Texas DWI License Suspensions & ALR Hearings: How Long Will I Lose My License?

In Texas, a DWI-related license suspension can range from 60 days to 2 years depending on your age, test result or refusal, prior history, and whether you hold a CDL, and you have only 15 days from the date you receive notice to request an ALR hearing to contest it. That ALR hearing is a separate, civil process through Texas DPS, and if you request it on time your temporary permit usually stays valid until the judge rules. For drivers in Houston and Harris County, understanding these timelines—plus options like occupational licenses—can make the difference between keeping your job and being sidelined from the road.

First Things First: The 15‑Day ALR Deadline (Texas DWI License Suspension Basics)

Mike, if you were arrested for DWI in Houston this week, the clock is already running. You have 15 days from the date you were served the Notice of Suspension (often handed to you as form DIC‑25 when your physical license was taken) to request an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing. Miss that deadline and, by default, your suspension will begin on the 40th day after the notice date. For example, if your arrest happened on November 28, 2025, your last day to request a hearing is December 13, 2025, and if you don’t request it, the suspension would typically start on January 7, 2026.

Two quick but important notes you can act on today:

• Learn exactly how to request an ALR hearing and what to bring.
• See the official state overview of timelines and what ALR covers by visiting the Texas DPS overview of the ALR program and timelines.

Requesting the hearing on time lets you keep driving on your temporary permit while the case is pending, which protects your ability to commute to job sites and take care of your family. It also preserves valuable defenses—without a timely request, you lose the only built‑in chance to challenge the civil suspension.

Step‑by‑Step: How to Request Your ALR Hearing Today

1. Gather your DIC‑25 (Notice of Suspension/Temporary Driving Permit), your driver license number, date of birth, and arrest date.
2. Confirm the 15‑day deadline by counting calendar days from the date on the DIC‑25. If the 15th day falls on a weekend or holiday, submit before then.
3. Submit the request online through the Official DPS portal to request an ALR hearing online (optional), or follow the instructions on your notice for requesting by mail or fax.
4. Save proof of submission (screenshot or confirmation). Keep it with your DIC‑25 in your vehicle.
5. Watch for your hearing notice with the date, time, and format (phone, video, or in‑person in the Houston area).

What to bring or keep ready for the hearing: your notice paperwork (DIC‑24 and DIC‑25), any body‑cam or dash‑cam references you know about, a simple driving‑needs summary (work schedule, childcare), and a clean folder with your contact info. The judge won’t decide hardship at the ALR hearing, but being organized helps you move fast if you need an Occupational Driver’s License later.

What Triggers a Texas DPS ALR Suspension?

ALR is the Texas DPS civil license process that runs alongside your criminal DWI charge in Harris County. It’s triggered when you’re arrested for DWI and either:

• Provide a breath or blood specimen showing an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more, or
• Refuse to provide a specimen after being read the statutory warnings.

When that happens, the officer typically serves you the DIC‑25—your temporary permit and “notice” that DPS intends to suspend your privilege to drive. If you don’t request the hearing within 15 days, the suspension becomes automatic and begins on the 40th day after the notice. If you request on time, your temporary permit usually stays valid until the administrative law judge (ALJ) issues a decision.

How Long Is Your License Suspended After DWI? DWI Suspension Lengths in Houston

Here are the most common civil suspension lengths under the ALR program. These are statewide rules that apply in Houston and the surrounding counties, but your specific history can change the outcome. The criminal court can also order a separate suspension if there’s a conviction.

