An SR-22 insurance certificate is obtainable from most vehicle insurance providers. You can also ask if a specific insurance company offers the certificate when shopping for insurance in Dallas. You will be required to pay a fee for the certificate and notify the state of its acquisition.
The insurance company will inform the state if you have it, as well as if it lapses. Not every driver is required to carry an SR-22 certificate. If you received orders to get one, our DWI lawyers in your area can help you find an appropriate insurance provider. In addition to helping you obtain an SR-22, we can also help you meet any other legal requirements to retain your driving privileges.
What is an SR-22 Certificate?
An SR-22 certificate is a specialized type of auto insurance verification. This type of financial responsibility certificate is proof that you possess the minimum amount of insurance Texas law requires. Minimum coverage includes:
- $30,000 per person for bodily injury or death
- $60,000 per accident for bodily injury or death
- $25,000 per accident for damaged or destroyed property
The insurance company that issues the certificate will explain how it works and its added monthly costs. When you are fighting to retain or regain your driving privileges, our DWI legal team will help ensure you have the required coverage. Our goal is to ensure you can continue to transport yourself and your family to and from work, school, errands, and extracurricular activities.
Why am I Required to Have an SR-22?
Many factors can make this certification mandatory for drivers in Dallas. Per Texas Department of Public Safety (TxDPS) guidelines, an SR-22 is necessary if your driver’s license is suspended for:
- Boating while intoxicated
- Driving while intoxicated
- Driving with an invalid license
The state can also require you to carry an SR-22 certificate and attend DWI education classes after receiving multiple DWI convictions. According to Texas Transportation Code § 601, you need to have SR-22 certification to demonstrate financial responsibility. During a traffic stop, you must be able to provide a paper or electronic copy of the certificate upon an officer’s request.
Does an SR-22 Certificate Take the Place of Auto Insurance?
This is a separate certificate that does not replace your need for an insurance policy. To keep your driver’s license after a DWI, you are required to have both, according to TxDPS. You are also required to keep the financial responsibility certificate for a minimum of two years.
When we represent you, our team will make sure you understand the requirements of maintaining your license, including insurance coverage and the SR-22 document. We will also work hard to limit the potential damage, restrictions, and added expenses of DWI conviction by negotiating plea bargains to reduce the charges and penalties you face.
What Happens if My SR-22 Lapses?
If your certificate lapses, not only does it place your driver’s license at risk of suspension, it also puts your vehicle’s registration in jeopardy. The insurance company will notify TxDPS if your SR-22 lapses or is terminated or canceled.
Our DWI team can help you understand the importance of maintaining the required insurance coverage and proof of financial responsibility. We will also ensure you know the penalties of failing to meet your responsibility and the potential impact on your ability to register and drive your vehicle.
What are the Additional Penalties for DWI in Dallas?
The penalties for DWI can vary according to the number of previous offenses committed and your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level at the time of your arrest. Possible penalties include the following:
- First offense: up to 6 months incarceration
- Second offense: up to a year of incarceration
You might also face possible sentence enhancements. In addition, if your DWI conviction involved an accident, you will never be able to have your record sealed. When you hire our DWI team to represent you, we can help you fight to avoid this permanent blemish on your record by helping you avoid conviction.
Get Help Keeping Your Dallas Driver’s License
Are you or someone you love fighting to keep a license after a DWI arrest? We can help you learn more about obtaining an SR-22 certificate, why it is required, how much it will cost you, and how long you need to have it. When you are ready to fight for your driving privileges, we are here to support you.
Call Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg Today
Contact a team member in our Dallas office to begin with a complimentary consultation. Our lead attorney, Randy Isenberg, has more than 30 years of experience in the law, including many years as a former prosecutor and state district judge. He knows what it takes to defend our clients in these cases because he’s been on all sides of the courtroom.
Call the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg at (214) 696-9253 to get our DWI defense team started on your case today.
