How the End DWI Act of 2025 Could Reshape Drunk Driving Laws in Texas

Understanding the End DWI Act of 2025

As a criminal defense and immigration attorney based in Houston, I closely monitor changes in both state and federal law that affect my clients’ rights. One piece of legislation making headlines this year is the End Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) Act of 2025, introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives as H.R. 2788.

This bill aims to create a national standard for combating drunk driving, primarily by expanding the use of ignition interlock devices—technology that prevents a vehicle from starting if the driver’s blood alcohol content (BAC) exceeds a set limit. If passed, this law could bring significant changes to how Texas DWI laws are enforced and how offenders serve their sentences.

(View the full bill on Congress.gov)

Revising DWI laws. Overreach or safety?

What the Bill Proposes

Under the End DWI Act, states would be incentivized to adopt ignition interlock requirements for all DWI convictions, including first-time offenders. Currently, Texas law requires ignition interlock devices in certain situations—most often for repeat offenders or those with a BAC above 0.15.

If Texas were to align with this proposed federal standard, every driver convicted of a DWI could be required to install an ignition interlock device, regardless of prior history. The bill also encourages compliance-based removal, meaning offenders would need to demonstrate consistent, violation-free use before the device could be legally removed.

(NHTSA research shows ignition interlocks reduce repeat offenses by up to 70%.)

How This Impacts Drivers in Texas

Texas already enforces some of the strictest DWI penalties in the nation. A first-time conviction can result in:

• Up to 180 days in jail,

• Fines up to $2,000,

• A driver’s license suspension lasting up to a year, and

• Annual surcharges for license reinstatement.

If the End DWI Act becomes law, Texans may see tighter sentencing structures and stricter probation conditions, including:

• Mandatory ignition interlocks for all offenders,

• Longer monitoring periods, and

• Federal oversight of compliance reporting.

This kind of nationwide standardization means less flexibility for state judges and defense attorneys to negotiate probation terms. For individuals charged with a DWI, it underscores the importance of having experienced legal representation early in the process.

A Step Toward Safety or Overreach?

There’s no question that reducing alcohol-related fatalities is a worthy goal. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Texas ranks among the top states for drunk-driving deaths, with hundreds of fatalities each year. Proponents of the bill argue that federal coordination could save thousands of lives annually.

However, as a defense attorney, I also recognize that not every case fits neatly into a legislative framework. Some first-time offenders are young drivers who made a single mistake. Others may have been charged based on inaccurate testing or procedural errors.

By enforcing a “one-size-fits-all” penalty system, the End DWI Act could unintentionally remove the judicial discretion needed to account for individual circumstances—something that’s often critical in defending DWI cases here in Texas.

What Texas Drivers Should Know Right Now

While the bill is still under review, it’s important for anyone facing DWI charges in Texas to understand the potential implications. Here’s what you should keep in mind:

• Ignition interlocks may become mandatory for all convictions.

• Probation terms could become more restrictive under federal pressure.

• Driver’s license reinstatement may depend more heavily on compliance monitoring.

• Data sharing between state and federal systems could increase oversight during probation or license reinstatement.

These changes would affect how defense attorneys negotiate pleas and how judges determine sentencing conditions.

Protecting Your Rights Moving Forward

At Restrepo Law, my goal is to ensure that every client’s rights are protected—especially when new laws or federal mandates threaten to make the system less flexible. DWI cases are complex, involving both criminal and administrative proceedings, and a conviction can have long-term consequences on your record, employment, and immigration status.

If you or someone you know has been charged with a DWI in Texas, it’s critical to speak with an attorney who understands how state and federal developments intersect. The landscape of DWI law is changing rapidly, and having informed representation can make all the difference in your case’s outcome.

Contact Restrepo Law

If you’re facing a DWI charge in the Houston area or anywhere in Texas, contact Restrepo Law to discuss your situation and legal options. We’ll help you navigate the complexities of Texas DWI laws and ensure that your rights are upheld every step of the way.