Texas Traffic Laws

If you want to avoid a traffic violation, you must abide by the rules of the road. If you aren’t familiar with Texas traffic laws, you could find yourself with a costly traffic ticket. Whether the ticket is for failure to change lanes or not stopping at a crosswalk, you may end up paying fines, court fees, and, in some cases, attorney fees.

The best thing to do is to familiarize yourself with the Texas Transportation Code and local traffic ordinances. If you follow these laws, you’ll have a better chance of avoiding preventable traffic infractions and municipal court appearances.

In addition to explaining some of the most important driving rules, this article contains links to traffic laws and driving rules in Texas. This includes Texas’ online vehicle code and state-specific driving manuals.

Common Traffic Infractions in Texas

It would be impractical to list all of Texas’s traffic laws here, just as it would be unrealistic to name all the possible traffic infractions in the State. However, some traffic violations are more common than others, and it’s worth taking a moment to identify them.

Some of the more common traffic violations motorists commit include:

• Distracted driving
• Driving above the speed limit
• Not honoring the right-of-way
• Passing a school bus while it is stopped
• Failure to stop at a stop sign
• Failure to yield
• Texting or using your cell phone or other wireless communication device while driving
• Making a left turn without using your signal
• Failure to abide by a traffic signal
• Not having your license plate affixed to the back of your vehicle
• Weaving in and out of the lane of traffic
• Not pulling over for an authorized emergency vehicle
• DWI/DUI
• Ignoring a yield sign
• Passing in a no-passing zone
• Not wearing your safety belts
• Driving the wrong way on a one-way street
• Not stopping at a railroad crossing
• Using your windshield wipers without having your lights on

Some violations will result in a fine, while others may carry more significant penalties.

The Possibility of Going to Court After Receiving a Traffic Ticket

Whether you must appear in court regarding a traffic ticket depends on several factors. In many cases, a motorist can pay the ticket either in person or online. However, there are some cases where the court requires an in-court appearance.

For example, you may have to appear before a judge if you receive a traffic ticket concerning a car accident. The same is true for infractions such as DWI/DUI.

If you’re concerned about going to court for your traffic infraction, contact a local criminal defense attorney or a lawyer who handles traffic cases.

Texas Traffic Tickets – Helpful Resources

We’ve collected some of the most commonly violated and important Texas driving laws to help you understand how the process works.​

Basic Online Traffic Law Resources

• Texas Drivers Handbook (PDF)
• Texas Transportation Code

Drinking & Driving Violations

• Intoxication and Alcoholic Beverage Offenses (TX Penal Code Ch. 49.04)

Driving Without a License / With a Suspended License

• Driver’s Licenses and Certificates (TX Transp. Code Ch. 521.457)

Driving Without Insurance / With Insufficient Insurance

• Motor Vehicle Safety Responsibility Act (TX. Transp. Code Ch. 601)

Driving Without Registration / With Expired Registration

• Registration of Vehicles (TX Transp. Code Ch. 502.473)

Illegal U-Turn/Entering Private Road

• Operation and Movement of Vehicles (TX Transp. Code Ch. 545.103)

Leaving the Scene of an Accident / Hit & Run

• Accidents and Accident Reports (TX Transp. Code Ch. 550.022)

Mechanical Violations

• Vehicle Equipment (TX Transp. Code Ch. 547.004)

Reckless Driving

• Operation and Movement of Vehicles (TX Transp. Code Ch. 545.401)

Running a Red Light / Stop Sign

• Traffic Signs, Signals, and Markings (TX Transp. Code Ch. 544.007)

Seat Belt / Child Restraint Violations

• Operation and Movement of Vehicles (TX Transp. Code Ch. 545.412 and 545.413)

Signaling Turns and Use of Turn Signals

• Turn Signals (TX Transp. Code Ch. 547.324)

Speeding

• Operation and Movement of Vehicles (TX Transp. Code Ch. 545.351 and 545.352)

Unlawful Vehicle Modifications

• Vehicle Equipment (TX Transp. Code Ch. 547.004

Disclaimer: Texas state laws change frequently due to new legislation, higher court rulings, etc. While FindLaw strives to provide readers with the most current information, consult a local traffic ticket attorney to confirm Texas laws.

Contact a Local Criminal Defense Attorney To Help With Your Case

If a police officer has issued you a ticket for a traffic violation, be it obstructing traffic or using your cell phone while driving, consider contacting a local attorney for help. Depending on the violation, you may end up with points on your driving record, an increase in your insurance premiums, or potential jail time in addition to fines.

It’s imperative that you contact a criminal defense lawyer if you were issued a ticket after a car accident. If someone suffered an injury due to your traffic violation, you’ll want a lawyer by your side. A Texas traffic ticket lawyer will offer a free initial consultation to assess your case.

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