The Insurance Suspension
Transp. Code 601.191 — a fine of $175 to $350, and $350 to $1,000 after a prior conviction
The fine. Operating a motor vehicle in violation of Section 601.051 is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not less than $175 or more than $350. If the person has been previously convicted under the section, the fine is not less than $350 or more than $1,000.
When the fine cannot be paid. If the court determines that a person not previously convicted under the section is economically unable to pay the fine, the court may reduce the fine to less than $175.
What the citation shows. A citation for the offense must include an affirmative indication that the peace officer was unable at the time to verify financial responsibility for the vehicle through the state's verification program.
A second offense, for those who must keep evidence on file. A person required to establish financial responsibility under Subchapter F or K who does not maintain evidence of it, and who during that period operates a motor vehicle they own on a highway, or knowingly permits someone not otherwise permitted to do so, commits a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed $500, confinement in county jail for a term not to exceed six months, or both.
Whether a license or registration suspension follows is set out in other sections of the Transportation Code. How much coverage the law requires, and anything more that reinstatement takes, are set out in other sections that are not on this page. Whether a particular charge applies is a question for a licensed Texas attorney.
Sources for this section (2)
- Transp. Code 601.191 — Operating a motor vehicle without financial responsibility
- Transp. Code 601.195 — Operating without maintaining evidence of financial responsibility when required
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Texas attorney.