The rules of the road in Texas are governed primarily by the Texas Transportation Code. This is the law, along with city ordinances, that police officers are trained to enforce. The only review of these laws for most Texas drivers was in their driver’s education course.
Below we look at some of the traffic laws that are violated in very high numbers simply because drivers do not know that they are the law.
Why Understanding Texas Traffic Laws Matters
Many drivers focus primarily on avoiding accidents, but understanding Texas traffic laws can also help motorists avoid citations, increased insurance rates, license penalties, and unnecessary legal complications. Some traffic laws are straightforward, while others are less commonly discussed and may catch drivers by surprise.
Even minor traffic violations can sometimes lead to larger issues if they contribute to an accident or repeated citations. Reviewing driving laws periodically can help drivers stay aware of changes in roadway regulations and improve overall safety for everyone on Texas roads.
1. Wide Right Turn
In this situation you are approaching an intersection with the intent to make a right turn. The street you are turning onto has several lanes going each direction. Many drivers will swing out and turn into the first or second lane toward the center of the road. This is a legal violation that law enforcement refers to as a “wide right turn.”
In many situations, drivers violate this law simply because they are unaware of the requirement. The Transportation Code provides:
Texas Transportation Code – Sec. 545.101. Turning at Intersection
(a) To make a right turn at an intersection, an operator shall make both the approach and the turn as closely as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway.
As you can see, you are required to turn “as closely as practicable” into the lane nearest to the right hand curb or edge of the roadway. The “practicable” exception could be if you were pulling a trailer and could not make the turn without going into the center or left lane to complete the turn.
2. Turn Signals
In this situation you approach an intersection with the intent to turn right. However, you do not turn on your signal until you are at the intersection. This is a Fail to Signal violation as the Transportation Code requires that you signal your intent to turn at least 100 feet before initiating the turn.
Texas Transportation Code – Sec. 545.104. Signaling Turns; Use of Turn Signals
(a) An operator shall use the signal authorized by Section 545.106 to indicate an intention to turn, change lanes, or start from a parked position.
(b) An operator intending to turn a vehicle right or left shall signal continuously for not less than the last 100 feet of movement of the vehicle before the turn.
Interestingly, the 100-foot requirement applies only to turns and not lane changes. Although you are required to signal your intent to change lanes, the law is silent on how long before the lane change your signal must be given.
3. Following Too Closely
This is one of the most difficult-to-assess violations in the Texas Transportation Code. The law reads as follows:
Texas Transportation Code – Sec. 545.062. Following Distance
(a) An operator shall, if following another vehicle, maintain an assured clear distance between the two vehicles so that, considering the speed of the vehicles, traffic, and the conditions of the highway, the operator can safely stop without colliding with the preceding vehicle or veering into another vehicle, object, or person on or near the highway.
This broadly written law puts law enforcement in the position of making a judgment call as to whether your vehicle is too close to the one in front of you. The best advice is to always keep several car lengths of distance between you and the car in front of you.
4. Driving on Shoulder
You are approaching a slower vehicle on a two lane road. You want to pass this vehicle, but there are cars in the opposite lane of traffic that won’t allow you to pass using the opposite lane. You then proceed to pass on the shoulder. This is a violation of the law.
Texas Transportation Code – Sec. 545.058. Driving on Improved Shoulder
(a) An operator may drive on an improved shoulder to the right of the main traveled portion of a roadway if that operation is necessary and may be done safely, but only:
(1) to stop, stand, or park;
(2) to accelerate before entering the main traveled lane of traffic;
(3) to decelerate before making a right turn;
(4) to pass another vehicle that is slowing or stopped on the main traveled portion of the highway, disabled, or preparing to make a left turn;
(5) to allow another vehicle traveling faster to pass;
(6) as permitted or required by an official traffic-control device; or
(7) to avoid a collision.
The law does not allow you to pass on the shoulder unless the car you are passing is disabled or slowing in the lane of travel to turn left. However, the slower car is allowed to use the shoulder to allow you to pass in the main lane of travel. You can use the shoulder to slow down before making a right hand turn. Finally, you may use the shoulder when required to avoid a collision.
5. Passing Emergency Vehicle
This law was passed in 2003 and has drawn the ire of many motorists. In this scenario you are driving down the highway in the right lane when you notice a police car with its emergency lights on that has another driver stopped on the right-hand shoulder. You continue in the same lane at the same speed as you pass the police vehicle. You have violated the law.
The law states:
Texas Transportation Code – Sec. 545.157. Passing Authorized Emergency Vehicle
(a) On approaching a stationary authorized emergency vehicle using visual signals that meet the requirements of Sections 547.305 and 547.702, an operator, unless otherwise directed by a police officer, shall:
(1) vacate the lane closest to the emergency vehicle when driving on a highway with two or more lanes traveling in the direction of the emergency vehicle; or
(2) slow to a speed not to exceed:
(A) 20 miles per hour less than the posted speed limit when the posted speed limit is 25 miles per hour or more; or
(B) five miles per hour when the posted speed limit is less than 25 miles per hour.
This law requires you, when on a road with two or more lanes traveling in the direction of the emergency vehicle, to put a lane between you and the officer if you are going to maintain your speed. If you are on a two-lane road or remain in the lane next to the officer, you must slow to a speed 20 miles per hours less that posted speed if the speed limit is 25mph or more.
The above are just a few of the most often violated portions of the Texas Transportation Code. Reviewing the laws periodically will certainly give you the knowledge to better understand what violations law enforcement are looking for.
