to a designated accident investigation site, if available, a location on the frontage (2) the left side is clearly visible and free of approaching traffic for a distance sufficient to permit passing without interfering with the operation of the passed vehicle or a vehicle approaching from the opposite direction. A restriction approved under this section may not be enforced until the appropriate traffic control devices are in place. Renumbered from Transportation Code, Section 545.426 by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. Sec. JetBlue pilot landing in Boston averts potential collision (b) On approaching a vehicle described by Subsection (a), an operator, unless otherwise directed by a police officer, shall: (1) vacate the lane closest to the vehicle when driving on a highway with two or more lanes traveling in the direction of the vehicle; or, (A) 20 miles per hour less than the posted speed limit when the posted speed limit is 25 miles per hour or more; or. 548), Sec. (b) In determining whether a prima facie speed limit on a part of a turnpike constructed and maintained by the authority is reasonable or safe, the authority shall consider the width and condition of the pavement, the usual traffic on the turnpike, and other circumstances. (d) The authority's power to alter prima facie speed limits is effective and exclusive on any part of a turnpike project constructed and maintained by the authority inside and outside the limits of a municipality, including a home-rule municipality. (a) A person may not operate a school bus if: (1) the door of the school bus is open; or. (b) After stopping as required by Subsection (a), an operator described by Subsection (a) shall proceed without manually shifting gears while crossing the track. 545.353. (b) The operator of a vehicle that has an explosive substance or flammable liquid as the vehicle's principal cargo, before crossing a railroad grade crossing on a highway in a municipality: (2) while stopped, shall listen and look in both directions along the track for an approaching train or other on-track equipment and for signals indicating the approach of a train or other on-track equipment; and. (j) The commission may not determine or declare, or agree to determine or declare, a prima facie speed limit for environmental purposes on a part of the highway system. (f) A temporary speed limit established under this section: (A) the 45th day after the date the limit becomes effective; or, (B) the date on which the district engineer determines that the maintenance activity has been completed and all equipment has been removed from the maintenance activity site; and. 165, Sec. September 1, 2013. 1, eff. (2) to the greatest extent practicable, ensure a systems approach to preclude the designation of inconsistent lane restrictions among adjacent municipalities. September 1, 2007. Sec. Sec. (2) another reasonable and safe speed because of wet or inclement weather. 2, eff. TURNING ON CURVE OR CREST OF GRADE. PERSONS AND GOVERNMENTAL AUTHORITIES 541.001. Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. (c) A vehicle is not required to stop at the crossing if a police officer or a traffic-control signal directs traffic to proceed. 8.01, eff. As a factor contributing to the accident, the police report listed faulty evasive action by Griffin. The rules shall: (1) require safety chains to be strong enough to maintain the connection between the trailer, semitrailer, house trailer, or drawn motor vehicle and the drawing vehicle; and. of Section 550.023. (2) a vehicle owned by a commercial establishment that is parked on the street adjacent to where the establishment is located. May 28, 1997. 2, eff. Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. * Faulty evasive action * Under the influence- alcohol ( drunk driver) Vehicle defects can include defective conditions in the vehicles, such as no headlights, no tail lights, no trailer brakes, and other conditions. (2) If an authority determines from the results of an engineering and traffic investigation that a prima facie speed limit described in this subchapter is unreasonable or unsafe on a part of a turnpike constructed and maintained by the authority, the authority by order recorded in its minutes shall determine and declare a reasonable and safe prima facie speed limit for vehicles or classes of vehicles on the turnpike. Sept. 1, 1995. Sec. Added by Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. (1) a highway is considered to have separate roadways only if the highway has roadways separated by an intervening space on which operation of vehicles is not permitted, a physical barrier, or a clearly indicated dividing section constructed to impede vehicular traffic; and. At FindLaw.com, we pride ourselves on being the number one source of free legal information and resources on the web. September 1, 2021. Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. (b) It is a defense to prosecution of an offense to which this section applies that the defendant provides to the court evidence satisfactory to the court that: (A) the defendant was not arrested or issued a citation for violation of any other offense; (B) the defendant did not possess a child passenger safety seat system in the vehicle; and, (C) the vehicle the defendant was operating was not involved in an accident; and. 183), Sec. 545.3535. Fail to ride in one lane when riding side by side. PDF Fatal Cmv Involved School Bus Related Railroad Related Medical Advisory Under Texas law, drivers have a responsibility to keep an eye out for potential hazards on the road and take steps to avoid an accident when possible. Sec. The chairman of the Texas Transportation Commission and the chairman of the State Board of Education shall provide assistance and information relevant to consideration of speed limits to commissioners courts, municipal governing bodies, and other interested persons. June 17, 2011. 1791), Sec. CONFLICTING DESIGNATED SPEED LIMITS. 30.113(a), eff. Inadequate evasive action may be defined as situations when drivers fail to execute a proper evasive maneuver by not using sufficient steering inputs, not braking appropriately, or a combination of insufficient steering and braking inputs. 128 (H.B. (i) If a designated official does not comply with the requirements of Subsection (f)(3) for a vehicular accident reconstruction on a state highway associated with the reconstruction, the Texas Department of Transportation may remove signs and concealments. CROSSING SIDEWALK OR HIKE AND BIKE TRAIL. (b) An operator passing another vehicle shall return to an authorized lane of travel: (1) before coming within 200 feet of an approaching vehicle, if a lane authorized for vehicles approaching from the opposite direction is used in passing; or otherwise. (a) An operator on a roadway divided into two or more clearly marked lanes for traffic: (1) shall drive as nearly as practical entirely within a single lane; and. (e) The Texas Transportation Commission or a local authority, with respect to a highway in its jurisdiction, may: (1) authorize the placement of an official traffic-control device in or adjacent to an intersection; and. 3, eff. (b) An offense under this section is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not less than $25 and not more than $250. (b)If an accident occurs on a main lane, ramp, shoulder, median, or adjacent area Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. (a) An operator may not drive on the left side of the center of the roadway in passing another vehicle unless: (1) driving on the left side of the center of the roadway is authorized by this subtitle; and. 6, eff. (6) a vehicle operated by or pursuant to a contract with a toll project entity, as defined by Section 372.001, using visual signals that comply with the standards and specifications adopted under Section 547.105. (c) If appropriate signs are erected giving notice of a minimum speed limit adopted under this section, an operator may not drive a vehicle more slowly than that limit except as necessary for safe operation or in compliance with law. 5.68(12), eff. 1353), Sec. Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. Sec. 1, eff. 1, eff. 1438, Sec. Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 1756), Sec. 1294), Sec. (d) The commissioners court may modify a prima facie speed limit in accordance with this section only by an order entered on its records. 1759), Sec. 378), Sec. Sept. 1, 1995. (a) In this section: (1) "Electronic message" means data that is read from or entered into a wireless communication device for the purpose of communicating with another person. 545.052. Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. Unless the order by its own terms expires earlier, it remains in effect until a subsequent order adopted by the procedure prescribed by this section amends or repeals it, except that an order adopted under this section expires when this section expires. Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 347), Sec. 1391 (H.B. (B) on a one-way street or on a roadway having traffic restricted to one direction of movement and the roadway is free from obstructions and wide enough for two or more lines of moving vehicles. SIGNALS BY HAND AND ARM OR BY SIGNAL LAMP. (a) The governing body of a municipality, for a highway or part of a highway in the municipality, including a highway of the state highway system, has the same authority to alter by ordinance prima facie speed limits from the results of an engineering and traffic investigation as the Texas Transportation Commission on an officially designated or marked highway of the state highway system. (2) shall control the speed of the vehicle as necessary to avoid colliding with another person or vehicle that is on or entering the highway in compliance with law and the duty of each person to use due care. (b) If the commission adopts a rule under Subsection (a), the commission shall erect and maintain official traffic-control devices on the portions of the limited-access or controlled-access highway to which the rule applies. (a) The commissioners court of a county with a population of 3.3 million or more shall by ordinance provide for the licensing of or the granting of a permit to a person to remove or store a vehicle authorized by Section 545.305 to be removed in an unincorporated area of the county. 