DWI Surcharge

What is a surcharge ?

A surcharge is an administrative penalty charged by the Texas Department of Public Safety as a fee for a person to maintain their driver’s license after they have suffered either a DWI conviction or submitted to a chemical test which showed an alcohol CONCENTRATION of .16 or more. The surcharge is assessed for 3 years following either of the aforementioned events. Specifically, the surcharges are:

1) $1,000.00 per year for a DWI 1st conviction;

2) $1,500.00 per year for subsequent DWI convictions; and,

3) $2,000.00 per year for registering a .16 or more.

If you do not pay the surcharge your drivers license will be suspended. The surcharge can be paid over the Internet and monthly payment arrangements can be set up. If you are a first time offender you may be eligible for pre trail diversion and may be able in some cases avoid the surcharge.