Who has to file an SR-22 in Texas?
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TL;DR
The Texas Department of Public Safety says an SR-22 must be filed if a person's driving privilege is suspended because of a crash, after a second or subsequent no-insurance conviction, or when a civil judgment is filed.1 DPS also lists convictions that require one, and says the list is not exhaustive.2
Which drivers does Texas DPS require to file an SR-22?
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) states that a driver in Texas must file an SR-22 with the department when the driver’s privilege has been suspended due to a car crash, when the driver has a second or subsequent conviction for No Motor Vehicle Liability Insurance, or when a civil judgment has been filed against the driver.1 DPS adds that an SR-22 is also required when a security deposit is placed with the department as compliance for a crash or crash default suspension.1 DPS also lists convictions that require an SR-22 in Texas and says its list is not exhaustive.2 The DPS wording on the first group of triggers reads:
If your driving privilege has been suspended due to a car crash, you have received a second or subsequent conviction for No Motor Vehicle Liability Insurance* or a civil judgment has been filed against you, you are required to file a SR-22 with the Department.
Which convictions does DPS list as requiring an SR-22?
| DPS wording | Plain reading |
|---|---|
| Driving While Intoxicated | A DWI conviction |
| Drug Offenses | Drug offense convictions |
| Driving While License Invalid | A DWLI conviction |
| Multiple convictions for No Motor Vehicle Liability Insurance | Repeat no-insurance convictions |
What does a crash deposit require besides the SR-22?
| Document | What the rule requires |
|---|---|
| Certificate of insurance (Transportation Code) | A policy with a period of at least 6 months, prepaid3, the premium for the entire period paid in full |
| SR-22A (DPS) | It must certify that the policy is pre-paid for at least six months.4 |
Can the SR-22 requirement be waived after a no-insurance conviction?
DPS says that a person convicted of a second or subsequent no-insurance violation who had insurance on the vehicle at the time may submit proof of insurance, and the SR-22 requirement will be waived.1
What the sources do not state
The DPS wording quoted here does not give a complete list of every offense that leads to a filing.
Next step
The agency’s own explanation is on the DPS SR-22 page. This site’s Texas filing lookup tool lists what follows a given situation.
Related questions
- Can I get an SR-22 in Texas if I don't own a car?
- Can TAIPA issue an SR-22 in Texas?
- Does the time before I file count toward my SR-22 period in Texas?
- How long do I have to keep an SR-22 in Texas?
- How long does it take Texas DPS to process an SR-22?
- What happens if my SR-22 policy is cancelled in Texas?
- What is an SR-22 in Texas?
Receipts
- 1
Texas Department of Public Safety
Financial Responsibility Insurance Certificate (SR-22)
Open sourceSee the data - 2
Texas Department of Public Safety
Section 9: SR-22 (Proof of Financial Responsibility)
Open sourceSee the data - 3
Texas Legislature (Texas Constitution and Statutes)
Texas Transportation Code Sec. 601.153 (Deposit of Security; Evidence of Financial Responsibility)
Open sourceSee the data - 4