Transportation Code
522.072 Permitting unauthorized driving prohibited
-Employer may not knowingly permit a person to drive a CMV during which person -has been denied privilege to operate CMV -disqualified -subject to OOS; or -has more than one CDL
Residential Subdivision
-Means a subdivision in a county with a population greater than 220,000 -For which a plat recorded in the country real property records -And in which the majority of lots are subject to deed restrictions limiting the lots to residential use
Fog Lamps
12-30 inches No more than 2
Rear Red Reflectors
15-60 inches 2 Required Visible 100-600 ft Vehicle built before January 1st, 1972 100-350 ft
Auxiliary Driving Lamps
16-42 inches No more than 2
Parking Requirement
2 way road - Right tires must be within 18 inches of the curb 1 way road - Right or left tires within 18 inches of the curb
Head lamps
24-54 inches -"DOT" approved bulbs only -No colored film -No blackouts or translucent film -Nothing that impairs effectiveness of lighting
663.036. CARRYING PASSENGERS
A person may not carry a passenger on an off-highway vehicle operated on public property or a beach unless the vehicle is designed by the manufacturer to transport a passenger.
Registration Expired Plates
Offense after the 5th working day after it expires Judge may dismiss if remedied not later than 20th day after date of offense Administrative fee not to exceed $20
TC 502.472 Operation of vehicle under improper registration
Offense if person operates on public highway a motor vehicle that has not been registered or registered for class other than one to which it belongs
Turn Signal
Red or Amber
Compliance with or violation of promise to appear
Person may comply with promise to appear by appearance of counsel person who willfully violates promise to appear commits a misdemeanor
Riding in Bed of Truck
Prohibited for Child than 18
Private Road or Driveway
A privately owned way or place used for vehicular travel and used only by the owner and persons who have the owner's express or implied permission
Types of Traffic Incidents
Collision Stalled Vehicle/ Abandoned Vehicle Debris in roadway Protests Haz Mat Spill Construction Road Closure Special Events Parades Sports Amusement Parks Concerts
521.123 Designator on license issued to person under 21 years of age
DL marked "provisional" for persons under 18 DL marked "UNDER 21" for persons under 21 orient information on DL to clearly distinguish person under 21
521.202 Ineligibility for license based on certain convictions
Department may not issue license to a person convicted of offense DWI, Intoxication assault, Intoxication manslaughter
Ineligibility for license based on certain convictions
Department may not issue license to a person convicted of offense DWI, Intoxication assault, Intoxication manslaughter
Drivers license
May not issue under 15 May not issue under 18 May issue 16 conditional with classes and student enrollment Instruction Permit 15 or older Hardship License 15 or older (economic/illness/vocational enrollment and license needed) Moped 15 or older New resident 90 days Change of address or name 30 days
Sun screening device
a film, material, or device that meets the department's standards for reducing the effects of the sun
Freeway Main Lane
a freeway lane having an uninterrupted flow of through traffic
Through highway
a highway or a portion of a highway on which: (A) vehicular traffic is given preferential right-of-way; and (B) vehicular traffic entering from an intersecting highway is required by law to yield right-of-way in compliance with an official traffic-control device.
Trailer
a vehicle, other than a pole trailer, with or without motive power; designed to be drawn by a motor vehicle and to transport persons or property; and constructed so that no part of the vehicle's weight and load rests on the motor vehicle
public highway
includes a road, street, way, thoroughfare, or bridge; That is in this state For the use of vehicles Not privately owned or controlled And which the state has legislative jurisdiction under its police power.
Safety glazing material
includes only a glazing material that is constructed, treated, or combined with another material to substantially reduce the likely hood of injury to persons by an external object or by cracked or broken glazing material
Fine for Offense in Construction Zone or Maintenance Work Zone
offense under this subtitle is committed in a construction or maintenance work zone when workers are present and any written notice to appear issued for the offense states on its face that workers were present when the offense was committed: the minimum/maximum fine applicable to the offense is twice the minimum/maximum fine that would be applicable to the offense if it were committed outside a construction or maintenance work zone; and
Stand or standing
to halt an occupied or unoccupied vehicle, other than temporarily while receiving or discharging passengers.
Park or parking
to stand an occupied or unoccupied vehicle, other than temporarily loading or unloading merchandise or passengers
electric personal assistive mobility device
two non-tandem wheeled device designed for transporting one person that is Self balancing and Propelled by an electric propulsion system with an average power of 750 Watts or one horse-power.
Neighborhood electric vehicle
vehicle that can attain a maximum speed of 35 miles per hour on a paved level surface and otherwise complies with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 500
The Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD)
Same as Temporary Work Zones for Traffic Control Purposes -Advanced warning area -Transition area - moves traffic out of the path of the incident (Cones / Flares). -Buffer space - provides protection for victims and responders -Work area - space where responders will be conducting various activities -Activity Area - Includes buffer space and work space -Termination area - allows traffic to return to normal operation
683.011. AUTHORITY TO TAKE ABANDONED MOTOR VEHICLE INTO CUSTODY
(a) A law enforcement agency may take into custody an abandoned motor vehicle, aircraft, watercraft, or outboard motor found on public or private property. (b) A law enforcement agency may use agency personnel, equipment, and facilities or contract for other personnel, equipment, and facilities to remove, preserve, store, send notice regarding, and dispose of an abandoned motor vehicle, aircraft, watercraft, or outboard motor taken into custody by the agency under this subchapter
547.611. USE OF CERTAIN VIDEO EQUIPMENT AND TELEVISION RECEIVERS
(a) A motor vehicle may be equipped with video receiving equipment, including a television, a digital video disc player, a videocassette player, or similar equipment, only if the equipment is located so that the video display is not visible from the operator's seat unless the vehicle's transmission is in park or the vehicle's parking brake is applied. (b) A motor vehicle specially designed as a mobile unit used by a licensed television station may have video receiving equipment located so that the video display is visible from the operator's side, but the receiver may be used only when the vehicle is stopped. (c) This section does not prohibit the use of: (1) equipment used: (A) exclusively for receiving digital information for commercial purposes; (B) exclusively for a safety or law enforcement purpose, if each installation is approved by the department; (C) in a remote television transmission truck; or (D) exclusively for monitoring the performance of equipment installed on a vehicle used for safety purposes in connection with the operations of a natural gas, water, or electric utility; or (2) a monitoring device that: (A) produces an electronic display; and (B) is used exclusively in conjunction with a mobile navigation system installed in the vehicle
683.012. TAKING ABANDONED MOTOR VEHICLE INTO CUSTODY: NOTICE
(a) A law enforcement agency shall send notice of abandonment to: (1) the last known registered owner of each motor vehicle, aircraft, watercraft, or outboard motor taken into custody by the agency or for which a report is received under Section 683.031; and (2) each lienholder recorded: (A) under Chapter 501 for the motor vehicle; (B) with the Federal Aviation Administration or the secretary of state for the aircraft; or (C) under Chapter 31, Parks and Wildlife Code, for the watercraft or outboard motor. (a-1) A law enforcement agency that takes into custody an aircraft shall contact the Federal Aviation Administration in the manner described by Section 22.901 to attempt to identify the owner of the aircraft before sending the notice required by Subsection (a). (b) The notice under Subsection (a) must: (1) be sent by certified mail not later than the 10th day after the date the agency: (A) takes the abandoned motor vehicle, aircraft, watercraft, or outboard motor into custody; or (B) receives the report under Section 683.031; (2) specify the year, make, model, and identification number of the item; (3) give the location of the facility where the item is being held; (4) inform the owner and lienholder of the right to claim the item not later than the 20th day after the date of the notice on payment of: (A) towing, preservation, and storage charges; or (B) garagekeeper's charges and fees under Section 683.032 and, if the vehicle is a commercial motor vehicle impounded under Section 644.153(q), the delinquent administrative penalty and costs; and (5) state that failure of the owner or lienholder to claim the item during the period specified by Subdivision (4) is: (A) a waiver by that person of all right, title, and interest in the item; and (B) consent to the sale of the item at a public auction. (c) Notice by publication in one newspaper of general circulation in the area where the motor vehicle, aircraft, watercraft, or outboard motor was abandoned is sufficient notice under this section if: (1) the identity of the last registered owner cannot be determined; (2) the registration has no address for the owner; or (3) the determination with reasonable certainty of the identity and address of all lienholders is impossible. (d) Notice by publication: (1) must be published in the same period that is required by Subsection (b) for notice by certified mail and contain all of the information required by that subsection; and (2) may contain a list of more than one abandoned motor vehicle, aircraft, watercraft, or outboard motor. (e) A law enforcement agency is not required to send a notice, as otherwise required by Subsection (a), if the agency has received notice from a vehicle storage facility that an application has or will be submitted to the department for the disposal of the vehicle. (f) In addition to the notice required under Subsection (a), if a law enforcement agency takes an abandoned motor vehicle into custody, the agency shall notify a person that files a theft report or similar report prepared by any law enforcement agency for the vehicle of that fact. The notice must be sent by regular mail on the next business day after the agency takes the vehicle into custody. The law enforcement agency shall also provide the name and address of the person that filed the theft report or similar report to the vehicle storage facility or governmental vehicle storage facility that is storing the vehicle
681.012. SEIZURE AND REVOCATION OF PLACARD
(a) A law enforcement officer who believes that an offense under Section 681.011(a) or (d) has occurred in the officer's presence shall seize any disabled parking placard involved in the offense. Not later than 48 hours after the seizure, the officer shall determine whether probable cause existed to believe that the offense was committed. If the officer does not find that probable cause existed, the officer shall promptly return each placard to the person from whom it was seized. If the officer finds that probable cause existed, the officer, not later than the fifth day after the date of the seizure, shall destroy the placard and notify the department. (a-1) A peace officer may seize a disabled parking placard from a person who operates a vehicle on which a disabled parking placard is displayed if the peace officer determines by inspecting the person's driver's license, personal identification certificate, or military identification that the disabled parking placard does not contain the first four digits of the driver's license number, personal identification certificate number, or military identification number and the initials of: (1) the person operating the vehicle; (2) the applicant on behalf of a person being transported by the vehicle; or (3) a person being transported by the vehicle. (a-2) A peace officer shall destroy a seized placard and notify the department. (b) On seizure of a placard under Subsection (a) or (a-1), a placard is revoked. A person from whom the placard was seized may apply for a new placard by submitting an application
547.329. AUXILIARY PASSING LAMPS PERMITTED
(a) A motor vehicle may be equipped with no more than two auxiliary passing lamps. (b) An auxiliary passing lamp shall be mounted on the front of the vehicle at a height from 24 to 42 inches. (c) An auxiliary passing lamp may be used with headlamps
547.328. FOG LAMPS PERMITTED
(a) A motor vehicle may be equipped with not more than two fog lamps. (b) A fog lamp shall be: (1) mounted on the front of the vehicle at a height from 12 to 30 inches; and (2) aimed so that no part of the high-intensity portion of the beam from a lamp mounted to the left of center on a vehicle projects a beam of light at a distance of 25 feet that is higher than four inches below the level of the center of the lamp. (c) Lighted fog lamps may be used with lower headlamp beams
547.501. AUDIBLE WARNING DEVICES
(a) A motor vehicle shall be equipped with a horn in good working condition that emits a sound audible under normal conditions at a distance of at least 200 feet. (b) A vehicle may not be equipped with and a person may not use on a vehicle a siren, whistle, or bell unless the vehicle is: (1) a commercial vehicle that is equipped with a theft alarm signal device arranged so that the device cannot be used as an ordinary warning signal; or (2) an authorized emergency vehicle that is equipped with a siren, whistle, or bell that complies with Section 547.702. (c) A motor vehicle operator shall use a horn to provide audible warning only when necessary to insure safe operation. (d) A warning device, including a horn, may not emit an unreasonably loud or harsh sound or a whistle
547.604. MUFFLER REQUIRED
(a) A motor vehicle shall be equipped with a muffler in good working condition that continually operates to prevent excessive or unusual noise. (b) A person may not use a muffler cutout, bypass, or similar device on a motor vehicle
547.381. OBSTRUCTED LIGHTS ON COMBINATION VEHICLES
(a) A motor vehicle when operated in combination with another vehicle is not required to display a lighted lamp, other than a taillamp, if the lamp is obscured because of its location by another vehicle in the combination of vehicles. (b) Subsection (a) is not an exception for the lighting as provided by this chapter of: (1) front clearance lamps on the frontmost vehicle in the combination; or (2) rear lamps on the rearmost vehicle in the combination
548.051. VEHICLES AND EQUIPMENT SUBJECT TO INSPECTION
(a) A motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer, pole trailer, or mobile home, registered in this state, must have the following items inspected at an inspection station or by an inspector: (1) tires; (2) wheel assembly; (3) safety guards or flaps, if required by Section 547.606; (4) brake system, including power brake unit; (5) steering system, including power steering; (6) lighting equipment; (7) horns and warning devices; (8) mirrors; (9) windshield wipers; (10) sunscreening devices, unless the vehicle is exempt from sunscreen device restrictions under Section 547.613; (11) front seat belts in vehicles on which seat belt anchorages were part of the manufacturer's original equipment; (12) exhaust system; (13) exhaust emission system; (14) fuel tank cap, using pressurized testing equipment approved by department rule; and (15) emissions control equipment as designated by department rule. (b) A moped is subject to inspection in the same manner as a motorcycle, except that the only items of equipment required to be inspected are the brakes, headlamps, rear lamps, and reflectors
551.352. OPERATION ON ROADWAYS OR SIDEWALKS
(a) A motor-assisted scooter may be operated only on a street or highway for which the posted speed limit is 35 miles per hour or less. The motor-assisted scooter may cross a road or street at an intersection where the road or street has a posted speed limit of more than 35 miles per hour. (b) A county or municipality may prohibit the operation of a motor-assisted scooter on a street, highway, or sidewalk if the governing body of the county or municipality determines that the prohibition is necessary in the interest of safety. (c) The department may prohibit the operation of a motor-assisted scooter on a highway if it determines that the prohibition is necessary in the interest of safety. (d) A person may operate a motor-assisted scooter on a path set aside for the exclusive operation of bicycles or on a sidewalk. Except as otherwise provided by this section, a provision of this title applicable to the operation of a bicycle applies to the operation of a motor-assisted scooter. (e) A provision of this title applicable to a motor vehicle does not apply to a motor-assisted scooter
547.617. MOTORCYCLE FOOTRESTS AND HANDHOLDS REQUIRED
(a) A motorcycle that is designed to carry more than one person must be equipped with footrests and handholds for use by the passenger. (b) This section does not apply to an autocycle
551.303. OPERATION ON ROADWAYS
(a) A neighborhood electric vehicle may be operated only on a street or highway for which the posted speed limit is 45 miles per hour or less. A neighborhood electric vehicle may cross a road or street at an intersection where the road or street has a posted speed limit of more than 45 miles per hour. A neighborhood electric vehicle may not be operated on a street or highway at a speed that exceeds the lesser of: (1) the posted speed limit; or (2) 35 miles per hour. (b) A county or municipality may prohibit the operation of a neighborhood electric vehicle on a street or highway if the governing body of the county or municipality determines that the prohibition is necessary in the interest of safety. (c) The Texas Department of Transportation may prohibit the operation of a neighborhood electric vehicle on a highway if that department determines that the prohibition is necessary in the interest of safety
545.417. OBSTRUCTION OF OPERATOR'S VIEW OR DRIVING MECHANISM
(a) An operator may not drive a vehicle when it is loaded so that, or when the front seat has a number of persons, exceeding three, so that: (1) the view of the operator to the front or sides of the vehicle is obstructed; or (2) there is interference with the operator's control over the driving mechanism of the vehicle. (b) A passenger in a vehicle may not ride in a position that interferes with the operator's view to the front or sides or control over the driving mechanism of the vehicle.
