Were you arrested for driving while intoxicated (DWI) or for a drug-related offense? Or, were you found to be “at-fault” for a car crash? If any of these scenarios apply to you, you may be required to file an SR-22 with the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). What is SR-22, and why would you possibly be required to file it? “A Financial Responsibility Insurance Certificate (SR-22) is a certificate verifying that an individual is maintaining motor vehicle liability insurance,” according to DPS. Most insurance providers can issue this certificate, which certifies that a driver has taken the steps to obtain the minimum liability insurance required under Texas law. “An insurance provider will automatically notify the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) when an SR-22 is cancelled, terminated or lapses,” according to DPS.
Why Must File an SR-22?
Anyone who has had their driver’s license suspended or revoked for the following reasons must file an SR-22, and they must maintain their coverage for two years from the date of the conviction or judgement:
- Individuals who caused car crashes
- Individuals convicted of DWI
- Individuals convicted of drug offenses
- Individuals who lost their license because of a judgement
“If I am required to file an SR-22, how do I get it?” If it comes down to this and the court says you are required to file an SR-22, you should contact your insurance agent or your insurance provider to obtain an SR-22. “What if I don’t own a vehicle?” In that case, you should contact an insurance provider and ask them about getting what’s called a Texas Non-Owner SR-22 Insurance policy. Please be aware that if you’re required to file an SR-22 and you fail to maintain it for the required two-years, or if you fail to file an SR-22, your driver’s license and registration can be suspended. They can also be suspended if DPS is notified about your SR-22 lapsing, being cancelled or terminated.
Facing DWI or drug-related charges that may lead to license suspension and an SR-22 requirement? Contact our Plano criminal defense firm for help!