Texas CDL DUI Consequences
CDL holders in Texas face double penalties: federal CDL disqualification plus Texas DWI criminal consequences. The state's lifetime lookback makes every offense count forever.
Federal + State: You Face Both
As a CDL holder arrested for DWI in Texas, you're subject to federal CDL disqualification (1 year minimum) AND Texas state criminal penalties (fines, jail, probation). These run on parallel tracks—winning one doesn't dismiss the other.
Texas DWI Criminal Penalties
State penalties you face in addition to federal CDL disqualification
| Offense | Jail Time | Fines | License |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st DWI | 72 hrs - 180 days | Up to $2,000 | 90-365 day suspension |
| 2nd DWI | 30 days - 1 year | Up to $4,000 | 180 days - 2 years |
| 3rd+ DWI (Felony) | 2-10 years prison | Up to $10,000 | 180 days - 2 years |
| DWI w/ Child Passenger | 180 days - 2 years | Up to $10,000 | + child endangerment |
Texas Lifetime Lookback: Unlike most states, Texas counts every prior DWI conviction forever when determining enhancements. A DWI from 20 years ago still makes your current arrest a "second offense."
Commercial Vehicle Impound in Texas
Impounding a commercial truck is exponentially more expensive than a passenger vehicle
Towing Costs
- •Base hook-up: $300+
- •Hourly rate: $300-$700/hour
- •Complex recovery: $10,000+
- •Trailer towed separately
Storage Fees
- •Tractor: $50-$100/day
- •Trailer: $25-$50/day (billed separately)
- •Fees start immediately
- •Weekend/holiday charges may apply
Texas VSF Release Requirements
To retrieve a commercial vehicle from a Texas Vehicle Storage Facility:
- • Valid government ID
- • Proof of ownership (title or registration)
- • If carrier sending another driver: Affidavit of Right of Possession or notarized authorization letter
- • Payment (VSFs must accept cards if they have processing capability)
The Texas ALR Process
CDL holders face both the administrative ALR hearing (to save your Texas driver's license) and federal CDL disqualification. These are separate—winning the ALR hearing doesn't prevent federal CDL consequences.
15-Day Deadline
You have 15 days from arrest to request an ALR hearing with SOAH. Missing this deadline means automatic Texas license suspension on day 40.
Finding a SAP in Texas
Texas has numerous DOT-qualified Substance Abuse Professionals, particularly in major trucking hubs like Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth, San Antonio, and El Paso.
Telehealth SAP evaluations are available statewide, which is particularly helpful for drivers based in rural areas of West Texas or the Panhandle.
How to find and work with a SAPFederal CDL Regulations
For information about federal CDL disqualification, the FMCSA Clearinghouse, and the Return-to-Duty process that applies nationwide:
CDL DUI Federal GuideRelated Texas DWI Guides
Sources & Official Resources
Information on this page is sourced from Texas state statutes and federal regulations.
- Texas Penal Code Chapter 49 - Intoxication Offenses
- 49 CFR § 383.51 - Federal CDL Disqualification
- Texas DPS - Administrative License Revocation
Last updated: January 8, 2026
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