545.305. REMOVAL OF UNLAWFULLY STOPPED VEHICLE
(a) A peace officer listed under Article 2.12, Code of Criminal Procedure, or a license and weight inspector of the department may remove or require the operator or a person in charge of a vehicle to move a vehicle from a highway if the vehicle: (1) is unattended on a bridge, viaduct, or causeway or in a tube or tunnel and the vehicle is obstructing traffic; (2) is unlawfully parked and blocking the entrance to a private driveway; (3) has been reported as stolen; (4) is identified as having been stolen in a warrant issued on the filing of a complaint; (5) is unattended and the officer has reasonable grounds to believe that the vehicle has been abandoned for longer than 48 hours; (6) is disabled so that normal operation is impossible or impractical and the owner or person in charge of the vehicle is: (A) incapacitated and unable to provide for the vehicle's removal or custody; or (B) not in the immediate vicinity of the vehicle; (7) is disabled so that normal operation is impossible or impractical and the owner or person in charge of the vehicle does not designate a particular towing or storage company; (8) is operated by a person an officer arrests for an alleged offense and the officer is required by law to take the person into custody; or (9) is, in the opinion of the officer, a hazard, interferes with a normal function of a governmental agency, or because of a catastrophe, emergency, or unusual circumstance is imperiled. (b) An officer acting under Subsection (a) may require that the vehicle be taken to: (1) the nearest garage or other place of safety; (2) a garage designated or maintained by the governmental agency that employs the officer; or (3) a position off the paved or main traveled part of the highway. (c) A law enforcement agency other than the department that removes an abandoned vehicle in an unincorporated area shall notify the sheriff. (d) The owner of a vehicle that is removed or stored under this section is liable for all reasonable towing and storage fees incurred. (e) In this section: (1) "Towing company" means an individual, corporation, partnership, or other association engaged in the business of towing vehicles on a highway for compensation or with the expectation of compensation for the towing or storage of the vehicles and includes the owner, operator, employee, or agent of a towing company. (2) "Storage company" means an individual, corporation, partnership, or other association engaged in the business of storing or repairing vehicles for compensation or with the expectation of compensation for the storage or repair of vehicles and includes the owner, operator, employee, or agent of a storage company
681.010. ENFORCEMENT
(a) A peace officer or a person designated by a political subdivision to enforce parking regulations may file a charge against a person who commits an offense under this chapter at a parking space or area designated as provided by Section 681.009. (b) A security officer commissioned under Chapter 1702, Occupations Code, and employed by the owner of private property may file a charge against a person who commits an offense under this chapter at a parking space or area designated by the owner of the property
552.002. PEDESTRIAN RIGHT-OF-WAY IF CONTROL SIGNAL PRESENT
(a) A pedestrian control signal displaying "Walk," "Don't Walk," or "Wait" applies to a pedestrian as provided by this section. (b) A pedestrian facing a "Walk" signal may proceed across a roadway in the direction of the signal, and the operator of a vehicle shall yield the right-of-way to the pedestrian. (c) A pedestrian may not start to cross a roadway in the direction of a "Don't Walk" signal or a "Wait" signal. A pedestrian who has partially crossed while the "Walk" signal is displayed shall proceed to a sidewalk or safety island while the "Don't Walk" signal or "Wait" signal is displayed
552.006. USE OF SIDEWALK
(a) A pedestrian may not walk along and on a roadway if an adjacent sidewalk is provided and is accessible to the pedestrian. (b) If a sidewalk is not provided, a pedestrian walking along and on a highway shall if possible walk on: (1) the left side of the roadway; or (2) the shoulder of the highway facing oncoming traffic. (c) The operator of a vehicle emerging from or entering an alley, building, or private road or driveway shall yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian approaching on a sidewalk extending across the alley, building entrance or exit, road, or driveway.
552.005. CROSSING AT POINT OTHER THAN CROSSWALK
(a) A pedestrian shall yield the right-of-way to a vehicle on the highway if crossing a roadway at a place: (1) other than in a marked crosswalk or in an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection; or (2) where a pedestrian tunnel or overhead pedestrian crossing has been provided. (b) Between adjacent intersections at which traffic control signals are in operation, a pedestrian may cross only in a marked crosswalk. (c) A pedestrian may cross a roadway intersection diagonally only if and in the manner authorized by a traffic control device.
545.401. RECKLESS DRIVING; OFFENSE
(a) A person commits an offense if the person drives a vehicle in wilful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property. (b) An offense under this section is a misdemeanor punishable by: (1) a fine not to exceed $200; (2) confinement in county jail for not more than 30 days; or (3) both the fine and the confinement. (c) Notwithstanding Section 542.001, this section applies to: (1) a private access way or parking area provided for a client or patron by a business, other than a private residential property or the property of a garage or parking lot for which a charge is made for the storing or parking of motor vehicles; and (2) a highway or other public place. (d) Notwithstanding Section 542.004, this section applies to a person, a team, or motor vehicles and other equipment engaged in work on a highway surface
545.421. FLEEING OR ATTEMPTING TO ELUDE POLICE OFFICER; OFFENSE
(a) A person commits an offense if the person operates a motor vehicle and wilfully fails or refuses to bring the vehicle to a stop or flees, or attempts to elude, a pursuing police vehicle when given a visual or audible signal to bring the vehicle to a stop. (b) A signal under this section that is given by a police officer pursuing a vehicle may be by hand, voice, emergency light, or siren. The officer giving the signal must be in uniform and prominently display the officer's badge of office. The officer's vehicle must bear the insignia of a law enforcement agency, regardless of whether the vehicle displays an emergency light. (c) Except as provided by Subsection (d), an offense under this section is a Class B misdemeanor. (d) An offense under this section is a Class A misdemeanor if the person, during the commission of the offense, recklessly engages in conduct that places another in imminent danger of serious bodily injury. (e) A person is presumed to have recklessly engaged in conduct placing another in imminent danger of serious bodily injury under Subsection (d) if the person while intoxicated knowingly operated a motor vehicle during the commission of the offense
FAILURE TO MAINTAIN MOTOR VEHICLE LIABILITY INSURANCE OR OTHERWISE ESTABLISH FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY; CRIMINAL PENALTIES - 601.191. OPERATION OF MOTOR VEHICLE IN VIOLATION OF MOTOR VEHICLE LIABILITY INSURANCE REQUIREMENT; OFFENSE
(a) A person commits an offense if the person operates a motor vehicle in violation of Section 601.051. (b) Except as provided by Subsections (c) and (d), an offense under this section is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not less than $175 or more than $350. (c) If a person has been previously convicted of an offense under this section, an offense under this section is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not less than $350 or more than $1,000. (d) If the court determines that a person who has not been previously convicted of an offense under this section is economically unable to pay the fine, the court may reduce the fine to less than $175. (e) A citation issued for an offense under this section must include an affirmative indication that the peace officer was unable at the time of the alleged offense to verify financial responsibility for the vehicle through the verification program
545.4145. RIDING IN OR ON BOAT OR PERSONAL WATERCRAFT DRAWN BY VEHICLE; OFFENSE
(a) A person commits an offense if the person operates a motor vehicle on a highway or street when a child younger than 18 years of age is occupying a boat or personal watercraft being drawn by the motor vehicle. (b) It is a defense to prosecution under this section that the person was: (1) operating the motor vehicle in a parade or in an emergency; or (2) operating the motor vehicle on a beach.
545.412. CHILD PASSENGER SAFETY SEAT SYSTEMS; OFFENSE
(a) A person commits an offense if the person operates a passenger vehicle, transports a child who is younger than eight years of age, unless the child is taller than four feet, nine inches, and does not keep the child secured during the operation of the vehicle in a child passenger safety seat system according to the instructions of the manufacturer of the safety seat system. (b) An offense under this section is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not less than $25 and not more than $250. (b-1) Repealed by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., 1st C.S., Ch. 4, Sec. 69.01(1), eff. September 28, 2011. (c) It is a defense to prosecution under this section that the person was operating the vehicle in an emergency or for a law enforcement purpose. (d) Repealed by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 204, Sec. 8.01. (e) This section does not apply to a person: (1) operating a vehicle transporting passengers for hire, excluding third-party transport service providers when transporting clients pursuant to a contract to provide nonemergency Medicaid transportation; or (2) transporting a child in a vehicle in which all seating positions equipped with child passenger safety seat systems or safety belts are occupied. (f) In this section: (1) "Child passenger safety seat system" means an infant or child passenger restraint system that meets the federal standards for crash-tested restraint systems as set by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. (2) "Passenger vehicle" means a passenger car, light truck, sport utility vehicle, passenger van designed to transport 15 or fewer passengers, including the driver, truck, or truck tractor. (3) "Safety belt" means a lap belt and any shoulder straps included as original equipment on or added to a vehicle. (4) "Secured," in connection with use of a safety belt, means using the lap belt and any shoulder straps according to the instructions of: (A) the manufacturer of the vehicle, if the safety belt is original equipment; or (B) the manufacturer of the safety belt, if the safety belt has been added to the vehicle. (g) A judge, acting under Article 45.0511, Code of Criminal Procedure, who elects to defer further proceedings and to place a defendant accused of a violation of this section on probation under that article, in lieu of requiring the defendant to complete a driving safety course approved by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, shall require the defendant to attend and present proof that the defendant has successfully completed a specialized driving safety course approved by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation under Chapter 1001, Education Code, that includes four hours of instruction that encourages the use of child passenger safety seat systems and the wearing of seat belts and emphasizes: (1) the effectiveness of child passenger safety seat systems and seat belts in reducing the harm to children being transported in motor vehicles; and (2) the requirements of this section and the penalty for noncompliance. (h) Notwithstanding Section 542.402(a), a municipality or county, at the end of the municipality's or county's fiscal year, shall send to the comptroller an amount equal to 50 percent of the fines collected by the municipality or the county for violations of this section. The comptroller shall deposit the amount received to the credit of the tertiary care fund for use by trauma centers
545.414. RIDING IN OPEN BEDS; OFFENSE
(a) A person commits an offense if the person operates an open-bed pickup truck or an open flatbed truck or draws an open flatbed trailer when a child younger than 18 years of age is occupying the bed of the truck or trailer. (b) An offense under this section is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not less than $25 or more than $200. (c) It is a defense to prosecution under this section that the person was: (1) operating or towing the vehicle in a parade or in an emergency; (2) operating the vehicle to transport farmworkers from one field to another field on a farm-to-market road, ranch-to-market road, or county road outside a municipality; (3) operating the vehicle on a beach; (4) operating a vehicle that is the only vehicle owned or operated by the members of a household; or (5) operating the vehicle in a hayride permitted by the governing body of or a law enforcement agency of each county or municipality in which the hayride will occur. (d) Compliance or noncompliance with Subsection (a) is not admissible evidence in a civil trial.
545.411. USE OF REST AREA: OFFENSE
(a) A person commits an offense if the person remains at a rest area for longer than 24 hours or erects a tent, shelter, booth, or structure at the rest area and the person: (1) has notice while conducting the activity that the activity is prohibited; or (2) receives notice that the activity is prohibited but does not depart or remove the structure within eight hours after receiving notice. (b) For purposes of this section, a person: (1) has notice if a sign stating the prohibited activity and penalty is posted on the premises; or (2) receives notice if a peace officer orally communicates to the person the prohibited activity and penalty for the offense. (c) It is an exception to Subsection (a) if a nonprofit organization erects a temporary structure at a rest area to provide food services, food, or beverages to travelers and the Texas Department of Transportation: (1) finds that the services would constitute a public service for the benefit of the traveling public; and (2) issues a permit to the organization. (d) In this section, "rest area" means public real property designated as a rest area, comfort station, picnic area, roadside park, or scenic overlook by the Texas Department of Transportation.
661.003. OFFENSES RELATING TO NOT WEARING PROTECTIVE HEADGEAR
(a) A person commits an offense if the person: (1) operates or rides as a passenger on a motorcycle on a public street or highway; and (2) is not wearing protective headgear that meets safety standards adopted by the department. (b) A person commits an offense if the person carries on a motorcycle on a public street or highway a passenger who is not wearing protective headgear that meets safety standards adopted by the department. (c) It is an exception to the application of Subsection (a) or (b) that at the time the offense was committed, the person required to wear protective headgear was at least 21 years old and had successfully completed a motorcycle operator training and safety course under Chapter 662 or was covered by a health insurance plan providing the person with medical benefits for injuries incurred as a result of an accident while operating or riding on a motorcycle. A peace officer may not arrest a person or issue a citation to a person for a violation of Subsection (a) or (b) if the person required to wear protective headgear is at least 21 years of age and presents evidence sufficient to show that the person required to wear protective headgear has successfully completed a motorcycle operator training and safety course or is covered by a health insurance plan as described by this subsection. (c-1) A peace officer may not stop or detain a person who is the operator of or a passenger on a motorcycle for the sole purpose of determining whether the person has successfully completed the motorcycle operator training and safety course or is covered by a health insurance plan. (c-2) The Texas Department of Insurance shall prescribe a standard proof of health insurance for issuance to persons who are at least 21 years of age and covered by a health insurance plan An offense under this section is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not less than $10 or more than $50. (i) In this section, "health insurance plan" means an individual, group, blanket, or franchise insurance policy, insurance agreement, evidence of coverage, group hospital services contract, health maintenance organization membership, or employee benefit plan that provides benefits for health care services or for medical or surgical expenses incurred as a result of an accident
681.011. OFFENSES; PRESUMPTION
(a) A person commits an offense if: (1) the person stands a vehicle on which are displayed license plates issued under Section 504.201 or 504.202 or a disabled parking placard in a parking space or area designated specifically for persons with disabilities by: (A) a political subdivision; or (B) a person who owns or controls private property used for parking as to which a political subdivision has provided for the application of this section under Subsection (f); and (2) the standing of the vehicle in that parking space or area is not authorized by Section 681.006, 681.007, or 681.008. (b) A person commits an offense if the person stands a vehicle on which license plates issued under Section 504.201 or 504.202 are not displayed and a disabled parking placard is not displayed in a parking space or area designated specifically for individuals with disabilities by: (1) a political subdivision; or (2) a person who owns or controls private property used for parking as to which a political subdivision has provided for the application of this section under Subsection (f). (c) A person commits an offense if the person stands a vehicle so that the vehicle blocks an architectural improvement designed to aid persons with disabilities, including an access aisle or curb ramp. (d) A person commits an offense if the person lends a disabled parking placard issued to the person to a person who uses the placard in violation of this section. (e) In a prosecution under this section, it is presumed that the registered owner of the motor vehicle is the person who left the vehicle standing at the time and place the offense occurred. (f) A political subdivision may provide that this section applies to a parking space or area for persons with disabilities on private property that is designated in compliance with the identification requirements referred to in Section 681.009(b). (g) Except as provided by Subsections (h)-(k), an offense under this section is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not less than $500 or more than $750
545.413. SAFETY BELTS; OFFENSE
(a) A person commits an offense if: (1) the person: (A) is at least 15 years of age; (B) is riding in a passenger vehicle while the vehicle is being operated; (C) is occupying a seat that is equipped with a safety belt; and (D) is not secured by a safety belt; or (2) as the operator of a school bus equipped with a safety belt for the operator's seat, the person is not secured by the safety belt. (b) A person commits an offense if the person: (1) operates a passenger vehicle that is equipped with safety belts; and (2) allows a child who is younger than 17 years of age and who is not required to be secured in a child passenger safety seat system under Section 545.412(a) to ride in the vehicle without requiring the child to be secured by a safety belt, provided the child is occupying a seat that is equipped with a safety belt. (b-1) A person commits an offense if the person allows a child who is younger than 17 years of age and who is not required to be secured in a child passenger safety seat system under Section 545.412(a) to ride in a passenger van designed to transport 15 or fewer passengers, including the driver, without securing the child individually by a safety belt, if the child is occupying a seat that is equipped with a safety belt. (c) A passenger vehicle or a seat in a passenger vehicle is considered to be equipped with a safety belt if the vehicle is required under Section 547.601 to be equipped with safety belts. (d) An offense under Subsection (a) is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not less than $25 or more than $50. An offense under Subsection (b) is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not less than $100 or more than $200. (e) It is a defense to prosecution under this section that: (1) the person possesses a written statement from a licensed physician stating that for a medical reason the person should not wear a safety belt; (2) the person presents to the court, not later than the 10th day after the date of the offense, a statement from a licensed physician stating that for a medical reason the person should not wear a safety belt; (3) the person is employed by the United States Postal Service and performing a duty for that agency that requires the operator to service postal boxes from a vehicle or that requires frequent entry into and exit from a vehicle; (4) the person is engaged in the actual delivery of newspapers from a vehicle or is performing newspaper delivery duties that require frequent entry into and exit from a vehicle; (5) the person is employed by a public or private utility company and is engaged in the reading of meters or performing a similar duty for that company requiring the operator to frequently enter into and exit from a vehicle; (6) the person is operating a commercial vehicle registered as a farm vehicle under the provisions of Section 502.433 that does not have a gross weight, registered weight, or gross weight rating of 48,000 pounds or more; or (7) the person is the operator of or a passenger in a vehicle used exclusively to transport solid waste and performing duties that require frequent entry into and exit from the vehicle. (f) The department shall develop and implement an educational program to encourage the wearing of safety belts and to emphasize: (1) the effectiveness of safety belts and other restraint devices in reducing the risk of harm to passengers in motor vehicles; and (2) the requirements of this section and the penalty for noncompliance
547.004. GENERAL OFFENSES
(a) A person commits an offense that is a misdemeanor if the person operates or moves or, as an owner, knowingly permits another to operate or move, a vehicle that: (1) is unsafe so as to endanger a person; (2) is not equipped in a manner that complies with the vehicle equipment standards and requirements established by this chapter; or (3) is equipped in a manner prohibited by this chapter. (b) A person commits an offense that is a misdemeanor if the person operates a vehicle equipped with an item of vehicle equipment that the person knows has been determined in a compliance proceeding under Section 547.206 to not comply with a department standard. (c) A court may dismiss a charge brought under this section if the defendant: (1) remedies the defect before the defendant's first court appearance; and (2) pays an administrative fee not to exceed $10. (d) Subsection (c) does not apply to an offense involving a commercial motor vehicle
