California vs Texas

$100-$200 base fine on a first conviction, plus penalty assessments — a civil infraction under CA Veh. Code 16029(a), for failing to provide evidence of financial responsibility (16028(a)). The court may impound the vehicle and order coverage maintained for at least one year.

$200-$500 for a subsequent conviction within three years, plus penalty assessments — civil infraction under CA Veh. Code 16029(b). Same penalty-assessment multiplier as the first-offense fine; the court may also impound the vehicle.

Texas 'DWI' (Penal Code Ch. 49), by prior convictions. Ch. 49 sets the offense class and minimum jail; dollar maxima come from the Penal Code Ch. 12 class ranges. 1st DWI (49.04) = Class B misdemeanor, min 72 hours jail (6 days if open container), up to $2,000 — elevated to Class A (up to $4,000) if BAC 0.15+ (49.04(d)). 2nd DWI (49.09(a)) = Class A misdemeanor, min 30 days, up to $4,000. 3rd+ DWI (49.09(b)) = 3rd-degree felony, 2-10 years, up to $10,000. DWI with child passenger <15 (49.045) = state jail felony, up to $10,000. IID required for a 2nd+ within 5 years (49.09(h)); entitlement to use the substance is no defense (49.10).

Misdemeanor. No-insurance suspension (VC 14601.1): up to 6 months jail and/or $300-$1,000. Reckless/negligent suspension (VC 14601): 5 days-6 months + $300-$1,000. DUI-related: VC 14601.2.

DWLI: additional suspension period, then reinstatement needs an SR-22 (2 yrs) plus the $100 fee. Operating during a registration suspension (Sec. 601.371): $100-$500 fine and 72 hours-6 months jail; a repeat is a Class A misdemeanor. Operating without required FR (Sec. 601.195): up to $500 and/or up to 6 months jail.

Must downgrade to a Class C license to obtain a restricted license. If not operating a commercial vehicle at the time of the offense, a $125 reissue fee applies after a 30-day suspension. A DUI in a commercial vehicle triggers a 1-year CDL disqualification under federal rules.