Texas Driving Laws: What Every Motorist Needs to Know
Texas has a long list of traffic rules to keep roads safe. Some are obvious. Obeying speed limits and stopping at red lights are no-brainers. Others are not so obvious. Do you know it is a crime in Texas to honk at horse riders (you can spook the horses, leading to accidents) or use hazard lights while moving?
You're probably a good driver most of the time, but occasionally, you may break traffic laws without realizing it. Maybe you forgot to signal or didn’t know you must have two license plates in Texas. Even minor traffic offenses can cause you problems, such as fines, points on your license, or even higher insurance rates.
Drivers are not entirely to blame, though, as Texas road rules can be quite confusing. However, since the judge or police officer won't forgive you for your ignorance, it’s important to understand the law before getting on the road.
This will help you avoid costly mistakes and other legal issues. Let’s review the key rules every driver should know to keep their records clean and their wallets intact.
License Plate Rules in Texas
If you walk around any road right now, you'll likely notice that almost all vehicles have license plates. This is not by chance. These plastic and metallic identifiers serve several unique purposes. From proving ownership to making it easier for cameras to spot your car, licenses are vital to vehicles.
In Texas, the law requires you to have two license plates on your car. One on the front and the other on the back. While it seems minor, two license plates are essential in the following cases:
- Helping the police identify vehicles involved in accidents or violating traffic rules like running red lights
- Allowing authorities to identify vehicles for tax purposes
- Collecting tolls and parking permits
- Helping authorities and other interested parties track a vehicle's history, including previous owners, accidents, title transfers, etc.
There are a few exceptions to the two-plate license plate requirement in Texas, though. Motorcycles, trailers, semitrailers, and antique cars only need one plate on the back. If you're driving a former military vehicle, you’re also off the hook for the front plate.
If you don't have both plates, you could face a fine of up to $200. The penalty is even higher in some cities, like Dallas, especially if you’re caught parking without the proper plates.
Speed Limits and Traffic Violations in Texas
Speed limits are calculated for safety. Imagine driving 75 miles an hour along State Highway 21 near Cedar Creek High School, and a kid suddenly comes running into the road. Unless you have the reflexes of a cat, you probably won't have enough time to react, leading to an accident.
That said, speed limits in Texas depend on the area. For example, on highways and interstates like the I-10 or I-20, the speed limit is usually 70 to 75 miles per hour.
So, what happens when you break the speeding regulations or other traffic laws in Texas? Well, for starters, you should expect a fine. You’ll usually pay between $200 and $500 depending on the traffic violations.
For example, driving without lights attracts a fine of $290. Speeding in a school zone is even worse and attracts a $359 fine. Other penalties for more traffic offenses include:
- Following too closely - $240
- Open alcohol container in car - $285
- 1 to 10 mph over posted speed limit - $190
- Passing a stopped school bus - $661
Texas police use radar guns, traffic cameras, and patrols to catch people breaking the speed limits. Officers also monitor high-risk areas to control traffic and bust offenders, while automated cameras issue citations at red lights.
Speaking of points, the Texas Driver Responsibility Program assigns points for traffic violations to your license. For example, for minor traffic offenses, you'll receive two points. You get three points for serious offenses like causing an accident.
Accumulating 6+ points results in annual surcharges, and repeated violations can lead to license suspension. These traffic points can also affect your insurance as more violations lead to higher premiums.
Cell Phone and Distracted Driving Laws in Texas
Many people use phones to text or call while driving, and it's so common that they assume it is not wrong.
Things are different in Texas, and you may be shocked at how seriously the state takes this issue. For example, school bus drivers can't use phones while driving with children on board, and drivers with learner permits are also banned from using cell phones within the first six months of driving.
Distracted driving is another issue that Texas doesn’t tolerate. It refers to all activities unrelated to driving, such as grooming (brushing, applying makeup), eating, or texting. All these are punishable crimes with different penalties.
DWI and Open Container Laws
If you love having a few beers at the club before going home or hanging out with friends at your local watering hole, you better take an Uber or call a friend to drive you home. The penalties for driving while intoxicated (DWI) in Texas are brutal. Not to mention, you could spend a night in jail for this crime.
For instance, for a first-time DWI charge, you can receive a $2,000 fine, jail time ranging from three to 180 days, and a driver’s license suspension of up to one year. Additionally, Texas law bans open alcohol containers in cars, and you can be fined up to $500 for this. So, no drinking or open liquor bottles in the car
Unique Texas Driving Laws You May Not Know
Some Texas driving laws may seem odd, but they exist for a reason. For instance, in Richardson, making U-turns is illegal, no matter what. If that sounds strange to you, there is more. In Lubbock, it's a crime to drive while close to alcohol, even if it is someone else’s drink.
You Should Master Texas Traffic Laws
Texas doesn’t negotiate about its traffic rules. From left-lane rules to strict DUI penalties, nothing is left to chance. Whether you're a local or just passing through, understanding Texas driving laws is vital if you want to be on the safe side of the law.
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