Just Got a DUI in Texas — What to Do Next

The 15-Day ALR Rule — The Most Important Deadline

When a Texas peace officer arrests you for DUI/DWI and you either fail the breath/blood test (BAC of 0.08 or higher, or any detectable amount under 21) or refuse the test, the Texas Department of Public Safety triggers an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) — a civil suspension that runs separate from the criminal case. You receive a temporary 41-day driving permit at the time of arrest. On day 41, your license suspends automatically — unless you, or your attorney, request an ALR hearing in writing within 15 days of the arrest.

Most first-time DUI drivers in Texas miss this deadline because they are focused on bail, the criminal court date, or simply being shaken up. The ALR hearing is the single most powerful tool in a Texas DUI case: many cases get dismissed at the ALR stage when officers fail to appear or evidence is weak. Even if the criminal case results in conviction, winning the ALR can save your driving privileges entirely.

Action item: Within 72 hours of release, contact a Texas DUI defense attorney. The State Bar of Texas Lawyer Referral Service (1-800-252-9690) provides free consultations. A-LA Auto Insurance does not represent attorneys — but we can issue your SR-22 on day one so you are ready to apply for an Occupational Driver License the moment your suspension begins.

SR-22 Insurance — Same-Day Filing With TxDPS

An SR-22 is not a separate insurance policy — it is a financial responsibility certificate that your insurance carrier files electronically with the Texas Department of Public Safety, proving you carry at least the state minimum liability coverage of 30/60/25. Texas requires SR-22 for 2 years after a DUI conviction, measured from the date your license is reinstated (Tex. Transp. Code §601.161). The clock does not start at arrest — it starts at reinstatement.

A-LA Auto Insurance is one of the few DFW agencies that files SR-22 electronically the same business day you purchase a policy. Most carriers take 24 to 72 hours. We work with 35+ non-standard insurance carriers built specifically for high-risk drivers, which means lower base premiums than what a standard carrier would offer after seeing a DUI on your record.

You don't need a valid Texas license to purchase a policy. Acceptable IDs include Matrícula Consular, ITIN, foreign passport, foreign or international driver's license, and DACA Employment Authorization Document. We never run a credit check. Pricing starts at $28/month for non-owner SR-22 (if you don't currently own a vehicle).

What a Texas DUI Actually Costs (First 12 Months)

Most first-time DUI drivers in Texas significantly underestimate the financial hit. Here is a realistic 12-month range based on Tarrant, Dallas, and Collin County averages from court data and our agency's customer book:

• Defense attorney — $2,500 to $7,500 for a first-offense case (more for trial).
• Bail bondsman — typically 10% of the bond amount, often $200 to $1,500.
• Reinstatement fees — $125 ALR reinstatement plus $100 surcharge.
• DUI Education Program — $70 to $200 (12-hour course, state-mandated).
• Ignition interlock — $70 to $150/month if required, plus install/uninstall fees.
• SR-22 surcharge on insurance — typically 50% to 120% above your prior premium for 2 years.
• Court fines — up to $2,000 for a first offense, more if BAC was over 0.15.

All-in, most first-time Texas DUIs cost $8,000 to $15,000 in the first year. The single biggest variable you control is which insurance carrier you go with for SR-22. A-LA shops 35+ carriers — going with the first quote a standard carrier offers can cost you 60% more over the 2-year SR-22 window than the lowest non-standard rate we find.

Frequently Asked Questions