What "Causing an Accident" Means for Your License

In Texas, your driver license can be suspended if you cause an accident and fail to meet certain legal obligations afterward. The suspension does not happen automatically when the accident occurs — it happens when you do not follow the state's rules about reporting, insurance, and payment. The most common trigger is driving without insurance at the time of the crash, or not being able to show proof of financial responsibility afterward.

Texas law requires every driver involved in an accident to exchange information, report the crash to police if there is injury or significant damage, and prove they can pay for any damages caused. If you cannot show proof of insurance or a bond covering the damages, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) will suspend your license. This is separate from any criminal charges or civil lawsuit that might follow the accident.

Key Takeaways

  • Your license suspends in Texas when you cause an accident without insurance and cannot show proof of financial responsibility for the damages.
  • The suspension typically lasts until you file an SR-22 form (proof of future insurance) and pay any outstanding fees to the DPS.
  • You must report the accident to police if anyone was injured or if damage exceeds $1,000, or the DPS may suspend your license for failure to report.
  • A suspension for causing an accident stays on your driving record for three years, even after your license is reinstated.
  • You can request a hearing with the DPS to contest the suspension if you believe the decision was wrong.

When the DPS Suspends Your License After an Accident

The Texas Department of Public Safety suspends licenses under what is called the "Financial Responsibility" law. If you were at fault in an accident and did not have insurance, or if you had insurance but the policy did not cover the full amount of damages, the DPS will send you a notice of suspension. You typically have about 10 days from the date of the accident to show proof of insurance or post a bond equal to the damages.

The suspension becomes official 40 days after the accident if you have not provided proof of financial responsibility by then. If the accident involved injury to another person, the DPS may suspend your license even sooner. The length of the suspension depends on whether you eventually show proof of insurance or pay the damages — it can last anywhere from a few months to several years if you do not resolve the issue.

What You Need to Do to Get Your License Back

To have your license reinstated after an accident suspension, you must file an SR-22 form with the DPS. An SR-22 is a certificate of financial responsibility that proves you now carry liability insurance. You cannot straightforward buy insurance and assume your license will come back — your insurance company must file the SR-22 directly with the state on your behalf. This usually takes a few days to process.

You will also need to pay a reinstatement fee to the DPS, which is separate from any insurance costs or damages you owe. The fee varies but is typically between $100 and $200. If you caused damage that exceeded your insurance coverage, you may also need to show proof that you have paid or made arrangements to pay the remaining balance. Once the SR-22 is filed and the fee is paid, your license is usually reinstated within one to two weeks.

The Difference Between Suspension and Revocation

A suspension for causing an accident is temporary — your license will be reinstated once you meet the state's requirements. A revocation is permanent and requires you to reapply for a license after a waiting period. Most accident-related suspensions are suspensions, not revocations, but if you have multiple accidents or violations within a short time, the DPS may revoke your license instead.

If your license is revoked, you will need to wait the required period (often one to five years depending on the reason), then pass a written test and a road test to get a new license. A suspension is far more common after a single accident, so focus on meeting the financial responsibility requirements as quickly as you can to avoid the situation worsening.

How Long the Suspension Lasts

The length of a suspension for causing an accident depends on when you provide proof of financial responsibility. If you file an SR-22 and pay the reinstatement fee within a few weeks of the accident, your suspension may last only 30 to 60 days. If you wait months or do not file at all, the suspension can last a year or longer.

Even after your license is reinstated, the accident and suspension remain on your driving record for three years. This affects your insurance rates and may influence whether you are hired for jobs that require a clean driving record. Insurance companies will see the accident and the suspension, and your premiums will likely increase significantly.

Requesting a Hearing to Challenge the Suspension

If you believe the DPS made a mistake in suspending your license, you have the right to request a hearing. You must do this within a specific time frame — usually within 10 days of receiving the suspension notice. At the hearing, you can present evidence that you were not at fault, that you did have insurance, or that the damages were less than claimed.

To request a hearing, contact the DPS Driver License Division in writing or by phone. Bring any documentation you have: insurance cards, police reports, photos of the accident scene, or witness statements. If you win the hearing, the suspension may be lifted when ready. If you lose, you still have the option to file an SR-22 and pay the reinstatement fee to get your license back.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive to work while my license is suspended for an accident?

No. A suspension means you cannot legally drive for any reason, including work. Some states offer a "hardship license" that allows limited driving, but Texas does not typically issue these for financial responsibility suspensions. Your only option is to resolve the suspension by filing an SR-22 and paying the reinstatement fee.

What if I was not at fault for the accident but still got suspended?

If you were not at fault, the other driver's insurance should cover the damages, and you should not face a suspension. However, if the other driver was uninsured or underinsured, you may need to file a claim under your own uninsured motorist coverage. Request a hearing with the DPS and bring the police report and insurance documentation to prove you were not at fault.

Do I have to pay the other person's damages before my license is reinstated?

Not necessarily. You must show proof of financial responsibility (an SR-22) and pay the DPS reinstatement fee. If you owe damages beyond what insurance covers, you may be able to set up a payment plan with the other party or their insurance company. The DPS does not require full payment before reinstatement, but the other person can pursue a civil lawsuit to collect.

How much does an SR-22 cost?

The SR-22 form itself is free — your insurance company files it as part of your policy. However, your insurance premiums will increase significantly after an accident, often by 50 to 100 percent or more. The DPS reinstatement fee is typically $100 to $200. Budget for higher insurance costs for at least three years.

Will the suspension show up on a background check?

Yes. A license suspension appears on your driving record and will show up on background checks related to driving, employment, or housing. The suspension record stays for three years even after your license is reinstated. This is why it is important to resolve the suspension as quickly as possible.