Driver Category	Trigger	ALR Suspension Length (Typical First Event)	With Certain Prior Alcohol/Drug Contacts (within 10 years)
Adults (21+)	Test result 0.08 or higher	90 days	Generally up to 1 year
Adults (21+)	Refusal	180 days	Generally up to 2 years
Under 21	Any alcohol detected/test failure	60 days (first), 120 days (second), 180 days (third+)	—
Under 21	Refusal	180 days (first)	Up to 2 years for repeat events
CDL (Commercial)	Alcohol‑related event or DWI	Disqualification typically 1 year (3 years with hazmat)	Lifetime for a second qualifying event (limited reinstatement paths)

Those numbers answer the core question—“how long is license suspended after DWI?”—for the civil ALR process. Keep in mind, the judge in your criminal DWI case can impose a separate, court‑ordered suspension if there’s a conviction, often in the range of 90 days to 1 year on a first offense. For a plain‑English breakdown of criminal penalties versus license consequences, see this overview of Texas DWI penalties and suspension lengths.

Texas DWI First Offense Penalties (Criminal Case)

Separate from ALR, a first‑offense DWI (Class B misdemeanor in most cases) carries possible fines, court costs, probation conditions, license surcharges that no longer exist but have been replaced by other fees, and potential jail time. Courts in Harris County commonly require conditions like alcohol education, interlock devices in some cases, or community service. A conviction can trigger a court‑ordered license suspension (often 90 days to 1 year) and insurance consequences. The exact outcome depends on BAC, crash or injury factors, and prior history.

CDL Drivers: Texas DWI CDL Consequences

If you hold a commercial driver’s license, the stakes are higher. Federal and Texas rules treat alcohol‑related events as disqualifying, and an Occupational Driver’s License cannot be used to operate a commercial motor vehicle. That means even if you secure limited driving privileges for personal vehicles, you cannot legally drive a CMV while disqualified.

• First disqualifying event (such as DWI conviction, refusal, or 0.04+ while driving a CMV): typically a 1‑year CDL disqualification, or 3 years if transporting hazardous materials.
• Second event: lifetime disqualification, with only narrow reinstatement pathways after long waiting periods and meeting strict conditions.
• CDL consequences are separate from your underlying Class C (personal) license and from the criminal case. A win in ALR doesn’t automatically save the CDL if there’s a later conviction, and vice‑versa.

If you manage crews or haul equipment around Houston construction sites, this is often the difference between staying employed and sitting out for a year. Preserving your ALR rights and carefully tracking bond conditions, discovery, and hearing dates gives you the best shot at limiting the damage.

Under‑21 Drivers: Zero Tolerance and “Under 21 DWI Texas License Suspension” Rules

Texas uses “zero tolerance” for drivers under 21, which means any detectable alcohol can trigger consequences even if the adult 0.08% standard isn’t met. For ALR purposes:

• Test failure (any detectable alcohol): 60 days for a first event, 120 days for a second, 180 days for a third or more.
• Refusal: 180 days for a first event, up to 2 years if there are certain prior alcohol‑related contacts.

Courts also handle a separate criminal charge—often called DUI by a Minor or DWI depending on the facts. For families in Harris County, that means two tracks to monitor: ALR deadlines with DPS and court dates at the county courthouse. If college, internships, or clinical rotations are on the line, planning for transportation and insurance early is crucial.

Preserving Your Ability to Work: Temporary Permits and Occupational Driver’s Licenses

“How can I keep driving to work?” is the number‑one question for most Houston drivers after a DWI arrest. Here’s the practical breakdown:

• Temporary Permit (DIC‑25): This paper typically lets you drive for 40 days after the notice, and if you request the ALR hearing on time, it usually stays valid until the ALJ issues a decision. Always keep it in your car with your proof of request.
• Occupational Driver’s License (ODL): If the ALJ orders a suspension (or if you missed the deadline), you may be able to petition a Harris County court for an ODL that allows limited driving for work, school, and essential household duties. You’ll usually need SR‑22 proof of insurance, a simple log or schedule, and you must follow any time, route, or ignition‑interlock restrictions the court sets.
• Waiting Periods: Depending on your record, some drivers can apply immediately; others face “hard‑suspension” waiting periods (for example, if there are prior DWIs in the recent past). Plan ahead so you’re not off the road longer than necessary.
• CDL Limitation: An ODL never permits driving a commercial motor vehicle. It covers only non‑commercial driving.