923 (H.B. (d) Unless the owner of the reported vehicle believes that to provide the peace officer with the name and address of the individual operating the vehicle at the time of the violation alleged would incriminate the owner, the owner shall, to the best of the owner's ability, disclose that individual's name and address. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1997. Sept. 1, 2003. 1280 (H.B. 545.2535. 545.254. (2) the failure to alter state speed limits will prevent the state from receiving money from the United States for highway purposes. Sec. Common Pedestrian Accidents Caused by Distractions. Sept. 1, 1997; Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. (a) The commissioners court of a county by resolution may request the Texas Transportation Commission to determine and declare a reasonable and safe prima facie speed limit that is lower than a speed limit established by Section 545.352 on any part of a farm-to-market or a ranch-to-market road of the highway system that is located in that county and is without improved shoulders. September 1, 2017. 4170), Sec. 1, eff. Since Texas is a fault insurance state, any driver who causes an accident must pay for the damages of any injured victims. (b) An operator of a school bus, while operating the bus, shall prohibit a passenger from: (B) in any location on the bus that is not designed as a seat. Texas Transportation Code - TRANSP 545.401 | FindLaw 3026), Sec. Sec. TEMPORARY SPEED LIMITS. 545.364. Jan. 1, 2002. September 1, 2019. The Texas Department of Public Safety was created by law to protect the lives and property of the people of the state of Texas and departmental employees. 5, eff. (c) An offense under this section is a Class B misdemeanor. June 18, 2003; Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. of a freeway in a metropolitan area and each vehicle involved can be normally and (4) "Neighborhood electric vehicle" has the meaning assigned by Section 551.301. (b) An automated motor vehicle may not operate on a highway in this state with the automated driving system engaged unless the vehicle is: (1) capable of operating in compliance with applicable traffic and motor vehicle laws of this state, subject to this subchapter; (2) equipped with a recording device, as defined by Section 547.615(a), installed by the manufacturer of the automated motor vehicle or automated driving system; (3) equipped with an automated driving system in compliance with applicable federal law and federal motor vehicle safety standards; (4) registered and titled in accordance with the laws of this state; and. (2) "Commercial motor vehicle" has the meaning assigned by Section 545.307. The top five contributing risk factors to fatal crashes in Texas are 551.104 (b) No Red Reflector or Red Light of Defective Reflector or Red Light on Rear of Bicycle or Moped - Nighttime. Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 913 (H.B. 1518, Sec. Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., 1st C.S., Ch. 109), Sec. Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1, eff. June 15, 2021. 1, eff. USE OF WIRELESS COMMUNICATION DEVICE IN A SCHOOL CROSSING ZONE OR WHILE OPERATING A BUS WITH A MINOR PASSENGER; LOCAL AUTHORITY SIGN REQUIREMENTS; OFFENSE. (c) A municipal governing body or commissioners court, on request of the governing body of a school or institution of higher education, may hold one public hearing for all public and private elementary and secondary schools, open-enrollment charter schools, and institutions of higher education in its jurisdiction. Sept. 1, 1995. 165, Sec. 545.256. (5) an estimate of how long the site will be used for the accident reconstruction. Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. (c) An operator moving around a rotary traffic island shall drive only to the right of the island. The commission may revise the procedure to accommodate technological advancement in traffic operation, the design and construction of highways and motor vehicles, and the safety of the motoring public. 1294), Sec. Sec. (C) has a minimum of three travel lanes, excluding access or frontage roads, in each direction of traffic that may be part of a single roadway or may be separate roadways that are constructed as an upper and lower deck. 1, eff. (b) An operator when lawfully passing to the left of a streetcar that has stopped to receive or discharge a passenger: (2) may proceed only on exercising due caution for pedestrians; and. Sec. September 1, 2021. (2) an operator who is licensed by the Federal Communications Commission while operating a radio frequency device other than a portable wireless communication device. 545.419. Sec. Reckless Driving; Offense on Westlaw FindLaw Codes may not reflect the most recent version of the law in your jurisdiction. As unsafe conditions and unsafe acts are the primary causes of property damage and injuries, the Department is dedicated to providing safe equipment and safe conditions for employee performance. June 20, 2003. MAXIMUM SPEED REQUIREMENT. (d) Official traffic-control devices prohibiting the changing of lanes on sections of roadway may be installed. All rights reserved. Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. (a) If the Texas Transportation Commission determines from the results of an engineering and traffic investigation that a prima facie speed limit in this subchapter is unreasonable or unsafe on a part of the highway system, the commission, by order recorded in its minutes, and except as provided in Subsection (d), may determine and declare: (1) a reasonable and safe prima facie speed limit; and. 438 (H.B. AUTHORITY OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COURT TO ALTER SPEED LIMITS. 165, Sec. 1, eff. A new limit that is adopted for a turnpike project constructed and maintained by the authority in accordance with this section is effective at all times or at other times as determined. (a) In this section: (1) "Hands-free device" means speakerphone capability, a telephone attachment, or another function or other piece of equipment, regardless of whether permanently installed in or on a wireless communication device or in a motor vehicle, that allows use of the wireless communication device without use of either of the operator's hands, except to activate or deactivate a function of the wireless communication device or hands-free device. (d) Before issuing an order under this section, the commissioners court shall submit to the department a description of the proposed restriction. Answer:running and not stopping at traffic lights and stop signsExplanation:Stopping the vehicle at traffic lights and stop signs are most important to avid any saveckart7955 saveckart7955 05/15/2019 1560), Sec. 4, eff. (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: (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. (3) increase the speed limit for a vehicle described by Section 545.352(b)(4). Texas 18+ Adult Drivers Course; Driver . Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. STREETCAR APPROACHED BY AUTHORIZED EMERGENCY VEHICLE. RA 6539 - Anti-Carnapping Act of 1972. 860 (H.B. Sept. 1, 2003. (b) An operator of a vehicle required by Subsection (a) to stop shall remain stopped until permitted to proceed and it is safe to proceed. Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. (3) the vehicle is in clear view for at least 200 feet in each direction on the highway. (c) The department may adopt rules necessary to administer and enforce this section. Accident Involving Damage to Vehicle on Westlaw, Law Firm Tests Whether It Can Sue Associate for 'Quiet Quitting', The Onion Joins Free-Speech Case Against Police as Amicus, Bumpy Road Ahead for All in Adoption of AI in the Legal Industry. June 18, 1999; Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. MOVING HEAVY EQUIPMENT AT RAILROAD GRADE CROSSINGS. A person may not operate a motorcycle described by Section 521.001(a)(6-a)(C)(vii) on a public highway for which the posted speed limit is more than 45 miles per hour, except that the operator may cross an intersection with a public highway that has a posted speed limit of more than 45 miles per hour. (a) A person who on site observes a violation of Section 545.251, 545.252, 545.253, 545.254, or 545.255 may file a report of the violation if the person: (1) is an on-engine employee of a railroad; and. (a) Unless otherwise provided by this subchapter, the operation of automated motor vehicles, including any commercial use, and automated driving systems are governed exclusively by: (b) A political subdivision of this state or a state agency may not impose a franchise or other regulation related to the operation of an automated motor vehicle or automated driving system. 5, eff. Sec. (b) An operator may not, except momentarily to pick up or discharge a passenger, stand or park an occupied or unoccupied vehicle: (1) in front of a public or private driveway; (3) within 20 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection; (4) within 30 feet on the approach to a flashing signal, stop sign, yield sign, or traffic-control signal located at the side of a roadway; (5) within 20 feet of the driveway entrance to a fire station and on the side of a street opposite the entrance to a fire station within 75 feet of the entrance, if the entrance is properly marked with a sign; or. 165, Sec. (b) The commissioners court shall set the fee for the license or permit in an amount that reasonably offsets the costs of enforcing the ordinance. (e) A lane restriction imposed under this section expires when the lane that is subject to the restriction is no longer in a construction or maintenance work zone. (3) "Motor-assisted scooter" has the meaning assigned by Section 551.351. 27.001(108), eff. Below you will find links to traffic laws and driving rules in Texas -- including the online vehicle code, statutes on common traffic violations, and state-specific driving manuals (where available). Sept. 1, 1995. September 1, 2013. 265, Sec. Rules and Regulations. An offense under this subsection is a Class C misdemeanor. Sept. 1, 1995. (repealed by RA 10883) .