601.124. SELF-INSURANCE.
(a) A person in whose name more than 25 motor vehicles are registered may qualify as a self-insurer by obtaining a certificate of self-insurance issued by the department as provided by this section. (b) The department may issue a certificate of self-insurance to a person if: (1) the person applies for the certificate; and (2) the department is satisfied that the person has and will continue to have the ability to pay judgments obtained against the person. (c) The self-insurer must supplement the certificate with an agreement that, for accidents occurring while the certificate is in force, the self-insurer will pay the same judgments in the same amounts as an insurer would be obligated to pay under an owner's motor vehicle liability insurance policy issued to the self-insurer if such policy were issued. (d) The department for cause may cancel a certificate of self-insurance after a hearing. Cause includes failure to pay a judgment before the 31st day after the date the judgment becomes final. (e) A self-insurer must receive at least five days' notice of a hearing held under Subsection (d). The department shall send notice of the hearing to the self-insurer by: (1) first class mail; or (2) e-mail if the self-insurer has provided an e-mail address to the department and has elected to receive notice electronically
545.422. CROSSING SIDEWALK OR HIKE AND BIKE TRAIL
(a) A person may not drive a motor vehicle on a sidewalk, sidewalk area, or hike and bike trail except on a permanent or authorized temporary driveway. (b) Subsection (a) does not prohibit the operation of a motor vehicle on a hike and bike trail in connection with maintenance of the trail. (c) In this section, "hike and bike trail" means a trail designed for the exclusive use of pedestrians, bicyclists, or both.
545.426. OPERATION OF SCHOOL BUS
(a) A person may not operate a school bus if: (1) the door of the school bus is open; or (2) the number of passengers on the bus is greater than the manufacturer's design capacity for the bus. (b) An operator of a school bus, while operating the bus, shall prohibit a passenger from: (1) standing in the bus; or (2) sitting: (A) on the floor of the bus; or (B) in any location on the bus that is not designed as a seat. (c) The department may adopt rules necessary to administer and enforce this section
663.037. OPERATION ON PUBLIC ROADWAY PROHIBITED
(a) A person may not operate an off-highway vehicle on a public street, road, or highway except as provided by this section. (b) The operator of an off-highway vehicle may drive the vehicle across a public street, road, or highway that is not an interstate or limited-access highway, if the operator: (1) brings the vehicle to a complete stop before crossing the shoulder or main traveled way of the roadway; (2) yields the right-of-way to oncoming traffic that is an immediate hazard; and (3) makes the crossing: (A) at an angle of approximately 90 degrees to the roadway; (B) at a place where no obstruction prevents a quick and safe crossing; and (C) with the vehicle's headlights and taillights lighted. (c) The operator of an off-highway vehicle may drive the vehicle across a divided highway other than an interstate or limited access highway only at an intersection of the highway with another public street, road, or highway. (d) The operator of an all-terrain vehicle may drive the vehicle on a public street, road, or highway that is not an interstate or limited-access highway if: (1) the transportation is in connection with: (A) the production, cultivation, care, harvesting, preserving, drying, processing, canning, storing, handling, shipping, marketing, selling, or use of agricultural products, as defined by Section 52.002, Agriculture Code; or (B) utility work performed by a utility; (2) the operator attaches to the back of the vehicle a triangular orange flag that is at least six feet above ground level; (3) the vehicle's headlights and taillights are illuminated; (4) the operator holds a driver's license, as defined by Section 521.001; (5) the operation of the all-terrain vehicle occurs in the daytime; and (6) the operation of the all-terrain vehicle does not exceed a distance of 25 miles from the point of origin to the destination. (d-1) Provisions of this code regarding helmet and eye protection use, safety certification, and other vehicular restrictions do not apply to Subsection (d). (e) The director of the Department of Public Safety shall adopt standards and specifications that apply to the color, size, and mounting position of the flag required under Subsections (d)(2) and (g)(2). (f) Except as provided by Subsection (g), this section does not apply to the operation of an off-highway vehicle that is owned by the state, a county, or a municipality by a person who is an authorized operator of the vehicle (g) A peace officer may operate an off-highway vehicle on a public street, road, or highway that is not an interstate or limited-access highway only if: (1) the transportation is in connection with the performance of the officer's official duty; (2) the officer attaches to the back of the vehicle on top of an eight-foot-long pole a triangular orange flag; (3) the vehicle's headlights and taillights are illuminated; (4) the officer holds a driver's license, as defined by Section 521.001; and (5) the operation of the vehicle does not exceed a distance of 25 miles from the point of origin to the destination
545.420. RACING ON HIGHWAY
(a) A person may not participate in any manner in: (1) a race; (2) a vehicle speed competition or contest; (3) a drag race or acceleration contest; (4) a test of physical endurance of the operator of a vehicle; or (5) in connection with a drag race, an exhibition of vehicle speed or acceleration or to make a vehicle speed record. (b) In this section: (1) "Drag race" means the operation of: (A) two or more vehicles from a point side by side at accelerating speeds in a competitive attempt to outdistance each other; or (B) one or more vehicles over a common selected course, from the same place to the same place, for the purpose of comparing the relative speeds or power of acceleration of the vehicle or vehicles in a specified distance or time. (2) "Race" means the use of one or more vehicles in an attempt to: (A) outgain or outdistance another vehicle or prevent another vehicle from passing; (B) arrive at a given destination ahead of another vehicle or vehicles; or (C) test the physical stamina or endurance of an operator over a long-distance driving route. (c) [Blank] (d) Except as provided by Subsections (e)-(h), an offense under Subsection (a) is a Class B misdemeanor. (e) An offense under Subsection (a) is a Class A if at trial shown that person Previously convicted once of offense or At time of offense was DWI or Possessed an open container State Jail Felony if convicted 2 times for offense 3rd Degree Felony if offense resulted in bodily injury 2nd Degree Felony if offense resulted in serious bodily injury or death (i) This subsection applies only to a motor vehicle used in the commission of an offense under this section that results in an accident with property damage or personal injury. A peace officer shall require the vehicle to be taken to the nearest licensed vehicle storage facility unless the vehicle is seized as evidence, in which case the vehicle may be taken to a storage facility as designated by the peace officer involved. Notwithstanding Article 18.23, Code of Criminal Procedure, the owner of a motor vehicle that is removed or stored under this subsection is liable for all removal and storage fees incurred and is not entitled to take possession of the vehicle until those fees are paid.
552.007. SOLICITATION BY PEDESTRIANS
(a) A person may not stand in a roadway to solicit a ride, contribution, employment, or business from an occupant of a vehicle, except that a person may stand in a roadway to solicit a charitable contribution if authorized to do so by the local authority having jurisdiction over the roadway. (b) A person may not stand on or near a highway to solicit the watching or guarding of a vehicle parked or to be parked on the highway. (c) In this section, "charitable contribution" means a contribution to an organization defined as charitable by the standards of the United States Internal Revenue Servic
551.202. OPERATION ON ROADWAY
(a) A person may operate an electric personal assistive mobility device on a residential street, roadway, or public highway with a speed limit of 30 miles per hour or less only: (1) while making a direct crossing of a highway in a marked or unmarked crosswalk; (2) where no sidewalk is available; or (3) when so directed by a traffic control device or by a law enforcement officer. (b) A person may operate an electric personal assistive mobility device on a path set aside for the exclusive operation of bicycles. (c) Any person operating an electric personal assistive mobility device on a residential street, roadway, or public highway shall ride as close as practicable to the right-hand edge. (d) Except as otherwise provided by this section, provisions of this title applicable to the operation of bicycles apply to the operation of electric personal assistive mobility devices
551.101. RIGHTS AND DUTIES
(a) A person operating a bicycle has the rights and duties applicable to a driver operating a vehicle under this subtitle, unless: (1) a provision of this chapter alters a right or duty; or (2) a right or duty applicable to a driver operating a vehicle cannot by its nature apply to a person operating a bicycle. (b) A parent of a child or a guardian of a ward may not knowingly permit the child or ward to violate this subtitle.
551.102. GENERAL OPERATION
(a) A person operating a bicycle shall ride only on or astride a permanent and regular seat attached to the bicycle. (b) A person may not use a bicycle to carry more persons than the bicycle is designed or equipped to carry. (c) A person operating a bicycle may not use the bicycle to carry an object that prevents the person from operating the bicycle with at least one hand on the handlebars of the bicycle. (d) A person operating a bicycle, coaster, sled, or toy vehicle or using roller skates may not attach either the person or the bicycle, coaster, sled, toy vehicle, or roller skates to a streetcar or vehicle on a roadway.
545.424. OPERATION OF VEHICLE BY PERSON UNDER 18 YEARS OF AGE
(a) A person under 18 years of age may not operate a motor vehicle while using a wireless communication device, except in case of emergency. This subsection does not apply to a person licensed by the Federal Communications Commission while operating a radio frequency device other than a wireless communication device. (a-1) A person under 18 years of age may not operate a motor vehicle: (1) after midnight and before 5 a.m. unless the operation of the vehicle is necessary for the operator to attend or participate in employment or a school-related activity or because of a medical emergency; or (2) with more than one passenger in the vehicle under 21 years of age who is not a family member. (b) A person under 17 years of age who holds a restricted motorcycle license or moped license may not operate a motorcycle or moped while using a wireless communication device, except in case of emergency. This subsection does not apply to a person licensed by the Federal Communications Commission while operating a radio frequency device other than a wireless communication device. (b-1) A person under 17 years of age who holds a restricted motorcycle license or moped license, during the 12-month period following the issuance of an original motorcycle license or moped license to the person, may not operate a motorcycle or moped after midnight and before 5 a.m. unless: (1) the person is in sight of the person's parent or guardian; or (2) the operation of the vehicle is necessary for the operator to attend or participate in employment or a school-related activity or because of a medical emergency. (c) This section does not apply to: (1) a person operating a motor vehicle while accompanied in the manner required by Section 521.222(d)(2) for the holder of a learner license; or (2) a person licensed by the Federal Communications Commission to operate a wireless communication device or a radio frequency device. (d) For the purposes of this section, employment includes work on a family farm by a member of the family that owns or operates the farm. (e) A peace officer may not stop a vehicle or detain the operator of a vehicle for the sole purpose of determining whether the operator of the vehicle has violated this section. (f) In this section, "wireless communication device" means a handheld or hands-free device that uses commercial mobile service (g) An offense under Subsection (a) or (b) is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of at least $25 and not more than $99 unless it is shown on the trial of the offense that the defendant has been previously convicted at least one time of an offense under either subsection, in which event the offense is punishable by a fine of at least $100 and not more than $200.
600.001. REMOVING MATERIAL FROM HIGHWAY
(a) A person who drops or permits to be dropped or thrown on a highway destructive or injurious material shall immediately remove the material or cause it to be removed. (b) A person who removes a wrecked or damaged vehicle from a highway shall remove glass or another injurious substance dropped on the highway from the vehicle
545.2555. REPORT AND INVESTIGATION OF CERTAIN RAILROAD CROSSING VIOLATIONS
(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 (2) observes the violation while on a moving engine. (b) A report under this section must: (1) be made: (A) on a form approved by the department; and (B) not later than 72 hours after the violation; (2) be filed with: (A) an office of the department located in the county in which the violation occurred; (B) the sheriff of the county in which the violation occurred, if the violation occurred in the unincorporated area of the county; or (C) the police department of a municipality, if the violation occurred in the municipality; and (3) contain, in addition, to any other required information: (A) the date, time, and location of the violation; (B) the license plate number and a description of the vehicle involved in the violation; (C) a description of the operator of the vehicle involved in the violation; and (D) the name, address, and telephone number of the person filing the report. (c) A peace officer may: (1) before the seventh day after the date a report under this section is filed, initiate an investigation of the alleged violation; and (2) request the owner of the reported vehicle, as shown by the vehicle registration records of the Texas Department of Transportation, to disclose the name and address of the individual operating that vehicle at the time of the violation alleged in the report. (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. (e) An investigating peace officer who has probable cause to believe that a charge against an individual for a violation of Section 545.251, 545.252, 545.253, 545.254, or 545.255 is justified may: (1) prepare a written notice to appear in court that complies with Sections 543.003, 543.006, and 543.007; and (2) deliver the notice to the individual named in the notice in person or by certified mail.
681.0101. ENFORCEMENT BY CERTAIN APPOINTED PERSONS
(a) A political subdivision may appoint a person to have authority to file a charge against a person who commits an offense under this chapter. (b) A person appointed under this section must: (1) be a United States citizen of good moral character who has not been convicted of a felony; (2) take and subscribe to an oath of office that the political subdivision prescribes; and (3) successfully complete a training program of at least four hours in length developed by the political subdivision. (c) A person appointed under this section: (1) is not a peace officer; (2) has no authority other than the authority applicable to a citizen to enforce a law other than this chapter; and (3) may not carry a weapon while performing duties under this section. (d) A person appointed under this section is not entitled to compensation for performing duties under this section or to indemnification from the political subdivision or the state for injury or property damage the person sustains or liability the person incurs in performing duties under this section. (e) The political subdivision and the state are not liable for any damage arising from an act or omission of a person appointed
681.009. DESIGNATION OF PARKING SPACES BY POLITICAL SUBDIVISION OR PRIVATE PROPERTY OWNER
(a) A political subdivision or a person who owns or controls property used for parking may designate one or more parking spaces or a parking area for the exclusive use of vehicles transporting persons with disabilities. (b) A political subdivision must designate a parking space or area by conforming to the standards and specifications adopted by the Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation under Section 5(i), Article 9102, Revised Statutes, relating to the identification and dimensions of parking spaces for persons with disabilities. A person who owns or controls private property used for parking may designate a parking space or area without conforming to those standards and specifications, unless required to conform by law. (c) A political subdivision may require a private property owner or a person who controls property used for parking: (1) to designate one or more parking spaces or a parking area for the exclusive use of vehicles transporting persons with disabilities; or (2) to conform to the standards and specifications referred to in Subsection (b) when designating a parking space or area for persons with disabilities. (d) The department shall provide at cost a design and stencil for use by a political subdivision or person who owns or controls property used for parking to designate spaces as provided by this section. (e) Parking spaces or areas designated for the exclusive use of vehicles transporting persons with disabilities may be used by vehicles displaying a white on blue shield disabled parking placard, license plates issued under Section 504.201 or 504.202, or a white on red shield disabled parking placard.
