Texas Transportation Code § 601.193 – Enhanced Penalties for Repeated Violations of Insurance Law
Table of Contents
Statutory Text:
Sec. 601.193. PENALTIES FOR REPEATED OFFENSES.
If it is shown on the trial of a person charged with an offense under Section 601.191 that the person has been previously convicted of an offense under that section, the person is:
(1) subject to a fine of not less than $350 or more than $1,000; and
(2) except as provided by Section 601.231, the Department of Public Safety shall suspend the driver’s license and vehicle registration unless the person establishes and maintains financial responsibility as required by this chapter.
What Does This Law Mean for Injury Victims?
This law targets repeat offenders who drive without insurance. If you’re injured in a crash caused by a driver who has previous violations of Texas insurance laws, this statute may:
Confirm a pattern of negligence
Justify punitive damages
Support a stronger claim under your own UIM policy
It also increases the likelihood that the at-fault driver will face license suspension, making it easier to document their history in litigation.
Example Scenario
A driver rear-ends you at a red light and has no insurance. You later learn this is their second offense. The court applies § 601.193, increasing their fine and suspending their license. In your injury claim, this pattern of disregard supports your claim for enhanced damages and makes it easier to justify tapping into your UIM coverage.
When This Law Applies
This statute applies when:
A driver has previously been convicted under § 601.191 (driving without insurance)
They are again caught driving without valid financial responsibility
The violation occurs during or after a collision causing injury or property damage
It creates automatic consequences, including a higher fine and mandatory license suspension, unless insurance is purchased and maintained.
Related Statutes
§ 601.191 – First Offense: No Insurance Violation
§ 601.051 – Financial Responsibility Requirement
§ 601.376 – License Suspension for No Insurance
§ 1952.101 – UIM Coverage Requirement
§ 541.060 – Bad Faith by Your Insurer
Texas Case Law Interpreting § 601.193
Confirmed that prior convictions for lack of insurance justify enhanced penalties under § 601.193.
Held that suspension is mandatory unless financial responsibility is proven after repeat offense.
Upheld the court’s authority to increase penalties and apply license restrictions.
Frequently Asked Questions About § 601.193
Houston Personal Injury Lawyer - Joel A. Gordon
$350 to $1,000, compared to $175 to $350 for first offenses.
Yes. License and registration must be suspended unless the person proves current insurance coverage.
A history of violations can strengthen your claim and support requests for punitive damages or higher settlement value.
Not automatically, but it increases your leverage, especially when combined with serious injury and strong legal representation.