The Garland Police Department stepped up Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) patrols from Friday, March 3 through Sunday, March 19.
The additional enforcement resulted in the following:
- 71 Traffic Stops
- 65 Citations
- 47 Warnings
- 1 other arrest made
*During the same period as a department, 17 DWI arrests were made.
The increased DWI patrols are funded through a TXDOT grant program that targets DWI and Driving Under the Influence–Minors.
DWI penalty information according to: https://www.txdot.gov/safety/driving-laws/impaired-driving.html
Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs risks your life and the lives of others. Additionally, it can send you to jail. If you are under 21, it is illegal to drive with any detectable amount of alcohol in your system.
When am I legally intoxicated?
You are legally intoxicated in Texas when your blood alcohol concentration reaches 0.08 percent. However, you are breaking the law as soon as drugs or alcohol affect your driving — or flying or boating — ability.
What are the penalties for a DWI?
First offense
- Up to a $2,000 fine.
- Up to 180 days in jail upon conviction with three mandatory days.
- Loss of driver’s license up to a year.
Second offense
- Up to a $4,000 fine.
- One month to a year in jail upon conviction.
- Loss of driver’s license up to two years.
Third offense
- A $10,000 fine.
- Two to 10 years in prison.
- Loss of driver’s license up to two years.
These fines do not include a state fine of $3,000, $4,500, or $6,000 assessed upon sentencing.
Impaired driving with a child passenger
- You will be charged with child endangerment if you’re driving impaired with children under 15.
- You will be additionally fined up to $10,000.
- You could be put in jail for up to two years.
- You will lose your driver’s license for another 180 days.
Driving with an open container
Carrying an open container of alcohol in your vehicle, even if you’re not impaired, is illegal. Learn more about Texas open container laws.