547.606 SAFETY GUARDS OR FLAPS REQUIRED
(a) A road tractor, truck, trailer, truck-tractor in combination with a semitrailer, or semitrailer in combination with a towing vehicle that has at least four tires or at least two super single tires on the rearmost axle of the vehicle or the rearmost vehicle in the combination shall be equipped with safety guards or flaps that: (1) are of a type prescribed by the department; and (2) are located and suspended behind the rearmost wheels of the vehicle or the rearmost vehicle in the combination within eight inches of the surface of the highway. (b) This section does not apply to a truck-tractor operated alone or a pole trailer. (c) In this section, "super single tire" means a wide-base, single tire that may be used in place of two standard tires on the same axle.
547.701. ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS FOR SCHOOL BUSES AND OTHER BUSES USED TO TRANSPORT SCHOOLCHILDREN
(a) A school bus shall be equipped with: (1) a convex mirror or other device that reflects to the school bus operator a clear view of the area immediately in front of the vehicle that would otherwise be hidden from view; and (2) signal lamps that: (A) are mounted as high and as widely spaced laterally as practicable; (B) display four alternately flashing red lights, two located on the front at the same level and two located on the rear at the same level; and (C) emit a light visible at a distance of 500 feet in normal sunlight. (b) A school bus may be equipped with: (1) rooftop warning lamps: (A) that conform to and are placed on the bus in accordance with specifications adopted under Section 34.002, Education Code; and (B) that are operated under rules adopted by the school district; and (2) movable stop arms: (A) that conform to regulations adopted under Section 34.002, Education Code; and (B) that may be operated only when the bus is stopped to load or unload students. (c) When a school bus is being stopped or is stopped on a highway to permit students to board or exit the bus, the operator of the bus shall activate all flashing warning signal lights and other equipment on the bus designed to warn other drivers that the bus is stopping to load or unload children. A person may not operate such a light or other equipment except when the bus is being stopped or is stopped on a highway to permit students to board or exit the bus. (d) The exterior of a school bus may not bear advertising or another paid announcement directed at the public if the advertising or announcement distracts from the effectiveness of required safety warning equipment. The department shall adopt rules to implement this subsection. A school bus that violates this section or rules adopted under this section shall be placed out of service until it complies. (e) In this subsection, "bus" includes a school bus, school activity bus, multifunction school activity bus, or school-chartered bus. A bus operated by or contracted for use by a school district for the transportation of schoolchildren shall be equipped with a three-point seat belt for each passenger, including the operator. This subsection does not apply to: (1) a bus purchased by a school district that is a model year 2017 or earlier; or (2) a bus purchased by a school district that is a model year 2018 or later if the board of trustees for the school district: (A) determines that the district's budget does not permit the district to purchase a bus that is equipped with the seat belts required by this subsection; and (B) votes to approve that determination in a public meeting
545.352. PRIMA FACIE SPEED LIMITS
(a) A speed in excess of the limits established by Subsection (b) or under another provision of this subchapter is prima facie evidence that the speed is not reasonable and prudent and that the speed is unlawful. (b) Unless a special hazard exists that requires a slower speed for compliance with Section 545.351(b), the following speeds are lawful: (1) 30 miles per hour in an urban district on a street other than an alley and 15 miles per hour in an alley; (2) except as provided by Subdivision (4), 70 miles per hour on a highway numbered by this state or the United States outside an urban district, including a farm-to-market or ranch-to-market road; (3) except as provided by Subdivision (4), 60 miles per hour on a highway that is outside an urban district and not a highway numbered by this state or the United States; (4) outside an urban district: (A) 60 miles per hour if the vehicle is a school bus that has passed a commercial motor vehicle inspection under Section 548.201 and is on a highway numbered by the United States or this state, including a farm-to-market road; or (B) 50 miles per hour if the vehicle is a school bus that: (i) has not passed a commercial motor vehicle inspection under Section 548.201; or (ii) is traveling on a highway not numbered by the United States or this state; (5) on a beach, 15 miles per hour; or (6) on a county road adjacent to a public beach, 15 miles per hour, if declared by the commissioners court of the county. (c) The speed limits for a bus or other vehicle engaged in the business of transporting passengers for compensation or hire, for a commercial vehicle used as a highway post office vehicle for highway post office service in the transportation of United States mail, for a light truck, and for a school activity bus are the same as required for a passenger car at the same time and location. (d) In this section: (1) "Interstate highway" means a segment of the national system of interstate and defense highways that is: (A) located in this state; (B) officially designated by the Texas Transportation Commission; and (C) approved under Title 23, United States Code. (2) "Light truck" means a truck with a manufacturer's rated carrying capacity of not more than 2,000 pounds, including a pick-up truck, panel delivery truck, and carry-all truck. (3) "Urban district" means the territory adjacent to and including a highway, if the territory is improved with structures that are used for business, industry, or dwelling houses and are located at intervals of less than 100 feet for a distance of at least one-quarter mile on either side of the highway. (e) An entity that establishes or alters a speed limit under this subchapter shall establish the same speed limit for daytime and nighttime.
552.001. TRAFFIC CONTROL SIGNALS
(a) A traffic control signal displaying green, red, and yellow lights or lighted arrows applies to a pedestrian as provided by this section unless the pedestrian is otherwise directed by a special pedestrian control signal. (b) A pedestrian facing a green signal may proceed across a roadway within a marked or unmarked crosswalk unless the sole green signal is a turn arrow. (c) A pedestrian facing a steady red signal alone or a steady yellow signal may not enter a roadway
547.331. HAZARD LAMPS PERMITTED
(a) A vehicle may be equipped with lamps to warn other vehicle operators of a vehicular traffic hazard that requires unusual care in approaching, overtaking, or passing. (b) The lamps shall be: (1) mounted at the same level and spaced as widely apart as practicable on the front and on the rear of the vehicle; and (2) visible at a distance of at least 500 feet in normal sunlight. (c) The lamps shall display simultaneously flashing lights that emit: (1) a white or amber light, or a color between white and amber, if the lamp is mounted on the front of the vehicle; or (2) a red or amber light, or a color between red and amber, if the lamp is mounted on the rear of the vehicle
681.008. PARKING PRIVILEGES: CERTAIN VETERANS AND MILITARY AWARD RECIPIENTS
(a) A vehicle may be parked for an unlimited period in a parking space or area that is designated specifically for persons with physical disabilities if the vehicle: (1) is being operated by or for the transportation of: (A) the person who registered the vehicle under Section 504.202(a) or a person described by Section 504.202(b) if the vehicle is registered under that subsection; and (B) displays special license plates issued under Section 504.202; or (2) displays license plates issued by another state of the United States that indicate on the face of the license plates that the owner or operator of the vehicle is a disabled veteran of the United States armed forces. (a-1) A vehicle described by Subsection (a) may be parked for an unlimited period in a parking space or area that is designated specifically for persons with physical disabilities on the property of an institution of higher education, as defined by Section 61.003, Education Code, regardless of whether a permit is generally required for the use of the space or area. An institution of higher education may require a vehicle described by Subsection (a) to display a parking permit issued by the institution specifically for the purpose of implementing this subsection, but may not charge a fee for the permit. This subsection does not entitle a person to park a vehicle described by Subsection (a) in a parking space or area that has not been designated specifically for persons with physical disabilities on the property of the institution if the vehicle has not been granted or assigned a parking permit required by the institution. (a-2) Subsection (a-1) does not apply to a parking space or area located in: (1) a controlled access parking facility if at least 50 percent of the number of parking spaces or areas designated specifically for persons with physical disabilities on the property of the institution of higher education are located outside a controlled access parking facility; (2) an area temporarily designated for special event parking; or (3) an area where parking is temporarily prohibited for health or safety concerns. (b) A vehicle on which license plates described by Subsection (a)(2) or issued under Section 504.202, 504.308, 504.310, 504.315, 504.316, or 504.319 are displayed is exempt from the payment of a parking fee collected through a parking meter charged by a governmental authority other than a branch of the federal government, when being operated by or for the transportation of: (1) the person who registered the vehicle under Section 504.202(a), 504.308, 504.310, 504.315, 504.316, or 504.319; (2) a person described in Section 504.202(b) if the vehicle is registered under that subsection; or (3) the owner or operator of a vehicle displaying license plates described by Subsection (a)(2). (c) This section does not permit a vehicle to be parked at a time when or a place where parking is prohibited. (d) A governmental unit may provide by ordinance or order that the exemption provided by Subsection (b) also applies to payment of a fee or penalty imposed by the governmental unit for parking in a parking garage or lot or in a space with a limitation on the length of time for parking
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. (b) A signaling device, including a stoplamp or a turn signal lamp, shall be lighted as prescribed by this chapter. (c) At least one lighted lamp shall be displayed on each side of the front of a motor vehicle. (d) Not more than four of the following may be lighted at one time on the front of a motor vehicle: (1) a headlamp required by this chapter; or (2) a lamp, including an auxiliary lamp or spotlamp, that projects a beam with an intensity brighter than 300 candlepower.
547.326. MINIMUM LIGHTING EQUIPMENT REQUIRED
(a) A vehicle that is not specifically required to be equipped with lamps or other lighting devices shall be equipped at the times specified in Section 547.302(a) with at least one lamp that emits a white light visible at a distance of at least 1,000 feet from the front and: (1) two lamps that emit a red light visible at a distance of at least 1,000 feet from the rear; or (2) one lamp that emits a red light visible at a distance of at least 1,000 feet from the rear and two red reflectors visible when illuminated by the lawful lower beams of headlamps at all distances from 100 to 600 feet to the rear. (b) This section also applies to an animal-drawn vehicle and a vehicle exempted
547.382. LIGHTING EQUIPMENT ON PROJECTING LOADS
(a) A vehicle transporting a load that extends to the rear at least four feet beyond the bed or body of the vehicle shall display on the extreme end of the load at the times specified in Section 547.302(a): (1) two red lamps visible at a distance of at least 500 feet from the rear; (2) two red reflectors that indicate the maximum width and are visible at nighttime at all distances from 100 to 600 feet from the rear when directly in front of lawful lower beams of headlamps; and (3) two red lamps, one on each side, that indicate the maximum overhang and are visible at a distance of at least 500 feet from the side. (b) At all other times, a vehicle transporting a load that extends beyond the vehicle's sides or more than four feet beyond the vehicle's rear shall display red flags that: (1) are at least 12 inches square; (2) mark the extremities of the load; and (3) are placed where a lamp is required by this section
547.383. LIGHTING REQUIREMENTS ON PARKED VEHICLES
(a) A vehicle, other than a motor-driven cycle, shall be equipped with at least one lamp, or a combination of lamps, that: (1) emits a white or amber light visible at a distance of 1,000 feet from the front and a red light visible at a distance of 1,000 feet from the rear; and (2) is mounted so that at least one lamp is installed as near as practicable to the side of the vehicle that is closest to passing traffic. (b) A vehicle, other than a motor-driven cycle, that is parked or stopped on a roadway or shoulder at a time specified in Section 547.302(a) shall display a lamp that complies with Subsection (a). (c) A vehicle that is lawfully parked on a highway is not required to display lights at night-time if there is sufficient light to reveal a person or vehicle on the highway at a distance of 1,000 feet. (d) A lighted headlamp on a parked vehicle shall be dimmed
546.004. EXCEPTIONS TO SIGNAL REQUIREMENT
(a) A volunteer fire fighter who operates a private vehicle as an authorized emergency vehicle may engage in conduct permitted by Section 546.001 only when the fire fighter is using visual signals meeting the pertinent requirements of Sections 547.305 and 547.702. (b) An authorized emergency vehicle that is operated as a police vehicle is not required to be equipped with or display a red light visible from the front of the vehicle. (c) A police officer may operate an authorized emergency vehicle for a law enforcement purpose without using the audible or visual signals required by Section 546.003 if the officer is: (1) responding to an emergency call or pursuing a suspected violator of the law with probable cause to believe that: (A) knowledge of the presence of the officer will cause the suspect to: (i) destroy or lose evidence of a suspected felony; (ii) end a suspected continuing felony before the officer has obtained sufficient evidence to establish grounds for arrest; or (iii) evade apprehension or identification of the suspect or the suspect's vehicle; or (B) because of traffic conditions on a multilaned roadway, vehicles moving in response to the audible or visual signals may: (i) increase the potential for a collision; or (ii) unreasonably extend the duration of the pursuit; or (2) complying with a written regulation relating to the use of audible or visible signals adopted by the local government that employs the officer or by the department
545.351. MAXIMUM SPEED REQUIREMENT
(a) An operator may not drive at a speed greater than is reasonable and prudent under the circumstances then existing. (b) An operator: (1) may not drive a vehicle at a speed greater than is reasonable and prudent under the conditions and having regard for actual and potential hazards then existing; and (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. (c) An operator shall, consistent with Subsections (a) and (b), drive at an appropriate reduced speed if: (1) the operator is approaching and crossing an intersection or railroad grade crossing; (2) the operator is approaching and going around a curve; (3) the operator is approaching a hill crest; (4) the operator is traveling on a narrow or winding roadway; and (5) a special hazard exists with regard to traffic, including pedestrians, or weather or highway conditions
545.427. OPERATION OF VEHICLE WITH INSUFFICIENT UNDERCARRIAGE CLEARANCE
(a) An operator may not drive on or cross a railroad grade crossing unless the vehicle being operated has sufficient undercarriage clearance. (b) An offense under this section is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not less than $50 or more than $200
547.702. ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS FOR AUTHORIZED EMERGENCY VEHICLES
(a) An authorized emergency vehicle may be equipped with a siren, exhaust whistle, or bell: (1) of a type approved by the department; and (2) that emits a sound audible under normal conditions at a distance of at least 500 feet. (b) The operator of an authorized emergency vehicle shall use the siren, whistle, or bell when necessary to warn other vehicle operators or pedestrians of the approach of the emergency vehicle. (c) Except as provided by this section, an authorized emergency vehicle shall be equipped with signal lamps that: (1) are mounted as high and as widely spaced laterally as practicable; (2) display four alternately flashing red lights, two located on the front at the same level and two located on the rear at the same level; and (3) emit a light visible at a distance of 500 feet in normal sunlight. (d) A private vehicle operated by a volunteer firefighter responding to a fire alarm or a medical emergency may, but is not required to, be equipped with signal lamps that comply with the requirements of Subsection (c). (e) A private vehicle operated by a volunteer firefighter responding to a fire alarm or a medical emergency may be equipped with a signal lamp that is temporarily attached to the vehicle roof and flashes a red light visible at a distance of at least 500 feet in normal sunlight. (f) A police vehicle may, but is not required to, be equipped with signal lamps
663.033. REQUIRED EQUIPMENT; DISPLAY OF LIGHTS
(a) An off-highway vehicle that is operated on public property or a beach must be equipped with: (1) a brake system maintained in good operating condition; (2) an adequate muffler system in good working condition; and (3) a United States Forest Service qualified spark arrester. (b) An off-highway vehicle that is operated on public property or a beach must display a lighted headlight and taillight: (1) during the period from one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise; and (2) at any time when visibility is reduced because of insufficient light or atmospheric conditions. (c) A person may not operate an off-highway vehicle on public property or a beach if: (1) the vehicle has an exhaust system that has been modified with a cutout, bypass, or similar device; or (2) the spark arrester has been removed or modified, unless the vehicle is being operated in a closed-course competition event. (d) The coordinator may exempt off-highway vehicles that are participating in certain competitive events
545.251. OBEDIENCE TO SIGNAL INDICATING APPROACH OF TRAIN
(a) An operator approaching a railroad grade crossing shall stop not closer than 15 feet or farther than 50 feet from the nearest rail if: (1) a clearly visible railroad signal warns of the approach of a railroad train; (2) a crossing gate is lowered, or a flagger warns of the approach or passage of a train; (3) a railroad engine approaching within approximately 1,500 feet of the highway crossing emits a signal audible from that distance and the engine is an immediate hazard because of its speed or proximity to the crossing; (4) an approaching railroad train is plainly visible to the operator and is in hazardous proximity to the crossing; or (5) the operator is required to stop by: (A) other law; (B) a rule adopted under a statute; (C) an official traffic-control device; or (D) a traffic-control signal. (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. (c) An operator of a vehicle who approaches a railroad grade crossing equipped with railroad crossbuck signs without automatic, electric, or mechanical signal devices, crossing gates, or a flagger warning of the approach or passage of a train shall yield the right-of-way to a train in hazardous proximity to the crossing, and proceed at a speed that is reasonable for the existing conditions. If required for safety, the operator shall stop at a clearly marked stop line before the grade crossing or, if no stop line exists, not closer than 15 feet or farther than 50 feet from the nearest rail. (d) An operator commits an offense if the operator drives around, under, or through a crossing gate or a barrier at a railroad crossing while the gate or barrier is closed, being closed, or being opened. (e) In a prosecution under this section, proof that at the time of the offense a train was in hazardous proximity to the crossing and that the train was plainly visible to the operator is prima facie evidence that it was not safe for the operator to proceed. (f) An offense under this section is punishable by a fine of not less than $50 or more than $200
