Texas Transportation Code § 601.051 – Requirement to Show Proof of Financial Responsibility
Table of Contents
Statutory Text:
Sec. 601.051. REQUIREMENT OF FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY.
A person may not operate a motor vehicle in this state unless financial responsibility is established for that vehicle through:(1) a motor vehicle liability insurance policy that complies with Subchapter D;
(2) a surety bond filed under Section 601.121;
(3) a deposit under Section 601.122;
(4) a self-insurance certificate issued under Section 601.124; or
(5) a certificate of a county judge under Section 601.123.
What Does This Law Mean for Injury Victims?
Texas law requires every driver to carry proof of financial responsibility most commonly liability insurance. This statute is the foundation of all insurance-related duties in auto accidents.
If you are injured in a crash and the other driver:
Has no insurance
Cannot produce financial responsibility
Provides fake or expired proof
then they may be in violation of § 601.051. This can:
Support your claim of negligence
Trigger a claim under your uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
Lead to license suspension for the at-fault driver
Example Scenario
You’re rear-ended at a red light and injured. The other driver cannot provide proof of insurance. Police cite the driver under § 601.051. This strengthens your claim and may trigger a UIM claim with your own insurer. It may also help justify a demand for punitive damages due to the driver’s willful disregard of safety laws.
When This Law Applies
This statute applies in every situation where a vehicle is operated on Texas roads, including:
Car accidents
Routine traffic stops
Registration renewals
Any event involving law enforcement or DMV verification
For personal injury victims, this statute is especially useful when the at-fault driver lacks coverage or gives invalid proof of insurance.
Related Statutes
§ 601.072 – Minimum Liability Insurance Coverage
§ 601.191 – Criminal Penalty for Driving Without Insurance
§ 601.371 – Proof of Insurance After a Crash
§ 1952.101 – UIM Coverage Requirements
§ 542.056 – Insurer Claim Response Deadline
Texas Case Law Interpreting § 601.051
Affirmed that failure to provide valid proof of insurance during a traffic stop supports a § 601.051 violation.
Confirmed that failure to maintain insurance can lead to administrative and license penalties.
Established that ignorance or inability to pay is not a defense to § 601.051 violations.
Frequently Asked Questions About § 601.051
Houston Personal Injury Lawyer - Joel A. Gordon
A valid liability insurance policy is the most common. Alternatives include a bond, deposit, or self-insurance certificate.
You may file a claim under your uninsured motorist coverage. The driver may also face fines and license suspension.
Yes. Driving without insurance strengthens your claim and may justify punitive damages in a personal injury lawsuit.
Yes. All drivers on Texas roads must comply with § 601.051 or equivalent financial responsibility laws.