A TABC suspension means you lost your license because of alcohol or drug involvement

A TABC suspension is a license suspension ordered by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission when you are convicted of certain alcohol or drug-related offenses. Unlike a suspension for unpaid tickets or points, a TABC suspension is tied directly to your conduct involving alcohol or controlled substances — not your driving record alone.

The most common reason for a TABC suspension is a conviction for driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI). Texas also suspends licenses for convictions related to open container violations, underage drinking, or drug possession in some circumstances. The length of the suspension depends on whether it is your first offense and the specific charge.

A TABC suspension is separate from any suspension your Department of Public Safety (DPS) may impose. You may face both at the same time, which means you cannot drive legally until both suspensions are lifted.

Key Takeaways

  • A TABC suspension results from a conviction for DWI, DUI, open container, underage drinking, or related alcohol and drug offenses — not from traffic violations.
  • First-time DWI convictions typically result in a 90-day TABC suspension; second and subsequent convictions carry longer periods.
  • You must complete an Alcohol Awareness Program (also called DWI education) before you can request reinstatement of your license.
  • TABC suspensions run separately from DPS suspensions, so you may need to resolve both before you can drive again.
  • You can request reinstatement once your suspension period ends and you have met all requirements, but reinstatement is not automatic.

How long a TABC suspension lasts

The length of your TABC suspension depends on your conviction history. A first DWI conviction typically results in a 90-day suspension. A second DWI conviction within ten years brings a one-year suspension. A third or subsequent conviction results in a two-year suspension.

Other offenses carry different timelines. An open container conviction may result in a 30-day to 90-day suspension. Underage drinking convictions can trigger a 30-day to 60-day suspension. The court that convicted you will specify the exact length in your sentencing paperwork.

The suspension period begins on the date the court enters the conviction, not the date of your arrest or the date you were sentenced. Check your court documents to confirm when your suspension period started and when it will end.

What you must do before reinstatement

Before TABC will reinstate your license, you must complete an Alcohol Awareness Program (sometimes called a DWI education program or Level 1 DWI education). This is a classroom-based course, usually four to eight hours long, that covers the effects of alcohol and drugs on driving, the risks of impaired driving, and resources for substance abuse treatment.

You must take this course before your suspension period ends, not after. Many people complete it within the first few weeks of their suspension so they are ready to request reinstatement as soon as the suspension period expires. The course costs money — typically $100 to $300 — and you pay the provider directly.

You will receive a certificate of completion when you finish the course. Keep this certificate; you will need to show it when you request reinstatement. Some providers send the certificate directly to TABC, but you should confirm this with the provider and request a copy for yourself.

How to request reinstatement after the suspension ends

Once your suspension period has ended and you have completed your Alcohol Awareness Program, you can request reinstatement. You do this by contacting the TABC directly or through your local DPS office. Some people handle this by mail; others go in person.

You will need to provide your certificate of completion from the Alcohol Awareness Program, proof of your identity, and your driver's license number. TABC will verify that your suspension period has expired and that you have met all requirements. If everything is in order, they will notify DPS to reinstate your license.

Reinstatement is not automatic — you must request it. If you wait until after your suspension period ends without requesting reinstatement, your license remains suspended. There is no penalty for requesting reinstatement late, but your license will not be active until you do.

TABC suspension versus DPS suspension

Texas has two separate license suspension systems: one run by TABC (the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission) and one run by DPS (the Department of Public Safety). A DWI conviction can trigger suspensions from both agencies at the same time.

A DPS suspension is based on your driving record and the arrest itself, regardless of conviction. It can begin when ready after your arrest, even before trial. A TABC suspension begins only after conviction and is based on the offense itself, not the arrest.

You cannot drive legally until both suspensions are lifted. If TABC reinstates your license but DPS has not, you still cannot drive. Check with both agencies to understand which suspensions explore to you and when each one will end.

What happens if you drive while suspended

Driving with a suspended license is a criminal offense in Texas. If you are stopped while your TABC suspension is active, you can be charged with driving with a suspended license, which carries fines, possible jail time, and an additional license suspension.

A first offense of driving with a suspended license is a Class B misdemeanor, punishable by up to 180 days in jail and a fine up to $2,000. A second offense within five years is a Class A misdemeanor. A third or subsequent offense can be charged as a felony.

Additionally, driving while suspended can extend your suspension period. TABC may impose a new suspension on top of your existing one, or DPS may add time to its suspension. The safest course is to wait until both suspensions are lifted before driving.

Other requirements that may explore

Depending on your conviction, you may face additional requirements beyond the Alcohol Awareness Program. The court may order you to attend substance abuse treatment, participate in a DWI intervention program, or complete community service. These requirements must be finished before you can request reinstatement.

If your conviction involved drugs rather than alcohol, you may be required to complete a drug education program instead of or in addition to an Alcohol Awareness Program. Ask the court or your attorney which programs you are required to complete.

You may also be required to pay court costs, fines, or restitution before reinstatement. TABC will not reinstate your license if you have outstanding court-ordered payments. Contact the court that convicted you to confirm what you owe and how to pay it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive during my TABC suspension if I have a hardship license?

A hardship license (also called a restricted license) is issued by DPS, not TABC. Even with a hardship license, you cannot drive if your TABC suspension is active. You must wait for TABC reinstatement before any license — hardship or full — becomes valid.

What if I move to another state while my TABC suspension is active?

Your TABC suspension remains in effect in Texas. If you move, you cannot obtain a driver's license in another state while a Texas suspension is active. Most states check the National Driver Register and will see your suspension. You must resolve the suspension in Texas first.

Do I have to retake the Alcohol Awareness Program if I get suspended again?

Yes. Each suspension requires a separate Alcohol Awareness Program completion. If you are convicted of a second DWI, you must complete the program again before requesting reinstatement from the second suspension, even if you completed it for the first suspension.

How long does reinstatement take after I request it?

Reinstatement typically takes one to two weeks after TABC receives your request and verifies your completion of the Alcohol Awareness Program. Processing times vary. Contact TABC or your local DPS office to check the status of your reinstatement request.

Can I appeal a TABC suspension?

You cannot appeal the TABC suspension itself if you have been convicted. However, if you believe the conviction was wrongful, you can appeal the conviction through the court system. Once a conviction is overturned, the TABC suspension is also lifted.