Texas Traffic Laws
Created by FindLaw's team of legal writers and editors | Last reviewed November 12, 2019
This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw’s team of legal writers and attorneys and in accordance with our editorial standards.
The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area.
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).
- Texas Drivers Handbook (PDF)
| 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) |
| 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) |
| Illegal U-Turn | Operation and Movement of Vehicles (TX Transp. Code Ch. 545) |
| Leaving the Scene of an Accident / Hit & Run | Accidents and Accident Reports (TX Transp. Code Ch. 550) |
| Mechanical Violations | Vehicle Equipment (TX Transp. Code Ch. 547) |
| 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) |
| Seat Belt / Child Restraint Violations | Operation and Movement of Vehicles (TX Transp. Code Ch. 545.412 and 545.413) |
| 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) |
| Signaling Turns; Use of Turn Signals | Turn Signals (TX Transp. Code Ch. 547) |
Can I Solve This on My Own or Do I Need an Attorney?
- Complex traffic tickets usually require a lawyer
- Experienced lawyers can seek to reduce or eliminate penalties
- A lawyer can help you keep your license
Get tailored legal advice and ask a lawyer questions. Many traffic ticket attorneys offer free consultations.
Stay up-to-date with how the law affects your life
Learn more about FindLaw’s newsletters, including our terms of use and privacy policy.