545.151. VEHICLE APPROACHING OR ENTERING INTERSECTION.
(a) An operator approaching an intersection: (1) shall stop, yield, and grant immediate use of the intersection: (A) in obedience to an official traffic-control device, including a stop sign or yield right-of-way sign; or (B) if a traffic-control signal is present but does not display an indication in any of the signal heads; and (2) after stopping, may proceed when the intersection can be safely entered without interference or collision with traffic using a different street or roadway. (b) An operator on a single-lane or two-lane street or roadway who approaches an intersection that is not controlled by an official traffic-control device and that is located on a divided highway or on a street or roadway divided into three or more marked traffic lanes: (1) shall stop, yield, and grant immediate use of the intersection to a vehicle on the other street or roadway that is within the intersection or approaching the intersection in such proximity as to be a hazard; and (2) after stopping, may proceed when the intersection can be safely entered without interference or collision with traffic using a different street or roadway. (c) An operator on an unpaved street or roadway approaching an intersection of a paved street or roadway: (1) shall stop, yield, and grant immediate use of the intersection to a vehicle on the paved street or roadway that is within the intersection or approaching the intersection in such proximity as to be a hazard; and (2) after stopping, may proceed when the intersection can be safely entered without interference or collision with traffic using the paved street or roadway. (d) Except as provided in Subsection (e), an operator approaching an intersection of a street or roadway that is not controlled by an official traffic-control device: (1) shall stop, yield, and grant immediate use of the intersection to a vehicle that has entered the intersection from the operator's right or is approaching the intersection from the operator's right in a proximity that is a hazard; and (2) after stopping, may proceed when the intersection can be safely entered without interference or collision with traffic using a different street or roadway. (e) An operator approaching an intersection of a street or roadway from a street or roadway that terminates at the intersection and that is not controlled by an official traffic-control device or controlled as provided by Subsection (b) or (c): (1) shall stop, yield, and grant immediate use of the intersection to another vehicle that has entered the intersection from the other street or roadway or is approaching the intersection on the other street or roadway in a proximity that is a hazard; and (2) after stopping, may proceed when the intersection can be safely entered without interference or collision with the traffic using the other street or roadway. (f) An operator who is required by this section to stop and yield the right-of-way at an intersection to another vehicle and who is involved in a collision or interferes with other traffic at the intersection to whom right-of-way is to be given is presumed not to have yielded the right-of-way
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. (b) An operator may drive on an improved shoulder to the left of the main traveled portion of a divided or limited-access or controlled-access highway if that operation may be done safely, but only: (1) to slow or stop when the vehicle is disabled and traffic or other circumstances prohibit the safe movement of the vehicle to the shoulder to the right of the main traveled portion of the roadway; (2) as permitted or required by an official traffic-control device; or (3) to avoid a collision. (c) A limitation in this section on driving on an improved shoulder does not apply to: (1) an authorized emergency vehicle responding to a call; (2) a police patrol; or (3) a bicycle.
545.415. BACKING A VEHICLE
(a) An operator may not back the vehicle unless the movement can be made safely and without interference with other traffic. (b) An operator may not back the vehicle on a shoulder or roadway of a limited-access or controlled-access highway.
545.054 passing to the left; safe distance
(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 (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. (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 (2) as soon as practicable
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. (b) When the Texas Transportation Commission, the Texas Turnpike Authority, the commissioners court of a county, or the governing body of a municipality, within the jurisdiction of each, as applicable, as specified in Sections 545.353 to 545.357, determines from the results of an engineering and traffic investigation that slow speeds on a part of a highway consistently impede the normal and reasonable movement of traffic, the commission, authority, county commissioners court, or governing body may determine and declare a minimum speed limit on the highway. (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
545.056 Driving to left of center of roadway; limitations other than passing
(a) An operator may not drive to the left side of the roadway if the operator is: (1) approaching within 100 feet of an intersection or railroad grade crossing in a municipality; (2) approaching within 100 feet of an intersection or railroad grade crossing outside a municipality and the intersection or crossing is shown by a sign or marking in accordance with Section 545.055; (3) approaching within 100 feet of a bridge, viaduct, or tunnel; or (4) awaiting access to a ferry operated by the Texas Transportation Commission. (b) The limitations in Subsection (a) do not apply: (1) on a one-way roadway; or (2) to an operator turning left into or from an alley or private road or driveway. (c) The Texas Transportation Commission shall post signs along the approach to a ferry operated by the commission notifying operators that passing is prohibited if there is a standing line of vehicles awaiting access to the ferry
545.301. STOPPING, STANDING, OR PARKING OUTSIDE A BUSINESS OR RESIDENCE DISTRICT
(a) An operator may not stop, park, or leave standing an attended or unattended vehicle on the main traveled part of a highway outside a business or residence district unless: (1) stopping, parking, or leaving the vehicle off the main traveled part of the highway is not practicable; (2) a width of highway beside the vehicle is unobstructed and open for the passage of other vehicles; and (3) the vehicle is in clear view for at least 200 feet in each direction on the highway. (b) This section does not apply to an operator of: (1) a vehicle that is disabled while on the paved or main traveled part of a highway if it is impossible to avoid stopping and temporarily leaving the vehicle on the highway; (2) a vehicle used exclusively to transport solid, semisolid, or liquid waste operated at the time in connection with the removal or transportation of solid, semisolid, or liquid waste from a location adjacent to the highway; or (3) a tow truck, as defined by Section 545.157(e), that is performing towing duties
545.302. STOPPING, STANDING, OR PARKING PROHIBITED IN CERTAIN PLACES
(a) An operator may not stop, stand, or park a vehicle: (1) on the roadway side of a vehicle stopped or parked at the edge or curb of a street; (2) on a sidewalk; (3) in an intersection; (4) on a crosswalk; (5) between a safety zone and the adjacent curb or within 30 feet of a place on the curb immediately opposite the ends of a safety zone, unless the governing body of a municipality designates a different length by signs or markings; (6) alongside or opposite a street excavation or obstruction if stopping, standing, or parking the vehicle would obstruct traffic; (7) on a bridge or other elevated structure on a highway or in a highway tunnel; (8) on a railroad track; or (9) where an official sign prohibits stopping. (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; (2) within 15 feet of a fire hydrant; (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 (6) where an official sign prohibits standing. (c) An operator may not, except temporarily to load or unload merchandise or passengers, park an occupied or unoccupied vehicle: (1) within 50 feet of the nearest rail of a railroad crossing; or (2) where an official sign prohibits parking. (d) A person may stop, stand, or park a bicycle on a sidewalk if the bicycle does not impede the normal and reasonable movement of pedestrian or other traffic on the sidewalk. (e) A municipality may adopt an ordinance exempting a private vehicle operated by an elevator constructor responding to an elevator emergency from Subsections (a)(1), (a)(5), (a)(6), (a)(9), (b), and (c). (f) Subsections (a), (b), and (c) do not apply if the avoidance of conflict with other traffic is necessary or if the operator is complying with the law or the directions of a police officer or official traffic-control device. (g) If the governing body of a municipality determines that it is necessary to improve the economic development of the municipality's central business district and that it will not adversely affect public safety, the governing body may adopt an ordinance regulating the standing, stopping, or parking of a vehicle at a place described by Subsection (a)(1), other than a road or highway in the state highway system, in the central business district of the municipality as defined in the ordinance. To the extent of any conflict between the ordinance and Subsection (a)(1), the ordinance controls
551.403. LIMITED OPERATION
(a) An operator may operate a golf cart: (1) in a master planned community: (A) that has in place a uniform set of restrictive covenants; and (B) for which a county or municipality has approved a plat; (2) on a public or private beach; or (3) on a public highway for which the posted speed limit is not more than 35 miles per hour, if the golf cart is operated: (A) during the daytime; and (B) not more than two miles from the location where the golf cart is usually parked and for transportation to or from a golf course. (b) The Texas Department of Transportation or a county or municipality may prohibit the operation of a golf cart on a public highway if the department or the governing body of the county or municipality determines that the prohibition is necessary in the interest of safety
545.057 passing to the right
(a) An operator may pass to the right of another vehicle only if conditions permit safely passing to the right and: (1) the vehicle being passed is making or about to make a left turn; and (2) the operator is: (A) on a highway having unobstructed pavement not occupied by parked vehicles and sufficient width for two or more lines of moving vehicles in each direction; or (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. (b) An operator may not pass to the right by leaving the main traveled portion of a roadway
545.416. RIDING ON MOTORCYCLE
(a) An operator of a motorcycle shall ride on the permanent and regular seat attached to the motorcycle. (b) An operator may not carry another person on the motorcycle, and a person who is not operating the motorcycle may not ride on the motorcycle, unless the motorcycle is: (1) designed to carry more than one person; and (2) equipped with footrests and handholds for use by the passenger. (c) If the motorcycle is designed to carry more than one person, a passenger may ride only on the permanent and regular seat, if designed for two persons, or on another seat firmly attached to the motorcycle behind or to the side of the operator. (d) Except as provided by Subsection (e), an operator may not carry another person on a motorcycle unless the other person is at least five years of age. An offense under this subsection is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not less than $100 or more than $200. It is a defense to prosecution under this subsection that the operator was operating the motorcycle in an emergency or for a law enforcement purpose. (e) Subsection (d) does not prohibit an operator from carrying on a motorcycle a person younger than five years of age who is seated in a sidecar attached to the motorcycle
545.410. TOWING SAFETY CHAINS
(a) An operator of a passenger car or light truck may not draw a trailer, semitrailer, house trailer, or another motor vehicle unless safety chains of a type approved by the department are attached in a manner approved by the department from the trailer, semitrailer, house trailer, or drawn motor vehicle to the drawing vehicle. This subsection does not apply to the drawing of a trailer or semitrailer used for agricultural purposes. (b) The department shall adopt rules prescribing the type of safety chains required to be used according to the weight of the trailer, semitrailer, house trailer, or motor vehicle being drawn. 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 (2) show the proper method to attach safety chains between the trailer, semitrailer, house trailer, or drawn motor vehicle and the drawing vehicle. (c) Subsection (b) does not apply to trailers, semitrailers, or house trailers that are equipped with safety chains installed by the original manufacturer before the effective date of the rules. (d) This section does not apply to a trailer, semitrailer, house trailer, or drawn motor vehicle that is operated in compliance with the federal motor carrier safety regulations. (e) In this section, "safety chains" means flexible tension members connected from the front of a drawn vehicle to the rear of the drawing vehicle to maintain connection between the vehicles if the primary connecting system fails
545.066 passing a school bus; offense
(a) An operator on a highway, when approaching from either direction a school bus stopped on the highway to receive or discharge a student: (1) shall stop before reaching the school bus when the bus is operating a visual signal as required by Section 547.701; and (2) may not proceed until: (A) the school bus resumes motion; (B) the operator is signaled by the bus driver to proceed; or (C) the visual signal is no longer actuated. (b) An operator on a highway having separate roadways is not required to stop: (1) for a school bus that is on a different roadway; or (2) if on a controlled-access highway, for a school bus that is stopped: (A) in a loading zone that is a part of or adjacent to the highway; and (B) where pedestrians are not permitted to cross the roadway. (c) An offense under this section is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not less than $500 or more than $1,250, except that the offense is: (1) a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not less than $1,000 or more than $2,000 if the person is convicted of a second or subsequent offense under this section committed within five years of the date on which the most recent preceding offense was committed; (2) a Class A misdemeanor if the person causes serious bodily injury to another; or (3) a state jail felony if the person has been previously convicted under Subdivision (2). (d) The court may order that the driver's license of a person convicted of a second or subsequent offense under this section be suspended for not longer than six months beginning on the date of conviction. In this subsection, "driver's license" has the meaning assigned by Chapter 521. (e) If a person does not pay the previously assessed fine or costs on a conviction under this section, or is determined by the court to have insufficient resources or income to pay a fine or costs on a conviction under this section, the court may order the person to perform community service. The court shall set the number of hours of service under this subsection. (f) For the purposes of this section: (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 (2) a highway is not considered to have separate roadways if the highway has roadways separated only by a left turn lane.
545.060 driving on roadway laned for traffic
(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 (2) may not move from the lane unless that movement can be made safely. (b) If a roadway is divided into three lanes and provides for two-way movement of traffic, an operator on the roadway may not drive in the center lane except: (1) if passing another vehicle and the center lane is clear of traffic within a safe distance; (2) in preparing to make a left turn; or (3) where the center lane is designated by an official traffic-control device for movement in the direction in which the operator is moving. (c) Without regard to the center of the roadway, an official traffic-control device may be erected directing slow-moving traffic to use a designated lane or designating lanes to be used by traffic moving in a particular direction. (d) Official traffic-control devices prohibiting the changing of lanes on sections of roadway may be installed
547.325. REFLECTORS REQUIRED
(a) Except as provided by Subchapter F, a motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer, or pole trailer shall be equipped with at least two red reflectors on the rear of the vehicle. A red reflector may be included as a part of a taillamp. (b) A reflector shall be: (1) mounted at a height from 15 to 60 inches; and (2) visible at night at all distances: (A) from 100 to 600 feet when directly in front of lawful lower beams of headlamps; or (B) from 100 to 350 feet when directly in front of lawful upper beams of headlamps if the vehicle was manufactured or assembled before January 1, 1972
545.051 Driving on the right side roadway
(a) An operator on a roadway of sufficient width shall drive on the right half of the roadway, unless: (1) the operator is passing another vehicle; (2) an obstruction necessitates moving the vehicle left of the center of the roadway and the operator yields the right-of-way to a vehicle that: (A) is moving in the proper direction on the unobstructed portion of the roadway; and (B) is an immediate hazard; (3) the operator is on a roadway divided into three marked lanes for traffic; or (4) the operator is on a roadway restricted to one-way traffic. (b) An operator of a vehicle on a roadway moving more slowly than the normal speed of other vehicles at the time and place under the existing conditions shall drive in the right-hand lane available for vehicles, or as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway, unless the operator is: (1) passing another vehicle; or (2) preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into a private road or driveway. (c) An operator on a roadway having four or more lanes for moving vehicles and providing for two-way movement of vehicles may not drive left of the center line of the roadway except: (1) as authorized by an official traffic-control device designating a specified lane to the left side of the center of the roadway for use by a vehicle not otherwise permitted to use the lane; (2) under the conditions described by Subsection (a)(2); or (3) in crossing the center line to make a left turn into or out of an alley, private road, or driveway
PASSING TO THE LEFT; RETURN; BEING PASSED
(a) An operator passing another vehicle: (1) shall pass to the left of the other vehicle at a safe distance; and (2) may not move back to the right side of the roadway until safely clear of the passed vehicle. (b) An operator being passed by another vehicle: (1) shall, on audible signal, move or remain to the right in favor of the passing vehicle; and (2) may not accelerate until completely passed by the passing vehicle. (c) Subsection (b) does not apply when passing to the right is permitted.
