Verified Tex. Transp. Code §601.191 · Checked July 2026 · 3 sources
What a no-insurance ticket costs in Texas
Citation data · First offense Tex. Transp. Code §601.191
$175–$350 fine
A first conviction for driving without insurance in Texas is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of $175 to $350 (Tex. Transp. Code §601.191). If the court finds a first-time defendant economically unable to pay, it may reduce the fine below $175.
Verified July 2026
By Mario Bailey
What to do now
- 1
Were you actually insured? Gather proof
Under Tex. Transp. Code §601.193 the court must dismiss the charge once it verifies a financial-responsibility document, such as your insurance card or policy, valid at the time of the stop.
- 2
If you were uninsured, get a policy before court
A first conviction is a fine of $175 to $350, and courts may reduce below $175 for a first-time defendant economically unable to pay.
- 3
Know the repeat stakes
With a prior conviction the fine range rises to $350 to $1,000, so keeping continuous coverage after this ticket is what keeps the next one from escalating.
Repeat offenses
With a prior conviction under §601.191, the offense remains a misdemeanor but the fine range rises to $350–$1,000.
Is driving without insurance a misdemeanor in Texas?
Yes, operating a vehicle in violation of the insurance requirement is a misdemeanor under Tex. Transp. Code §601.191, punishable by fine only.
Can it be dismissed?
Yes, if you were actually covered. Tex. Transp. Code §601.193 requires the court to dismiss the charge once it verifies a financial-responsibility document, such as your insurance card or policy, that was valid at the time of the alleged offense.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a no-insurance ticket in Texas?
A first offense is a misdemeanor with a fine of $175 to $350 under Tex. Transp. Code §601.191; with a prior conviction the range is $350 to $1,000. Courts may reduce a first-time fine below $175 for a defendant who is economically unable to pay.
Will a Texas no-insurance ticket be dismissed if I actually had insurance?
Yes. Under Tex. Transp. Code §601.193, if you produce a financial-responsibility document that was valid at the time of the offense, the court verifies it and shall dismiss the charge.
Is driving without insurance a misdemeanor in Texas?
Yes, a fine-only misdemeanor under §601.191. The fine is $175–$350 for a first offense and $350–$1,000 with a prior conviction.
Sources
This summary was checked against the following sources on the date shown above. Fines and fees change, verify before relying on specifics.
- Tex. Transp. Code §601.191, offense and fines (Public.Law)
- Tex. Transp. Code §601.193, dismissal on proof of coverage (Public.Law)
- Texas Transportation Code ch. 601, official text
Other tickets in Texas
Driving Without Insurance: other states
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General legal information, not legal advice. Statutes and penalty schedules summarized from the sources above as of July 2026.