There are several driving consequences that may result when someone is convicted of driving while intoxicated (DWI) in Texas. For example, people often lose their driving privileges. They can also anticipate needing to pay far more for insurance coverage after their conviction.
In some situations, those who plead guilty to or get convicted of a DWI offense in Texas will need to pay to install an ignition interlock device (IID) in their vehicles. They will also have to pay to calibrate and inspect the device until they are able to remove it and regain their full driving privileges.
When do Texas drivers typically need to install an IID after a DWI charge?
When the courts order its installation
There are a handful of scenarios in which criminal judges in Texas may order someone to install an IID in their vehicle as a condition of their bond after an arrest. These are often scenarios that are more serious than a simple DWI, including the situations that result in felony DWI charges. Those who have a passenger age 14 or younger in their vehicle may have a court order to install an IID after a crash. The same is true for those with two or more prior DWI convictions. Finally, anyone who causes a collision that hurts someone or results in a fatality will likely need to install an IID in their vehicle because the judge will order them to do so.
When they want their driving privileges back
A license suspension is a standard consequence for a DWI offense in Texas. Many people cannot simply forgo driving for months after their criminal charges because they need to drive for work or to take care of their families. People can request a hardship license in such circumstances and will need to install an IID in order to legally drive until the end of their suspension. They will have to pay the same cost as those who have a court order to install an IID, but it will be a privilege as opposed to a punishment.
In both scenarios, those with an IID in their vehicle will have to pay for the device and could face arrest if they drive another vehicle in the meantime. Learning more about the Texas DWI statutes may benefit those who have been recently arrested and who are worried about transportation matters.