6. Driving Too Slowly
Most drivers are aware that exceeding the speed limit can result in a traffic citation. However, many do not realize that driving too slowly can also be a violation of Texas law under certain circumstances.
Imagine you are traveling on a highway with a posted speed limit of 70 mph. Traffic is flowing normally, but you choose to drive significantly below the speed of surrounding vehicles without a valid safety reason. Even if you are obeying all other traffic laws, you could be creating a hazard for other motorists and may be violating the Transportation Code.
The law states:
Texas Transportation Code – Sec. 545.363. Minimum Speed Regulations
(a) An operator may not drive so slowly as to impede the normal and reasonable movement of traffic except when reduced speed is necessary for safe operation or in compliance with law.
Many drivers mistakenly believe that driving slower than surrounding traffic is always safer. In reality, large differences in vehicle speeds can increase the likelihood of rear-end collisions, unsafe passing maneuvers, and traffic congestion. While drivers should always adjust their speed for weather, road conditions, and visibility, Texas law generally requires motorists to avoid unnecessarily impeding the normal flow of traffic.
7. Headlights During Reduced Visibility
Many motorists believe headlights are only required after sunset. However, Texas law requires drivers to use their headlights in certain situations even during daylight hours.
For example, if you are driving during heavy rain, dense fog, smoke, or another condition that substantially reduces visibility, your headlights may be required regardless of the time of day. Drivers who fail to turn on their lights during these conditions may unknowingly violate the law and make it more difficult for other motorists to see them.
The Transportation Code provides:
Texas Transportation Code – Sec. 547.302. Duty to Display Lights
(a) A vehicle shall display each lighted lamp and illuminating device required by this chapter to be on the vehicle:
(1) at nighttime; and (2) when light is insufficient or atmospheric conditions are unfavorable so that a person or vehicle on the highway is not clearly discernible at a distance of 1,000 feet ahead.
This law is designed not only to help drivers see the roadway ahead but also to improve visibility for other motorists. Many drivers associate headlights with darkness, but visibility conditions can be just as important as the time of day.
8. Blind Pedestrians Have Special Protections
Most drivers understand that pedestrians generally have the right of way in certain situations. What many motorists do not realize is that Texas law provides additional protections for blind or visually impaired pedestrians.
Imagine approaching an intersection where a pedestrian using a white cane or accompanied by a guide dog is attempting to cross the street. Even if traffic is moving normally, drivers have a legal duty to take precautions to avoid placing the pedestrian in danger.
The law states:
Texas Transportation Code – Sec. 552.010. Duty of Driver
(a) An operator of a vehicle approaching an intersection or crosswalk where a pedestrian guided by an assistance animal or carrying a white cane is crossing or attempting to cross shall take necessary precautions to avoid injuring or endangering the pedestrian.
Many drivers may never encounter this situation, which is one reason the law is not widely discussed. However, understanding these requirements helps promote roadway safety and protects some of the most vulnerable individuals who use Texas streets and sidewalks.
9. Passing Near Intersections and Railroad Crossings
Passing another vehicle may seem routine, particularly on two-lane roads. However, Texas law prohibits passing in certain locations where visibility or roadway conditions create increased risks.
Suppose you are driving on a two-lane road and decide to move into the opposing lane to pass a slower vehicle. Although the road ahead appears clear, you may be approaching an intersection, railroad crossing, bridge, viaduct, or tunnel where passing is prohibited.
The Transportation Code states:
Texas Transportation Code – Sec. 545.056. Driving on Left Side of Roadway
An operator may not drive on the left side of the roadway if the operator is… approaching within 100 feet of an intersection or railroad grade crossing… [or when] approaching within 100 feet of a bridge, viaduct, or tunnel.
These restrictions exist because intersections and crossings often present hazards that are not immediately visible to drivers attempting to pass. What may appear to be a safe maneuver can quickly become dangerous when another vehicle, train, cyclist, or pedestrian enters the area unexpectedly.
Why Reviewing the Texas Transportation Code Matters
Most drivers spend years behind the wheel without ever revisiting the traffic laws they learned when obtaining a driver’s license. While many rules remain familiar, others are often forgotten or misunderstood over time.
Traffic laws may also evolve as lawmakers respond to changing roadway conditions, new technologies, and emerging safety concerns. Periodically reviewing the Texas Transportation Code can help drivers stay informed about their legal obligations and avoid violations that many motorists do not realize exist.
As the examples discussed in this article demonstrate, some of the most frequently misunderstood laws involve everyday driving situations. Whether it is proper lane usage, signaling requirements, shoulder driving restrictions, pedestrian protections, or passing limitations, a better understanding of the law can contribute to safer driving habits.
Reviewing traffic laws periodically can help drivers:
- Better understand their legal responsibilities
- Improve roadway safety awareness
- Reduce accident risks
- Avoid costly citations and insurance increases
- Respond more effectively to changing traffic conditions
The laws discussed above represent only a small portion of the Texas Transportation Code. Taking the time to understand these often-overlooked rules can help drivers make more informed decisions and navigate Texas roadways more safely.
Contact Bailey & Galyen for Help With Traffic-Related Legal Matters
If you have questions about traffic violations, accident liability, or how Texas driving laws may affect your legal rights, speaking with an experienced attorney can help you better understand your options. At Bailey & Galyen, we help individuals throughout Texas navigate a wide range of traffic-related legal matters. Contact our offices today to learn more or schedule a consultation.
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