PASSING TO THE LEFT: PASSING ZONES
(a) An operator shall obey the directions of a sign or marking in Subsection (c) or (d) if the sign or marking is in place and clearly visible to an ordinarily observant person. (b) An operator may not drive on the left side of the roadway in a no-passing zone or on the left side of any pavement striping designed to mark a no-passing zone. This subsection does not prohibit a driver from crossing pavement striping, or the center line in a no-passing zone marked by signs only, to make a left turn into or out of an alley or private road or driveway. (c) The Texas Transportation Commission, on a state highway under the jurisdiction of the commission, may: (1) determine those portions of the highway where passing or driving to the left of the roadway would be especially hazardous; and (2) show the beginning and end of each no-passing zone by appropriate signs or markings on the roadway. (d) A local authority, on a highway under the jurisdiction of the local authority, may: (1) determine those portions of the highway where passing or driving to the left of the roadway would be especially hazardous; and (2) show the beginning and end of each no-passing zone by appropriate signs or markings on the roadway
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. (c) An operator may not light the signals on only one side of the vehicle on a parked or disabled vehicle or use the signals as a courtesy or "do pass" signal to the operator of another vehicle approaching from the rear
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. (b) An operator of a truck or of a motor vehicle drawing another vehicle who is on a roadway outside a business or residential district and who is following another truck or motor vehicle drawing another vehicle shall, if conditions permit, leave sufficient space between the vehicles so that a vehicle passing the operator can safely enter and occupy the space. This subsection does not prohibit a truck or a motor vehicle drawing another vehicle from passing another vehicle. (c) An operator on a roadway outside a business or residential district driving in a caravan of other vehicles or a motorcade shall allow sufficient space between the operator and the vehicle preceding the operator so that another vehicle can safely enter and occupy the space. This subsection does not apply to a funeral procession
Class B CDL
-Covers a single vehicle with a vehicle weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more -A vehicle designed to carry 24 passengers or more including the driver. -Towing a trailer not more than 10,000 pounds -If it's a farm trailer then the trailer weight is not more than 20,000 pounds
545.303. ADDITIONAL PARKING REGULATIONS
(a) An operator who stops or parks on a two-way roadway shall do so with the right-hand wheels of the vehicle parallel to and within 18 inches of the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway. (b) An operator who stops or parks on a one-way roadway shall stop or park the vehicle parallel to the curb or edge of the roadway in the direction of authorized traffic movement with the right-hand wheels within 18 inches of the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway or the left-hand wheels within 18 inches of the left-hand curb or edge of the roadway. This subsection does not apply where a local ordinance otherwise regulates stopping or parking on the one-way roadway. (c) A local authority by ordinance may permit angle parking on a roadway. This subsection does not apply to a federal-aid or state highway unless the director of the Texas Department of Transportation determines that the roadway is wide enough to permit angle parking without interfering with the free movement of traffic. (d) The Texas Department of Transportation, on a highway under the jurisdiction of that department, may place signs prohibiting or restricting the stopping, standing, or parking of a vehicle on the highway where the director of the Texas Department of Transportation determines that stopping, standing, or parking is dangerous to, or would unduly interfere with, the free movement of traffic on the highway
545.407. FOLLOWING OR OBSTRUCTING FIRE APPARATUS OR AMBULANCE
(a) An operator, unless on official business, may not follow closer than 500 feet a fire apparatus responding to a fire alarm or drive into or park the vehicle in the block where the fire apparatus has stopped to answer a fire alarm. (b) An operator may not: (1) follow closer than 500 feet an ambulance that is flashing red lights unless the operator is on official business; or (2) drive or park the vehicle where an ambulance has been summoned for an emergency call in a manner intended to interfere with the arrival or departure of the ambulance.
601.053. EVIDENCE OF FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
(a) As a condition of operating in this state a motor vehicle to which Section 601.051 applies, the operator of the vehicle on request shall provide to a peace officer, as defined by Article 2.12, Code of Criminal Procedure, or a person involved in an accident with the operator evidence of financial responsibility by exhibiting: (1) a motor vehicle liability insurance policy covering the vehicle that satisfies Subchapter D or a photocopy of the policy; (2) a standard proof of motor vehicle liability insurance form prescribed by the Texas Department of Insurance under Section 601.081 and issued by a liability insurer for the motor vehicle; (2-a) an image displayed on a wireless communication device that includes the information required by Section 601.081 as provided by a liability insurer; (3) an insurance binder that confirms the operator is in compliance with this chapter; (4) a surety bond certificate issued under Section 601.121; (5) a certificate of a deposit with the comptroller covering the vehicle issued under Section 601.122; (6) a copy of a certificate of a deposit with the appropriate county judge covering the vehicle issued under Section 601.123; or (7) a certificate of self-insurance covering the vehicle issued under Section 601.124 or a photocopy of the certificate. (b) Except as provided by Subsection (c), an operator who does not exhibit evidence of financial responsibility under Subsection (a) is presumed to have operated the vehicle in violation of Section 601.051. (c) Subsection (b) does not apply if the peace officer determines through use of the verification program established under Subchapter N that financial responsibility has been established for the vehicle. A peace officer may not issue a citation for an offense under Section 601.191 unless the officer attempts to verify through the verification program that financial responsibility has been established for the vehicle and is unable to make that verification. (d) The display of an image that includes financial responsibility information on a wireless communication device under Subsection (a)(2-a) does not constitute effective consent for a law enforcement officer, or any other person, to access the contents of the wireless communication device except to view the financial responsibility information. (e) The authorization of the use of a wireless communication device to display financial responsibility information under Subsection (a)(2-a) does not prevent: (1) a court of competent jurisdiction from requiring a person to provide a paper copy of the person's evidence of financial responsibility in a hearing or trial or in connection with discovery proceedings; or (2) the commissioner of insurance from requiring a person to provide a paper copy of the person's evidence of financial responsibility in connection with any inquiry or transaction conducted by or on behalf of the commissioner. (f) A telecommunications provider, as defined by Section 51.002, Utilities Code, may not be held liable to the operator of the motor vehicle for the failure of a wireless communication device to display financial responsibility information
544.008 Flashing Signals
(a) At flashing signal, shall stop at Clearly marked stop line In absence of line, at cross walk at near side of intersection In absence of crosswalk, nearest the intersection where driver has view of approaching traffic Right to proceed is subject to rules applicable to stopping at a stop sign (b) Facing a flashing yellow signal, may proceed through intersection or past the signal only with caution (c) This section does not apply at a rail road crossing
545.254. VEHICLES CARRYING EXPLOSIVE SUBSTANCES OR FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS
(a) Before crossing a railroad grade crossing, an operator of a vehicle that has an explosive substance or flammable liquid as the vehicle's principal cargo and that is moving at a speed of more than 20 miles per hour: (1) shall reduce the speed of the vehicle to 20 miles per hour or less before coming within 200 feet of the nearest rail of the railroad; (2) shall listen and look in both directions along the track for an approaching train and for signals indicating the approach of a train; and (3) may not proceed until the operator determines that the course is clear. (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: (1) shall stop the vehicle not closer than 15 feet or farther than 50 feet from the nearest rail of the railroad; (2) while stopped, shall listen and look in both directions along the track for an approaching train and for signals indicating the approach of a train; and (3) may not proceed until the operator determines that the course is clear. (c) Subsections (a) and (b) do not apply: (1) if a police officer, crossing flagger, or traffic-control signal directs traffic to proceed; (2) where a railroad flashing signal is installed and does not indicate an approaching train; (3) to an abandoned or exempted grade crossing that is clearly marked by or with the consent of the state, if the markings can be read from the operator's location; (4) at a streetcar crossing in a business or residential district of a municipality; or (5) to a railroad track used exclusively for industrial switching purposes in a business district. (d) This section does not exempt the operator from compliance with Section 545.251 or 545.252. (e) An offense under this section is punishable by a fine of not less than $50 or more than $200
547.323. STOPLAMPS REQUIRED
(a) Except as provided by Subsection (b), a motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer, or pole trailer shall be equipped with at least two stoplamps. (b) A passenger car manufactured or assembled before the model year 1960 shall be equipped with at least one stoplamp. (c) A stoplamp shall be mounted on the rear of the vehicle. (d) A stoplamp shall emit a red or amber light, or a color between red and amber, that is: (1) visible in normal sunlight at a distance of at least 300 feet from the rear of the vehicle; and (2) displayed when the vehicle service brake is applied. (e) If vehicles are traveling in combination, only the stoplamps on the rearmost vehicle are required to emit a light for the distance specified in Subsection (d). (f) A stoplamp may be included as a part of another rear lamp
547.324. TURN SIGNAL LAMPS REQUIRED
(a) Except as provided by Subsection (b), a motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer, or pole trailer shall be equipped with electric turn signal lamps that indicate the operator's intent to turn by displaying flashing lights to the front and rear of a vehicle or combination of vehicles and on that side of the vehicle or combination toward which the turn is to be made. (b) Subsection (a) does not apply to a passenger car or truck less than 80 inches wide manufactured or assembled before the model year 1960. (c) Turn signal lamps: (1) shall be mounted at the same level and spaced as widely apart as practicable on the front and on the rear of the vehicle; and (2) may be included as a part of another lamp on the vehicle. (d) A turn signal lamp shall emit: (1) a white or amber light, or a color between white and amber, if the lamp is mounted on the front of the vehicle; or (2) a red or amber light, or a color between red and amber, if the lamp is mounted on the rear of the vehicle. (e) A turn signal lamp must be visible in normal sunlight at a distance of: (1) at least 500 feet from the front and rear of the vehicle if the vehicle is at least 80 inches wide; and (2) at least 300 feet from the front and rear of the vehicle if the vehicle is less than 80 inches wide
547.401. BRAKES REQUIRED
(a) Except as provided by Subsection (b), a motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer, pole trailer, or combination of those vehicles shall be equipped with brakes that comply with this chapter. (b) A trailer, semitrailer, or pole trailer is not required to have brakes if: (1) its gross weight is 4,500 pounds or less; or (2) its gross weight is heavier than 4,500 pounds but not heavier than 15,000 pounds, and it is drawn at a speed of not more than 30 miles per hour
545.2535. SCHOOL BUSES TO STOP AT ALL RAILROAD GRADE CROSSINGS
(a) Except as provided by Subsection (c), the operator of a school bus, before crossing a track at a railroad grade crossing: (1) shall stop the vehicle not closer than 15 feet or farther than 50 feet from the track; (2) while stopped, shall listen and look in both directions along the track for an approaching train and signals indicating the approach of a train; and (3) may not proceed until it is safe to do so. (b) After stopping as required by Subsection (a), the operator may proceed in a gear that permits the vehicle to complete the crossing without a change of gears. The operator may not shift gears while crossing the track. (c) An operator is not required to stop at: (1) an abandoned railroad grade crossing that is marked with a sign reading "tracks out of service"; or (2) an industrial or spur line railroad grade crossing that is marked with a sign reading "exempt." (d) A sign under Subsection (c) may be erected only by or with the consent of the appropriate state or local governmental official
Sec. 547.322. TAILLAMPS REQUIRED
(a) Except as provided by Subsection (b), a motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer, pole trailer, or vehicle that is towed at the end of a combination of vehicles shall be equipped with at least two taillamps. (b) A passenger car or truck that was manufactured or assembled before the model year 1960 shall be equipped with at least one taillamp. (c) Taillamps shall be mounted on the rear of the vehicle: (1) at a height from 15 to 72 inches; and (2) at the same level and spaced as widely apart as practicable if a vehicle is equipped with more than one lamp. (d) A taillamp shall emit a red light plainly visible at a distance of 1,000 feet from the rear of the vehicle. (e) If vehicles are traveling in combination, only the taillamps on the rearmost vehicle are required to emit a light for the distance specified in Subsection (d). (f) A taillamp or a separate lamp shall be constructed and mounted to emit a white light that: (1) illuminates the rear license plate; and (2) makes the plate clearly legible at a distance of 50 feet from the rear. (g) A taillamp, including a separate lamp used to illuminate a rear license plate, must emit a light when a headlamp or auxiliary driving lamp is lighted.
547.613. RESTRICTIONS ON WINDOWS
(a) Except as provided by Subsection (b), a person commits an offense that is a misdemeanor: (1) if the person operates a motor vehicle that has an object or material that is placed on or attached to the windshield or side or rear window and that obstructs or reduces the operator's clear view; or (2) if a person, including an installer or manufacturer, places on or attaches to the windshield or side or rear window of a motor vehicle a transparent material that alters the color or reduces the light transmission. (a-1) A person in the business of placing or attaching transparent material that alters the color or reduces the light transmission to the windshield or side or rear window of a motor vehicle commits a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed $1,000 if the person: (1) places or attaches such transparent material to the windshield or side or rear window of a motor vehicle; and (2) does not install a label that complies with Section 547.609 between the transparent material and the windshield or side or rear window of the vehicle, as applicable. (b) Subsection (a) does not apply to: (1) a windshield that has a sunscreening device that: (A) in combination with the windshield has a light transmission of 25 percent or more; (B) in combination with the windshield has a luminous reflectance of 25 percent or less; (C) is not red, blue, or amber; and (D) does not extend downward beyond the AS-1 line or more than five inches from the top of the windshield, whichever is closer to the top of the windshield; (2) a wing vent or a window that is to the left or right of the vehicle operator if the vent or window has a sunscreening device that in combination with the vent or window has: (A) a light transmission of 25 percent or more; and (B) a luminous reflectance of 25 percent or less; (2-a) a side window that is to the rear of the vehicle operator; (3) a rear window, if the motor vehicle is equipped with an outside mirror on each side of the vehicle that reflects to the vehicle operator a view of the highway for a distance of at least 200 feet from the rear; (4) a rearview mirror; (5) an adjustable nontransparent sun visor that is mounted in front of a side window and not attached to the glass; (6) a direction, destination, or termination sign on a passenger common carrier motor vehicle, if the sign does not interfere with the vehicle operator's view of approaching traffic; (7) a rear window wiper motor; (8) a rear trunk lid handle or hinge; (9) a luggage rack attached to the rear trunk; (10) a side window that is to the rear of the vehicle operator on a multipurpose vehicle; (11) a window that has a United States, state, or local certificate placed on or attached to it as required by law; (12) a motor vehicle that is not registered in this state; (13) a window that complies with federal standards for window materials, including a factory-tinted or a pretinted window installed by the vehicle manufacturer, or a replacement window meeting the specifications required by the vehicle manufacturer; (14) a vehicle that is: (A) used regularly to transport passengers for a fee; and (B) authorized to operate under license or permit by a local authority; (15) a vehicle that is maintained by a law enforcement agency and used for law enforcement purposes; or (16) a commercial motor vehicle as defined by Section 644.001. (c) A manufacturer shall certify to the department that the sunscreening device made or assembled by the manufacturer complies with the light transmission and luminous reflectance specifications established by Subsection (b) for sunscreening devices in combination with a window. (d) The department may determine that a window that has a sunscreening device is exempt under Subsection (b)(2) if the light transmission or luminous reflectance varies by no more than three percent from the standard established in that subsection. (e) It is a defense to prosecution under Subsection (a) that the defendant or a passenger in the vehicle at the time of the violation is required for a medical reason to be shielded from direct rays of the sun. (f) It is not an offense under this section for a person to offer for sale or sell a motor vehicle with a windshield or window that does not comply with this section. (g) In this section: (1) "Installer" means a person who fabricates, laminates, or tempers a safety glazing material to incorporate, during the installation process, the capacity to reflect light or reduce light transmission. (2) "Manufacturer" means a person who: (A) manufactures or assembles a sunscreening device; or (B) fabricates, laminates, or tempers safety glazing material to incorporate, during the manufacturing process, the capacity to reflect light or reduce light transmission.
551.103. OPERATION ON ROADWAY
(a) Except as provided by Subsection (b), a person operating a bicycle on a roadway who is moving slower than the other traffic on the roadway shall ride as near as practicable to the right curb or edge of the roadway, unless: (1) the person is passing another vehicle moving in the same direction; (2) the person is preparing to turn left at an intersection or onto a private road or driveway; (3) a condition on or of the roadway, including a fixed or moving object, parked or moving vehicle, pedestrian, animal, or surface hazard prevents the person from safely riding next to the right curb or edge of the roadway; or (4) the person is operating a bicycle in an outside lane that is: (A) less than 14 feet in width and does not have a designated bicycle lane adjacent to that lane; or (B) too narrow for a bicycle and a motor vehicle to safely travel side by side. (b) A person operating a bicycle on a one-way roadway with two or more marked traffic lanes may ride as near as practicable to the left curb or edge of the roadway. (c) Persons operating bicycles on a roadway may ride two abreast. Persons riding two abreast on a laned roadway shall ride in a single lane. Persons riding two abreast may not impede the normal and reasonable flow of traffic on the roadway. Persons may not ride more than two abreast unless they are riding on a part of a roadway set aside for the exclusive operation of bicycles.
