insurance in place when pulled over, you can dispute a no insurance ticket in Texas. Here are the steps:

1. Gather documentation proving coverage

Collect evidence showing your active Texas insurance policy was in place on the exact date and time you received the citation. Acceptable options include:

• Insurance card or printed policy document displaying effective coverage dates
• Declaration page from your insurer
• Proof of insurance letter from your provider
• Photos or screenshots of your insurance card/info
• Mobile proof through your insurer’s app

2. Request a hearing to contest the ticket

Contact the court listed on your citation, which is typically the municipal or justice court with jurisdiction where you were stopped. Submit your hearing request within 20 days of receiving the ticket to prevent a default judgment.

3. Present insurance verification to the judge

Bring your insurance documents to the hearing. Per Texas Transportation Code §601.193, valid coverage is a defense against a no insurance charge. Provide proof your policy was active when ticketed. Ask the judge to dismiss the citation.

4. Obtain dismissal order documentation

Request a signed order from the judge confirming they dismissed your no insurance ticket because you proved you had valid coverage. Retain this record so you have documentation of the positive outcome.

Properly completing these steps allows you to avoid fines, surcharges, license suspension, and misdemeanor conviction.

What If You Didn’t Actually Have Insurance?

If you did not have the state-required minimum liability insurance when ticketed, do not disregard the citation. Instead, take these critical actions:

• Pay the fine promptly to avoid additional late fees. Fines start at $175 for first offenses but can exceed $1,000 for subsequent violations.

• Reinstate your license if suspended by obtaining new coverage and filing an SR-22 with the DPS for two years.

• Immediately acquire the legally mandated insurance to start driving legally again and prevent further tickets.

• Consider taking a Texas DPS-approved defensive driving course, which can potentially keep the conviction off your record and prevent insurance premium hikes. This option is only allowed once every 12 months.

• Ask the court about fine payment plan options if you cannot afford to pay in full upfront. They may permit installment payments over time.

Ignoring a no insurance ticket in Texas leads to much harsher consequences down the road. So if you were uninsured, promptly addressing it is critical.

No Insurance Violations and Your Driving Record

Convictions for driving without required insurance in Texas do not add points under the DPS point system. However, they still lead to fines, surcharges, suspensions, and increased insurance costs over time.

No insurance violations fall under two categories:

• Failure to Maintain Financial Responsibility – Violation of law requiring maintaining minimum liability coverage. Ticketed under Transportation Code §601.191.

• Failure to Maintain Evidence of Financial Responsibility – Violation of law requiring proof of continued coverage after certain convictions. Ticketed under TC §601.195.

Both types show on your driving record as misdemeanors and negatively impact your auto insurance eligibility and rates. Too many can result in a suspended license.

Common Questions About Dismissed No Insurance Tickets

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

No, you must prove active coverage precisely 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 locate my insurance documents when stopped?

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

Do I have to physically go to court to dismiss my ticket?

Yes, you must request a hearing and attend it to provide evidence and ask the judge to dismiss the citation. Simply mailing documents is insufficient to get a ticket overturned.

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

While you can handle the process yourself, an attorney may be helpful if any complexities arise. Consider legal representation if your situation differs from the norm.

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

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

Can my insurance company help get a no insurance ticket dismissed?

Yes, contact your insurer immediately and request they provide official proof of coverage documents you can bring to court. This evidence from them can assist in getting the ticket thrown out.

Receiving a traffic citation for no auto insurance can be very stressful. But in Texas, you can successfully fight a no insurance ticket and potentially get it dismissed by following the proper legal procedure. With valid evidence of your active policy, the charges will likely get thrown out and your record remain clear.