Texas Transportation Code § 601.376 – Driver’s License Suspension for Lack of Insurance
Table of Contents
Statutory Text:
Sec. 601.376. SUSPENSION FOR FAILURE TO ESTABLISH FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY FOLLOWING ACCIDENT.
The department shall suspend the driver’s license and vehicle registration of a person who:
(1) is required to establish financial responsibility under this subchapter; and
(2) fails to provide evidence of financial responsibility as required by this subchapter.
What Does This Law Mean for Injury Victims?
If you are injured in an accident, and the other driver fails to provide proof of insurance, this statute allows the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) to:
Suspend their driver’s license and vehicle registration
Mark the driver as non-compliant under Texas financial responsibility laws
Help your lawyer demonstrate gross negligence or disregard for the law
This can give your personal injury attorney additional leverage during negotiation or trial especially if uninsured motorist (UM) coverage is involved.
Example Scenario
A driver hits your vehicle, causing you a serious neck injury. They do not provide proof of insurance at the scene or afterward. DPS suspends their license under § 601.376. Your attorney cites this as negligence per se, and your UIM policy covers the damages while your lawyer pursues personal judgment against the at-fault driver.
When This Law Applies
This law applies when:
A driver is involved in a crash causing injury or significant damage
They are legally required to prove insurance
They fail to do so under § 601.371
The Texas DPS initiates suspension due to noncompliance
In injury cases, this may help prove liability and recklessness, increasing your chances of full compensation.
Related Statutes
§ 601.051 – Financial Responsibility Requirement
§ 601.371 – Post-Accident Proof of Insurance
§ 601.191 – Criminal Penalties for No Insurance
§ 1952.101 – UIM Coverage
Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 41.001 – Punitive Damages Justification
Texas Case Law Interpreting § 601.376
Confirmed DPS’s authority to suspend licenses after a failure to provide proof of insurance post-accident.
Reiterated that repeat violations and noncompliance may lead to criminal charges and administrative actions.
Frequently Asked Questions About § 601.376
Houston Personal Injury Lawyer - Joel A. Gordon
Yes. If the driver fails to prove financial responsibility, the DPS must suspend their license and registration.
The suspension may be lifted, but only if they submit proper documentation and pay applicable fees.
It supports your case by showing the driver violated the law and may have been driving negligently or recklessly.
Possibly. If the driver’s conduct is extreme or repeated, your lawyer may argue for punitive damages.