545.404. UNATTENDED MOTOR VEHICLE
(a) Except as provided by Subsection (b), an operator may not leave a vehicle unattended without: (1) stopping the engine; (2) locking the ignition; (3) removing the key from the ignition; (4) setting the parking brake effectively; and (5) if standing on a grade, turning the front wheels to the curb or side of the highway. (b) The requirements of Subsections (a)(1), (2), and (3) do not apply to an operator who starts the engine of a vehicle by using a remote starter or other similar device that: (1) remotely starts the vehicle's engine without placing the key in the ignition; and (2) requires the key to be placed in the ignition or physically present in the vehicle before the vehicle can be operated
545.106. SIGNALS BY HAND AND ARM OR BY SIGNAL LAMP
(a) Except as provided by Subsection (b), an operator required to give a stop or turn signal shall do so by: (1) using the hand and arm; or (2) lighting signal lamps approved by the department. (b) A motor vehicle in use on a highway shall be equipped with signal lamps, and the required signal shall be given by lighting the lamps, if: (1) the distance from the center of the top of the steering post to the left outside limit of the body, cab, or load of the motor vehicle is more than 2 feet; or (2) the distance from the center of the top of the steering post to the rear limit of the body or load, including the body or load of a combination of vehicles, is more than 14 feet
BUSES TO STOP AT ALL RAILROAD GRADE CROSSINGS.
(a) Except as provided by Subsection (c), the operator of a motor bus carrying passengers for hire, before crossing a railroad grade crossing: (1) shall stop the vehicle not closer than 15 feet or farther than 50 feet from the nearest rail of the railroad; (2) while stopped, shall listen and look in both directions along the track for an approaching train and signals indicating the approach of a train; and (3) may not proceed until it is safe to do so. (b) After stopping as required by Subsection (a), an operator described by Subsection (a) shall proceed without manually shifting gears while crossing the track. (c) A vehicle is not required to stop at the crossing if a police officer or a traffic-control signal directs traffic to proceed. (d) This section does not apply at a railway grade crossing in a business or residence district. (e) An offense under this section is punishable by a fine of not less than $50 or more than $200
683.002. ABANDONED MOTOR VEHICLE
(a) For the purposes of this chapter, a motor vehicle is abandoned if the motor vehicle: (1) is inoperable, is more than five years old, and has been left unattended on public property for more than 48 hours; (2) has remained illegally on public property for more than 48 hours; (3) has remained on private property without the consent of the owner or person in charge of the property for more than 48 hours; (4) has been left unattended on the right-of-way of a designated county, state, or federal highway for more than 48 hours; (5) has been left unattended for more than 24 hours on the right-of-way of a turnpike project constructed and maintained by the Texas Turnpike Authority division of the Texas Department of Transportation or a controlled access highway; or (6) is considered an abandoned motor vehicle under Section 644.153(r). (b) In this section, "controlled access highway"
546.006. DESIGNATED EMERGENCY VEHICLE DURING DECLARED DISASTERS
(a) From recommendations made under Section 418.013(c), Government Code, the department shall designate which vehicles may be operated by which designated organizations as emergency vehicles during declared disasters. (b) A vehicle designated under Subsection (a) may be operated by a designated organization as if the vehicle were an authorized emergency vehicle under this subtitle if: (1) the governor declares a state of disaster under Section 418.014, Government Code; (2) the department requests assistance from the designated organization; and (3) the vehicle is operated by the designated organization or a member of the designated organization in response to the state of disaster. (c) The department shall adopt rules as necessary to implement this section
551.404. OPERATION IN MUNICIPALITIES AND CERTAIN COUNTIES
(a) In addition to the operation authorized by Section 551.403, the governing body of a municipality may allow an operator to operate a golf cart on all or part of a public highway that: (1) is in the corporate boundaries of the municipality; and (2) has a posted speed limit of not more than 35 miles per hour. (a-1) In addition to the operation authorized by Section 551.403, the commissioners court of a county described by Subsection (a-2) may allow an operator to operate a golf cart on all or part of a public highway that: (1) is located in the unincorporated area of the county; and (2) has a speed limit of not more than 35 miles per hour. (a-2) Subsection (a-1) applies only to a county that: (1) borders or contains a portion of the Red River; (2) borders or contains a portion of the Guadalupe River and contains a part of a barrier island that borders the Gulf of Mexico; or (3) is adjacent to a county described by Subdivision (2) and: (A) has a population of less than 37,000; and (B) contains a part of a barrier island or peninsula that borders the Gulf of Mexico. (b) A golf cart operated under this section must have the following equipment: (1) headlamps; (2) taillamps; (3) reflectors; (4) parking brake; and (5) mirrors.
547.306. LED GROUND EFFECT LIGHTING EQUIPMENT ON MOTORCYCLE
(a) In this section, "LED ground effect lighting equipment" means light emitting diode (LED) technology that is attached to the underbody of a motorcycle for the purpose of illuminating: (1) the body of the motorcycle; or (2) the ground below the motorcycle. (b) A person may operate a motorcycle equipped with LED ground effect lighting that emits a non-flashing amber or white light.
551.105. COMPETITIVE RACING
(a) In this section, "bicycle" means a nonmotorized vehicle propelled by human power. (b) A sponsoring organization may hold a competitive bicycle race on a public road only with the approval of the appropriate local law enforcement agencies. (c) The local law enforcement agencies and the sponsoring organization may agree on safety regulations governing the movement of bicycles during a competitive race or during training for a competitive race, including the permission for bicycle operators to ride abreast
Auxiliary Passing Lamps
-24-42 inches -No more than 2 -White only
01.081. STANDARD PROOF OF MOTOR VEHICLE LIABILITY INSURANCE FORM
(a) In this section, "named driver policy" has the meaning assigned by Section 1952.0545, Insurance Code. (b) A standard proof of motor vehicle liability insurance form prescribed by the Texas Department of Insurance must include: (1) the name of the insurer; (2) the insurance policy number; (3) the policy period; (4) the name and address of each insured; (5) the policy limits or a statement that the coverage of the policy complies with the minimum amounts of motor vehicle liability insurance required by this chapter; (6) the make and model of each covered vehicle; and (7) for a named driver policy, the required disclosure
46.002. WHEN CONDUCT PERMISSIBLE
(a) In this section, "police escort" means facilitating the movement of a funeral, oversized or hazardous load, or other traffic disruption for public safety purposes by a peace officer described by Articles 2.12(1)-(4), (8), (12), and (22), Code of Criminal Procedure. (b) Section 546.001 applies only when the operator is: (1) responding to an emergency call; (2) pursuing an actual or suspected violator of the law; (3) responding to but not returning from a fire alarm; (4) directing or diverting traffic for public safety purposes; or (5) conducting a police escort
545.3051. REMOVAL OF PERSONAL PROPERTY FROM ROADWAY OR RIGHT-OF-WAY
(a) In this section: (1) "Authority" means: (A) a metropolitan rapid transit authority operating under Chapter 451; or (B) a regional transportation authority operating under Chapter 452. (2) "Law enforcement agency" means: (A) the department; (B) the police department of a municipality; (C) the sheriff's office of a county; or (D) a constable's office of a county. (3) "Personal property" means: (A) a vehicle described by Section 545.305; (B) spilled cargo; (C) a hazardous material as defined by 49 U.S.C. Section 5102 and its subsequent amendments; or (D) a hazardous substance as defined by Section 26.263, Water Code. (b) An authority or a law enforcement agency may remove personal property from a roadway or right-of-way if the authority or law enforcement agency determines that the property blocks the roadway or endangers public safety. (c) Personal property may be removed under this section without the consent of the owner or carrier of the property. (d) The owner and any carrier of personal property removed under this section shall reimburse the authority or law enforcement agency for any reasonable cost of removal and disposition of the property. (e) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, an authority or a law enforcement agency is not liable for: (1) any damage to personal property removed from a roadway or right-of-way under this section, unless the removal is carried out recklessly or in a grossly negligent manner; or (2) any damage resulting from the failure to exercise the authority granted by this section.
545.307. OVERNIGHT PARKING OF COMMERCIAL MOTOR VEHICLE IN OR NEAR RESIDENTIAL SUBDIVISION
(a) In this section: (1) "Commercial motor vehicle" means: (A) a commercial motor vehicle, as defined by Section 522.003, and includes a vehicle meeting that definition regardless of whether the vehicle is used for a commercial purpose; or (B) a road tractor, truck tractor, pole trailer, or semitrailer, as those terms are defined by Section 541.201. (2) "Residential subdivision" means a subdivision in a county with a population greater than 220,000: (A) for which a plat is recorded in the county real property records; and (B) in which the majority of lots are subject to deed restrictions limiting the lots to residential use. (b) Except as provided by Subsection (b-1), after 10 p.m. and before 6 a.m., a person may not park a commercial motor vehicle or leave the vehicle parked on a street that is maintained by a county or municipality and for which signs are posted as provided by Subsection (c) if the street: (1) is located within a residential subdivision; or (2) is adjacent to a residential subdivision and within 1,000 feet of the property line of a residence, school, place of worship, or park. (b-1) A person may park a commercial motor vehicle or leave the vehicle parked on a street for which signs are posted as provided by Subsection (c) if the commercial motor vehicle: (1) is transporting persons or property to or from the residential subdivision or performing work in the subdivision; and (2) remains parked in or adjacent to the subdivision only for the period necessary to complete the transportation or work. (c) The residents of a residential subdivision may petition a county or municipality in which the subdivision is located for the posting of signs prohibiting the overnight parking of a commercial motor vehicle in the subdivision or on a street adjacent to the subdivision and within 1,000 feet of the property line of a residence, school, place of worship, or park. The petition must be signed by at least 25 percent of the owners or tenants of residences in the subdivision. Not more than one person for each residence may sign the petition, and each person signing must be at least 18 years of age. Promptly after the filing of a petition meeting the requirements of this subsection and subject to Subsection (d), the county or municipality receiving the petition shall post the signs. The signs must: (1) be posted: (A) at each entrance of the subdivision through which a commercial motor vehicle may enter the subdivision or within the subdivision if there is not defined entrance to the subdivision; or (B) on a street adjacent to the subdivision; and (2) state, in letters at least two inches in height, that overnight parking of a commercial motor vehicle is prohibited in the subdivision or on a street adjacent to the subdivision. (d) A county or municipality receiving a petition under Subsection (c) may condition the posting of the signs on payment by the residents of the residential subdivision of the cost of providing the signs. (e) A person commits an offense if the person parks a commercial motor vehicle in violation of Subsection (b). (f) This section does not limit the power of a municipality to regulate the parking of commercial motor vehicles. (g) For the purposes of this section, contiguous subdivisions that are developed by the same entity or a successor to that entity and that are given the same public name or a variation of the same public name are considered one subdivision. Separation of one of the subdivisions from another by a road, stream, greenbelt, or similar barrier does not make the subdivisions noncontiguous. (h) This section does not apply to: (1) a vehicle owned by a utility that an employee of the utility who is on call 24 hours a day parks at the employee's residence; or (2) a vehicle owned by a commercial establishment that is parked on the street adjacent to where the establishment is located
545.425. USE OF WIRELESS COMMUNICATION DEVICE IN A SCHOOL CROSSING ZONE OR WHILE OPERATING A SCHOOL BUS WITH A MINOR PASSENGER; POLITICAL SUBDIVISION SIGN REQUIREMENTS; OFFENSE
(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. The term includes voice-operated technology and a push-to-talk function. (2) "Wireless communication device" means a device that uses a commercial mobile service, as defined by 47 U.S.C. Section 332. (b) Except as provided by Subsection (c), an operator may not use a wireless communication device while operating a motor vehicle within a school crossing zone, as defined by Section 541.302, Transportation Code, unless: (1) the vehicle is stopped; or (2) the wireless communication device is used with a hands-free device. (b-1) Except as provided by Subsection (b-2), a municipality, county, or other political subdivision that enforces this section shall post a sign that complies with the standards described by this subsection at the entrance to each school crossing zone in the municipality, county, or other political subdivision. The department shall adopt standards that: (1) allow for a sign required to be posted under this subsection to be attached to an existing sign at a minimal cost; and (2) require that a sign required to be posted under this subsection inform an operator that: (A) the use of a wireless communication device is prohibited in the school crossing zone; and (B) the operator is subject to a fine if the operator uses a wireless communication device in the school crossing zone. (b-2) A municipality, county, or other political subdivision that by ordinance or rule prohibits the use of a wireless communication device while operating a motor vehicle, including a prohibition that contains an exception for the use of a wireless communication device with a hands-free device, throughout the jurisdiction of the political subdivision is not required to post a sign as required by Subsection (b-1) and shall: (1) post signs that are located at each point at which a state highway, U.S. highway, or interstate highway enters the political subdivision and that state: (A) that an operator is prohibited from using a wireless communication device while operating a motor vehicle in the political subdivision, and whether use of a wireless communication device with a hands-free device is allowed in the political subdivision; and (B) that the operator is subject to a fine if the operator uses a wireless communication device while operating a motor vehicle in the political subdivision; and (2) subject to all applicable United States Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration rules, post a message that complies with Subdivision (1) on any dynamic message sign operated by the political subdivision located on a state highway, U.S. highway, or interstate highway in the political subdivision. (b-3) A sign posted under Subsection (b-2)(1) must be readable to an operator traveling at the applicable speed limit. (b-4) The political subdivision shall pay the costs associated with the posting of signs under Subsection (b-2). (c) An operator may not use a wireless communication device while operating a passenger bus with a minor passenger on the bus unless the passenger bus is stopped. (d) It is an affirmative defense to prosecution of an offense under this section that: (1) the wireless communication device was used to make an emergency call to: (A) an emergency response service, including a rescue, emergency medical, or hazardous material response service; (B) a hospital; (C) a fire department; (D) a health clinic; (E) a medical doctor's office; (F) an individual to administer first aid treatment; or (G) a police department; or (2) a sign required by Subsection (b-1) was not posted at the entrance to the school crossing zone at the time of an offense committed in the school crossing zone. (d-1) The affirmative defense available in Subsection (d)(2) is not available for an offense under Subsection (b) committed in a school crossing zone located in a municipality, county, or other political subdivision that is in compliance with Subsection (b-2). (e) This section does not apply to: (1) an operator of an authorized emergency vehicle using a wireless communication device while acting in an official capacity; or (2) an operator who is licensed by the Federal Communications Commission while operating a radio frequency device other than a wireless communication device. (f) Except as provided by Subsection (b-2), this section preempts all local ordinances, rules, or regulations that are inconsistent with specific provisions of this section adopted by a political subdivision of this state relating to the use of a wireless communication device by the operator of a motor vehicle
552.010. BLIND PEDESTRIANS
(a) No person may carry a white cane on a public street or highway unless the person is totally or partially blind. (b) The driver 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. The driver shall bring the vehicle to a full stop if injury or danger can be avoided only by that action. (c) If it is shown on the trial of an offense under this section that as a result of the commission of the offense a collision occurred causing serious bodily injury or death to a blind person, the offense is a misdemeanor punishable by: (1) a fine of not more than $500; and (2) 30 hours of community service to an organization or agency that primarily serves visually impaired or disabled persons, to be completed in not less than six months and not more than one year. (c-1) A portion of the community service required under Subsection (c)(2) shall include sensitivity training. (d) For the purposes of this section: (1) "Assistance animal" has the meaning assigned by Section 121.002, Human Resources Code. (2) "White cane" has the meaning assigned by Section 121.002, Human Resources Code. (e) If conduct constituting an offense under this section also constitutes an offense under another section of this code or the Penal Code, the actor may be prosecuted under either section or both sections
545.063 driving on a divided highway
(a) On a highway having two or more roadways separated by a space, physical barrier, or clearly indicated dividing section constructed to impede vehicular traffic, an operator shall drive on the right roadway unless directed or permitted to use another roadway by an official traffic-control device or police officer. (b) An operator may not drive over, across, or in a dividing space, physical barrier, or section constructed to impede vehicular traffic except: (1) through an opening in the physical barrier or dividing section or space; or (2) at a crossover or intersection established by a public authority
