Crashes, insurance and registration in Texas

By the end of this topic you can

• You can follow the right steps at the scene of a crash.
• You can say when you must call police.
• You can state the Texas minimum insurance limits.
• You can show valid proof of insurance.
• You can explain how vehicle registration and inspection work now.

What you need to know and understand

• Texas minimum liability insurance is 30/60/25: $30,000 per injured person, $60,000 per crash for injuries and $25,000 for property damage.
• You must show proof of insurance to an officer or to another driver in a crash; an image on your phone from your insurer is accepted.
• A first conviction for no insurance is a fine of $175 to $350; a second or later is $350 to $1,000.
• Call police immediately if anyone is hurt or killed, or a vehicle cannot be driven normally and safely.
• Since September 1, 2017, drivers no longer file their own crash report with the state, though some cities require a local report.
• Since January 1, 2025, non-commercial vehicles do not need a safety inspection before registration; an inspection replacement fee, usually $7.50 a year, is paid at registration instead.
• Some counties still require emissions testing.

At the scene of a crash

1. Stop at the scene, or as close as you can without blocking traffic more than necessary.
2. Check for injuries and give reasonable help, including arranging transport to a doctor or hospital if it is clearly needed or asked for.
3. In a metropolitan area, if the crash is on a freeway and all vehicles can still be driven safely, move to a frontage road, cross street or other safe place.
4. Exchange your name and address, vehicle registration number and insurer's name, and show your license if asked.
5. Call police if anyone is hurt or killed or a vehicle cannot be driven safely, or if you suspect a driver is intoxicated or a driver leaves.
6. Report the crash to your insurer and keep your own notes and photos.

Hitting an unattended car or property

Stop, then find the owner or leave a note in a visible place with your name and address and what happened. If you damage a fence, sign or other fixture, take reasonable steps to tell the owner. Leaving the scene after damaging a vehicle is a Class C misdemeanor if the damage is under $200 and Class B at $200 or more. Leaving a crash where someone is hurt is far more serious, up to a felony with prison time.

Insurance and registration

Liability insurance pays for harm you cause to others, not your own car. Insurers must include personal injury protection and uninsured motorist cover unless you reject them in writing, so think carefully before signing a rejection. After a second no-insurance conviction, DPS suspends your license unless you file proof of insurance for two years.

Register a newly bought vehicle within 30 days at your county tax assessor-collector's office. Since July 1, 2025, dealers issue metal plates at sale instead of paper buyer tags. Our Texas insurance and crash reporting guide covers safety responsibility rules if you crash while uninsured.

Common mistakes

• Driving off after a minor bump. You must always stop and exchange information.
• Letting the insurance card in the glove box expire. Keep current proof in the car or on your phone.
• Waiting for the other driver to call police when someone is hurt. Call immediately yourself.
• Moving an injured person who does not need to be moved. Leave that to trained help unless there is immediate danger.

Test yourself: Crashes, insurance and registration in Texas

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• Texas Minimum Car Insurance, Crash Reporting and Safety Rules
• How to Pass the Texas Parallel Parking Test
• Texas Adult Driver Ed