For a construction manager like you, Mike, lining up SR‑22, a clear work schedule, and reliable proof of your ALR request within the first week removes many surprises. It also helps your attorney—if you choose to consult one—move faster with the court paperwork for an ODL if it becomes necessary.

What Happens at an ALR Hearing in Texas?

ALR hearings are typically held by phone or video these days, though in‑person settings are still used. The hearing is before an administrative law judge who decides narrow issues, such as whether the officer had reasonable suspicion for the stop, whether there was probable cause for arrest, whether proper warnings were given, and whether you refused or failed testing under Texas implied‑consent rules.

• Evidence: Police reports, breath/blood test records, dash‑cam or body‑cam (if available), and witness testimony. Drivers can subpoena the officer for cross‑examination, subject to procedural rules.
• Outcomes: If DPS doesn’t prove its case, the ALJ denies the suspension. If DPS proves the allegations, the ALJ orders the suspension to begin on a set date (often soon after the written decision issues).
• Timeline: Hearings often occur within several weeks to a few months of the request, and written decisions usually follow within days or a few weeks. Your temporary permit remains in place if the request was timely until the decision is issued.

Winning at ALR prevents the civil suspension but does not dismiss your criminal DWI. Losing the ALR doesn’t mean you’ll be convicted of DWI. These two tracks move independently, which is good news because it gives you multiple chances to protect your record and your ability to drive.

Micro‑Story: Mike’s Week‑by‑Week Plan After a Houston DWI Arrest

Week 0 (Arrest on Friday night): Mike is stopped leaving a team dinner near the Galleria. He receives a DIC‑25 after refusing a breath test. He feels sick thinking about Monday morning’s jobsite meeting and the school carpool.

Weekend: He reads the notice again and realizes the 15‑day ALR deadline applies. He submits his request on Sunday through the DPS portal and saves the confirmation.

Week 1: He makes a simple folder: DIC‑25, ALR confirmation, insurance card, and a one‑page work schedule. He tells his foreman he may need to adjust hours for a phone hearing later.

Week 3: He receives a hearing date 7 weeks out. The temporary permit remains valid. He arranges child pickup help on the hearing day in case the call runs long.

Week 7: At the hearing, the officer testifies by phone. There’s a dispute about whether he actually refused or was unclear during the warning. The ALJ takes the case under advisement.

Week 8: The decision arrives. If it’s a suspension, Mike immediately files for an Occupational Driver’s License with SR‑22 in place so he can keep visiting multiple Houston job sites each day. If no suspension, he keeps his regular license while the criminal case continues.

Either way, Mike protected his options by acting during the first 15 days. That early move kept him behind the wheel when it mattered most.

Side Notes for Specific Readers (Secondary Personas)

Elena the Nurse: For licensed healthcare professionals, even an administrative suspension can create HR and Board questions. Keep documentation organized (ALR request, hearing notice, any outcome) and be proactive with any required reporting. Confidential scheduling and avoiding missed shifts matter—plan your hearing time and any ODL restrictions around your clinical schedule.

Daniel the Analyst: Think in timelines and decision trees. There are two tracks (ALR civil, DWI criminal) with independent outcomes. Key probabilities vary by facts, but ALR cases are often decided on paperwork sufficiency, officer attendance, and the specific testing record. Early requests preserve evidence, and the 15‑day deadline is a hard constraint that materially changes your options if missed.

Sophia the Executive: Discretion and reputation protection are achievable with planning. Many ALR hearings proceed by phone or video; calendar them during low‑visibility windows. Limit who needs to know at work, and keep all documents off shared devices. If you travel, double‑check rental car policies and insurance while your license status is pending.

Tyler the Young Driver: Zero tolerance is real. A single weekend mistake can mean 60–180 days without a license and higher insurance for years. If this is new to you, treat the 15‑day ALR request like a class deadline—miss it and you’re stuck with the grade.

