Texas ALR Hearing Timeline: Collin + Dallas Counties
- The 15-day deadline (Tex. Transp. Code §524.031) is jurisdictional — miss it, lose the right to contest.
- ALR is civil (license) and runs separate from the criminal DWI case (liberty + record).
- Your DIC-25 paper permit keeps you driving until the ALJ rules.
- If you lose, you can petition for an Occupational License (ODL) under Tex. Transp. Code §521.241.
Key statutory anchors
- Tex. Transp. Code §§524.001-.044
- View on statutes.capitol.texas.gov — Administrative License Revocation procedures (BAC ≥ 0.08).
- Tex. Transp. Code §§724.041-.044
- View on statutes.capitol.texas.gov — Implied consent law; license suspension for refusal to test.
- Tex. Transp. Code §§521.241-.252
- View on statutes.capitol.texas.gov — Occupational Driver's License (ODL) eligibility + petition procedure.
- 1 Tex. Admin. Code §§159.51-.103
- View on texreg.sos.state.tx.us — SOAH procedural rules for ALR cases.
Day-by-day timeline
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1
Day 0 — Arrest. DIC-24 statutory warning read.
The arresting officer reads the DIC-24 warning aloud. If your BAC ≥ 0.08 (breath/blood) or you refused testing, the officer physically takes your driver's license and issues a paper DIC-25 — a 40-day temporary driving permit. Your DIC-25 expires day 41 or when ALR is resolved, whichever comes first.
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2
Day 1-14 — Calendar the 15-day deadline. Do not miss it.
Per Tex. Transp. Code §524.031, you have 15 calendar days from the date of arrest to request an ALR hearing. Miss this deadline and the suspension takes effect on day 41 with no right to contest. Do not wait until day 13.
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3
Day 1-15 — Hire counsel. Counsel files the hearing request.
Your attorney files DIC-24A (or a hearing request letter) with the Texas Department of Public Safety, requesting an ALR hearing. The request itself extends your temporary driving permit until the ALJ rules.
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4
Day 15-30 — TX DPS forwards request to SOAH.
The State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH) is the independent forum that hears ALR cases. SOAH schedules a hearing date typically 60-120 days out.
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5
Day 30-45 — Discovery + subpoena.
Counsel subpoenas the arresting officer to appear. Counsel issues open-records requests for the patrol vehicle video, intoxilyzer maintenance records, and the breath/blood test result chain of custody.
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6
Day 45-70 — Issue-spot the defense.
Common ALR defenses: (a) the officer lacked reasonable suspicion for the stop; (b) the officer lacked probable cause for arrest; (c) the DIC-24 statutory warning was not read or read incorrectly; (d) the breath test was administered outside the 15-minute observation window; (e) the breath instrument was out of calibration.
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7
Day 70-120 — Hearing day at SOAH.
The hearing is held at the regional SOAH office or by telephone/Zoom. The Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) hears the State's case (officer testimony + DIC paperwork) followed by your case (cross-examination, exhibits, your testimony if you choose to give it).
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8
Day 120-150 — ALJ issues written order.
The ALJ issues a written ruling within 30 days of the hearing. The order either (a) authorizes the suspension or (b) finds DPS did not meet its burden and orders the case dismissed.
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9
If suspended — petition for an Occupational License (ODL).
Under Tex. Transp. Code §521.241, you may petition the criminal court for an Occupational Driver's License to drive to work, school, medical appointments, and essential household functions.
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10
If you wish to appeal — 30 days to county court.
If you lose the ALR and disagree with the ALJ ruling, you have 30 days from the order to file a petition for judicial review with the county court at law (Tex. Transp. Code §524.041).
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11
During suspension — comply with conditions.
If suspended, you must complete DWI Education (per Tex. Transp. Code §521.374) before reinstatement. Failure to complete extends the suspension.
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12
End of suspension — reinstatement.
Pay the reinstatement fee (currently $125 in Texas) and provide proof of insurance via SR-22 if required. License reinstated.
12-step printable checklist. What to do, when, and the deadlines that matter.
Download checklist (PDF)Texas DPS on ALR — official explanation
Source: Texas Department of Public Safety official channel.
What to bring to your ALR hearing
Common questions
How long do I have to request a Texas ALR hearing?
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15 days from the date of arrest. Period. Tex. Transp. Code §524.031. Miss it and your license is suspended automatically on day 41.
What's the difference between ALR and the criminal DWI case?
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ALR is civil (your license). The DWI charge is criminal (your liberty + record). You can win the ALR and still face the criminal case, or lose the ALR and beat the criminal case.
Can I drive while waiting for the hearing?
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Yes, if you requested the hearing within 15 days. Your DIC-25 temporary permit remains valid until the ALJ rules.
What if I lose? Can I still drive?
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You can petition for an Occupational Driver's License (ODL) under Tex. Transp. Code §521.241 — restricted hours, work/school/medical only.
Should I represent myself at an ALR hearing?
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Strongly inadvisable. ALR hearings involve cross-examining the arresting officer, technical rules of evidence, and statutory legal standards. Without counsel, even a winnable case is hard to win.
Call our 24/7 line. We file the hearing request the same day and start discovery immediately.
Call (972) 370-5060Related guides
- Texas DWI Defense — overview of penalties + defenses (practice area hub)
- Texas DWI Penalty Calculator — estimate sentencing exposure (interactive tool)
- Occupational Driver's License Eligibility — interactive eligibility check
- Frisco Criminal Defense Attorneys — Collin County court info
- Dallas Criminal Defense Attorneys — Dallas County court info
- About Reggie London — author bio + credentials
- The Texas Criminal Case Process — from arrest through disposition