Marcus the VIP: If you need total confidentiality and direct attorney involvement, that’s a planning conversation about scheduling, evidence capture, and quiet logistics. The same ALR deadlines apply no matter who you are.

Common Myths About Texas DWI License Suspension—And the Truth

• Myth: “If my criminal case is dismissed, my license suspension disappears.”
  Truth: The ALR process is independent. A criminal dismissal doesn’t automatically undo an ALR suspension, and an ALR win doesn’t automatically dismiss the criminal case.
• Myth: “I blew under 0.08 so I can’t be suspended.”
  Truth: Under‑21 drivers can face suspensions for any detectable alcohol, and adult cases may still proceed on other impairment evidence. Facts matter.
• Myth: “An Occupational Driver’s License works for my CDL.”
  Truth: An ODL never authorizes commercial driving. CDL rules are stricter and separate.
• Myth: “The ALR hearing is pointless.”
  Truth: It’s your only built‑in chance to challenge the civil suspension, preserve testimony, and learn facts that can help in the criminal case.

Key Documents and Dates Checklist

• DIC‑24 (Statutory Warning): Read to you at or after arrest; explains consequences of refusal/failure.
• DIC‑25 (Notice of Suspension/Temporary Permit): Starts the 15‑day clock and usually acts as your temporary permit for 40 days.
• ALR Hearing Request Confirmation: Keep proof (screenshot, email) in your glovebox.
• Hearing Notice from DPS/SOAH: Mark the date, time, and format; plan work coverage.
• SR‑22 Proof of Insurance: Needed if you must seek an ODL.
• Court Dates (Criminal Case): Track them separately from ALR.

If you want a deeper educational walkthrough, including example forms and timelines, consider Butler’s Butler’s interactive DWI Q&A for practical next steps. It’s a neutral explainer—not legal advice—and can help you map your first 30 days.

Frequently Asked Questions about Texas DWI License Suspension in Houston

When does the 15‑day ALR deadline start in Texas?

The 15‑day clock starts the day you are served the Notice of Suspension (usually the date on your DIC‑25). Count calendar days, not business days. If you were arrested on November 28, 2025, your last day to request would be December 13, 2025. Timely requests generally keep your temporary permit valid until a decision is issued.

How long will I lose my license after a first DWI in Texas?

For adults 21+, the typical ALR suspension is 90 days for a test failure and 180 days for a refusal, with longer periods if there are prior alcohol‑related contacts. A separate criminal conviction can add a court‑ordered suspension, often 90 days to 1 year. Your exact outcome depends on your history and the facts of the stop.

Can I get an Occupational Driver’s License in Harris County if I lose the ALR hearing?

Many drivers are eligible for an ODL to travel for work, school, and essential household needs. Some drivers can apply right away, while others face waiting periods based on prior history. An ODL never authorizes driving a commercial motor vehicle. Plan ahead with SR‑22 and a simple work schedule to speed things up if needed.

Will I lose my CDL after a first DWI in Texas?

A first alcohol‑related event can lead to a 1‑year CDL disqualification (3 years with hazardous materials). CDL rules are stricter than regular license rules, and an ODL does not permit commercial driving. CDL consequences can apply even when you still have limited non‑commercial driving privileges.

Is a Texas DWI a felony?

Most first and second DWIs are misdemeanors, but certain circumstances—such as a third DWI, a crash causing serious injury, or having a child passenger—can elevate charges to felonies. Felonies carry significantly higher penalties and long‑term consequences. The ALR process still runs separately from the criminal case.

Closing Guidance: Why Acting Early Matters

Taking action in the first 15 days puts you in control. It preserves your chance to contest the civil suspension, keeps your temporary permit alive while the ALR runs its course, and buys you time to organize SR‑22, schedules, and any Occupational Driver’s License paperwork. For someone supporting a crew and a family in Houston, those steps keep paychecks coming and life on track.

This guide is educational and general. If you want tailored advice, consider speaking with a qualified Texas DWI lawyer about your deadlines, record, and goals.

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