545.156. VEHICLE APPROACHED BY AUTHORIZED EMERGENCY VEHICLE
(a) On the immediate approach of an authorized emergency vehicle using audible and visual signals that meet the requirements of Sections 547.305 and 547.702, or of a police vehicle lawfully using only an audible signal, an operator, unless otherwise directed by a police officer, shall: (1) yield the right-of-way; (2) immediately drive to a position parallel to and as close as possible to the right-hand edge or curb of the roadway clear of any intersection; and (3) stop and remain standing until the authorized emergency vehicle has passed. (b) This section does not exempt the operator of an authorized emergency vehicle from the duty to drive with due regard for the safety of all persons using the highway
551.402. REGISTRATION NOT AUTHORIZED
(a) The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles may not register a golf cart for operation on a public highway regardless of whether any alteration has been made to the golf cart. (b) The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles may issue license plates for a golf cart as authorized by Subsection (c). (c) The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles shall by rule establish a procedure to issue the license plates to be used for operation in accordance with Sections 551.403 and 551.404. (d) The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles may charge a fee not to exceed $10 for the cost of the license plate
Stop Lamps
-25-72 inches -At leas 2 (prior to 1960-one) -Visible 300 ft -Red or Amber only
545.153. VEHICLE ENTERING STOP OR YIELD INTERSECTION
(a) Preferential right-of-way at an intersection may be indicated by a stop sign or yield sign as authorized in Section 544.003. (b) Unless directed to proceed by a police officer or official traffic-control device, an operator approaching an intersection on a roadway controlled by a stop sign, after stopping as required by Section 544.010, shall yield the right-of-way to a vehicle that has entered the intersection from another highway or that is approaching so closely as to be an immediate hazard to the operator's movement in or across the intersection. (c) An operator approaching an intersection on a roadway controlled by a yield sign shall: (1) slow to a speed that is reasonable under the existing conditions; and (2) yield the right-of-way to a vehicle in the intersection or approaching on another highway so closely as to be an immediate hazard to the operator's movement in or across the intersection. (d) If an operator is required by Subsection (c) to yield and is involved in a collision with a vehicle in an intersection after the operator drove past a yield sign without stopping, the collision is prima facie evidence that the operator failed to yield the right-of-way
547.402. OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF BRAKES
(a) Required brakes shall operate on each wheel of a vehicle except: (1) special mobile equipment; (2) a vehicle that is towed as a commodity when at least one set of the towed vehicle's wheels is on the roadway, if the combination of vehicles complies with the performance requirements of this chapter; and (3) a trailer, semitrailer, or pole trailer with a gross weight heavier than 4,500 pounds but not heavier than 15,000 pounds drawn at a speed of more than 30 miles per hour, if the brakes operate on both wheels of the rear axle. (b) A truck or truck-tractor that has at least three axles is not required to have brakes on the front wheels, but must have brakes that: (1) operate on the wheels of one steerable axle if the vehicle is equipped with at least two steerable axles; and (2) comply with the performance requirements of this chapter. (c) A trailer or semitrailer that has a gross weight of 15,000 pounds or less may use surge or inertia brake systems to satisfy the requirements of Subsection (a). (d) Brakes shall be maintained in good working order and adjusted to operate on wheels on each side of the vehicle as equally as practicable
601.052. EXCEPTIONS TO FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY REQUIREMENT
(a) Section 601.051 does not apply to: (1) the operation of a motor vehicle that: (A) is a former military vehicle or is at least 25 years old; (B) is used only for exhibitions, club activities, parades, and other functions of public interest and not for regular transportation; and (C) for which the owner files with the department an affidavit, signed by the owner, stating that the vehicle is a collector's item and used only as described by Paragraph (B); (2) the operation of a neighborhood electric vehicle or a golf cart that is operated only as authorized by Section 551.304 or 551.403; or (3) a volunteer fire department for the operation of a motor vehicle the title of which is held in the name of a volunteer fire department. (b) Subsection (a)(3) does not exempt from the requirement of Section 601.051 a person who is operating a vehicle described by that subsection. (c) In this section: (1) "Former military vehicle" has the meaning assigned by Section 504.502(i). (2) "Volunteer fire department" means a company, department, or association that is: (A) organized in an unincorporated area to answer fire alarms and extinguish fires or to answer fire alarms, extinguish fires, and provide emergency medical services; and (B) composed of members who: (i) do not receive compensation; or (ii) receive only nominal compensation
681.006. PARKING PRIVILEGES: PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES
(a) Subject to Section 681.009(e), a vehicle may be parked for an unlimited period in a parking space or area that is designated specifically for persons with physical disabilities if: (1) the vehicle is being operated by or for the transportation of a person with a disability; and (2) there are: (A) displayed on the vehicle special license plates issued under Section 504.201; or (B) placed on the rearview mirror of the vehicle's front windshield a disabled parking placard. (b) The owner of a vehicle is exempt from the payment of a fee or penalty imposed by a governmental unit for parking at a meter if: (1) the vehicle is being operated by or for the transportation of a person with a disability; and (2) there are: (A) displayed on the vehicle special license plates issued under Section 504.201; or (B) placed on the rearview mirror of the vehicle's front windshield a disabled parking placard. (c) The exemption provided by Subsection (b) or (e) does not apply to a fee or penalty: (1) imposed by a branch of the United States government; or (2) imposed by a governmental unit for parking at a meter, in a parking garage or lot, or in a space located within the boundaries of a municipal airport. (d) This section does not permit a vehicle to be parked at a time when or a place where parking is prohibited. (e) A governmental unit may provide by ordinance or order that the exemption provided by Subsection (b) also applies to payment of a fee or penalty imposed by the governmental unit for parking in a parking garage or lot or in a space with a limitation on the length of time for parking
545.252. ALL VEHICLES TO STOP AT CERTAIN RAILROAD GRADE CROSSINGS
(a) The Texas Department of Transportation or a local authority, with respect to a highway in its jurisdiction, may: (1) designate a railroad grade crossing as particularly dangerous; and (2) erect a stop sign or other official traffic-control device at the grade crossing. (b) An operator approaching a stop sign or other official traffic-control device that requires a stop and that is erected under Subsection (a) shall stop not closer than 15 feet or farther than 50 feet from the nearest rail of the railroad and may proceed only with due care. (c) The costs of installing and maintaining a mechanically operated grade crossing safety device, gate, sign, or signal erected under this section shall be apportioned and paid on the same percentage ratio and in the same proportionate amounts by this state and all participating political subdivisions of this state as costs are apportioned and paid between the state and the United States. (d) An offense under this section is punishable by a fine of not less than $50 or more than $200.
545.059 One way roadways and rotary islands
(a) The Texas Transportation Commission may designate a highway or separate roadway under the jurisdiction of the commission for one-way traffic and shall erect appropriate signs giving notice of the designation. (b) On a roadway that is designated and on which signs are erected for one-way traffic, an operator shall drive only in the direction indicated. (c) An operator moving around a rotary traffic island shall drive only to the right of the island
547.101. RULES AND STANDARDS IN GENERAL
(a) The department may adopt rules necessary to administer this chapter. (b) The department may adopt standards for vehicle equipment to: (1) protect the public from unreasonable risk of death or injury; and (2) enforce safety standards of the United States as permitted under the federal motor vehicle act. (c) A department standard must: (1) duplicate a standard of the United States that applies to the same aspect of vehicle equipment performance as the department standard; or (2) if there is no standard of the United States for the same aspect of vehicle equipment performance as the department standard, conform as closely as possible to a relevant standard of the United States, similar standards established by other states, and a standard issued or endorsed by recognized national standard-setting organizations or agencies. (d) The department may not adopt a vehicle equipment standard inconsistent with a standard provided by this chapter
601.054. OWNER MAY PROVIDE EVIDENCE OF FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR OTHERS
(a) The department shall accept evidence of financial responsibility from an owner for another person required to establish evidence of financial responsibility if the other person is: (1) an operator employed by the owner; or (2) a member of the owner's immediate family or household. (b) The evidence of financial responsibility applies to a person who becomes subject to Subsection (a)(1) or (2) after the effective date of that evidence. (c) Evidence of financial responsibility accepted by the department under Subsection (a) is a substitute for evidence by the other person and permits the other person to operate a motor vehicle for which the owner has provided evidence of financial responsibility. (d) The department shall designate the restrictions imposed by this section on the face of the other person's driver's license
681.002. DISABLED PARKING PLACARD
(a) The department shall provide for the issuance of a disabled parking placard to a person with a disability. (b) A disabled parking placard must be two-sided and hooked and include on each side: (1) the international symbol of access, which must be at least three inches in height, be centered on the placard, and be: (A) white on a blue shield for a placard issued to a person with a permanent disability; or (B) white on a red shield for a placard issued to a person with a temporary disability; (2) an identification number; (3) an expiration date at least three inches in height; and (4) the seal or other identification of the department. (c) The department shall furnish the disabled parking placards to each county assessor-collector. (d) A disabled parking placard must bear a hologram designed to prevent the reproduction of the placard or the production of a counterfeit placard. (e) In addition to the expiration date included on a disabled parking placard under Subsection (b), the expiration date must be indicated on the placard by a month and year hole-punch system
545.409. DRAWBARS AND TRAILER HITCHES; SADDLE-MOUNT TOWING
(a) The drawbar or other connection between a vehicle drawing another vehicle and the drawn vehicle: (1) must be strong enough to pull all weight drawn; and (2) may not exceed 15 feet between the vehicles except for a connection between two vehicles transporting poles, pipe, machinery, or other objects of structural nature that cannot readily be dismembered. (b) An operator drawing another vehicle and using a chain, rope, or cable to connect the vehicles shall display on the connection a white flag or cloth not less than 12 inches square. (c) A motor vehicle may not draw more than three motor vehicles attached to it by the triple saddle-mount method. In this subsection, "triple saddle-mount method" means the mounting of the front wheels of trailing vehicles on the bed of another vehicle while leaving the rear wheels only of the trailing vehicles in contact with the roadway
683.016. LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY USE OF CERTAIN ABANDONED MOTOR VEHICLES
(a) The law enforcement agency that takes an abandoned motor vehicle into custody that is not claimed under Section 683.012 may: (1) use the vehicle for agency purposes; or (2) transfer the vehicle to any other municipal or county agency, a groundwater conservation district governed by Chapter 36, Water Code, or a school district for the use of that agency or district. (b) The law enforcement agency shall auction the vehicle as provided by this subchapter if the law enforcement agency or the municipal or county agency, groundwater conservation district, or school district to which the vehicle was transferred under Subsection (a) discontinues use of the vehicle. (c) This section does not apply to an abandoned vehicle on which there is a garagekeeper's lien. (d) This section does not apply to a vehicle that is: (1) taken into custody by a law enforcement agency located in a county with a population of 3.3 million or more; and (2) removed to a privately owned storage facility. (e) A law enforcement agency must comply with the notice requirements of Section 683.012 before the law enforcement agency may transfer a vehicle
552.003. PEDESTRIAN RIGHT-OF-WAY AT CROSSWALK.
(a) The operator of a vehicle shall yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian crossing a roadway in a crosswalk if: (1) no traffic control signal is in place or in operation; and (2) the pedestrian is: (A) on the half of the roadway in which the vehicle is traveling; or (B) approaching so closely from the opposite half of the roadway as to be in danger. (b) Notwithstanding Subsection (a), a pedestrian may not suddenly leave a curb or other place of safety and proceed into a crosswalk in the path of a vehicle so close that it is impossible for the vehicle operator to yield. (c) The operator of a vehicle approaching from the rear of a vehicle that is stopped at a crosswalk to permit a pedestrian to cross a roadway may not pass the stopped vehicle. (d) If it is shown on the trial of an offense under Subsection (a) that as a result of the commission of the offense a collision occurred causing serious bodily injury or death to a visually impaired or disabled person, the offense is a misdemeanor punishable by: (1) a fine of not more than $500; and (2) 30 hours of community service to an organization or agency that primarily serves visually impaired or disabled persons, to be completed in not less than six months and not more than one year. (d-1) A portion of the community service required under Subsection (d)(2) shall include sensitivity training. (e) For the purposes of this section: (1) "Visually impaired" has the meaning assigned by Section 91.002, Human Resources Code. (2) "Disabled" means a person who cannot walk without the use or assistance of: (A) a device, including a brace, cane, crutch, prosthesis, or wheelchair; or (B) another person. (f) If conduct constituting an offense under this section also constitutes an offense under another section of this code or the Penal Code, the actor may be prosecuted under either section or both sections
547.503. DISPLAY OF HAZARD LAMPS
(a) The operator of a vehicle that is described by Subsection (b) and that is stopped on a roadway or shoulder shall immediately display vehicular hazard warning lamps that comply with Section 547.331, unless the vehicle: (1) is parked lawfully in an urban district; (2) is stopped lawfully to receive or discharge a passenger; (3) is stopped to avoid conflict with other traffic; (4) is stopped to comply with a direction of a police officer or an official traffic-control device; or (5) displays other warning devices as required by Sections 547.504-547.507. (b) This section applies to a truck, bus, truck-tractor, trailer, semitrailer, or pole trailer at least 80 inches wide or at least 30 feet long.
545.365. SPEED LIMIT EXCEPTION FOR EMERGENCIES; MUNICIPAL REGULATION
(a) The regulation of the speed of a vehicle under this subchapter does not apply to: (1) an authorized emergency vehicle responding to a call; (2) a police patrol; or (3) a physician or ambulance responding to an emergency call. (b) A municipality by ordinance may regulate the speed of: (1) an ambulance; (2) an emergency medical services vehicle; or (3) an authorized vehicle operated by a blood or tissue bank.
546.007. CLOSURE OF ROAD OR HIGHWAY BY FIREFIGHTER
(a) This section applies only to a firefighter who is employed by or a member of: (1) a fire department operated by an emergency services district; (2) a volunteer fire department; or (3) a fire department of a general-law municipality. (b) A firefighter, when performing the firefighter's official duties, may close one or more lanes of a road or highway to protect the safety of persons or property. (c) The closure shall be limited to the affected lane or lanes and one additional lane unless the safety of emergency personnel operating on the road or highway requires more lanes to be closed. (d) In making a closure under this section, the firefighter shall deploy one or more authorized emergency vehicles with audible and visual signals that meet the requirements
545.157. PASSING CERTAIN VEHICLES
(a) This section applies only to the following vehicles: (1) a stationary authorized emergency vehicle using visual signals that meet the requirements of Sections 547.305 and 547.702; (2) a stationary tow truck using equipment authorized by Section 547.305(d); and (3) a Texas Department of Transportation vehicle not separated from the roadway by a traffic control channelizing device and using visual signals that comply with the standards and specifications adopted under Section 547.105. (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 (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. (c) A violation of this section is: (1) a misdemeanor punishable (a fine of $1 to $200.) (2) a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of $500 if the violation results in property damage; or (3) a Class B misdemeanor if the violation results in bodily injury. (d) If conduct constituting an offense under this section also constitutes an offense under another section of this code or the Penal Code, the actor may be prosecuted under either section or under both sections. Such as a tow truck or traffic control channelizing device
545.255. MOVING HEAVY EQUIPMENT AT RAILROAD GRADE CROSSINGS
(a) This section applies only to: (1) a crawler-type tractor, steam shovel, derrick, or roller; and (2) any other equipment or structure with: (A) a normal operating speed of 10 miles per hour or less; or (B) a vertical body or load clearance of less than one-half inch per foot of the distance between two adjacent axles or less than nine inches measured above the level surface of a roadway. (b) An operator of a vehicle or equipment may not move on or across a track at a railroad grade crossing unless the operator has given notice to a station agent of the railroad and given the railroad reasonable time to provide proper protection at the crossing. (c) To move a vehicle or equipment on or across a track at a railroad grade crossing, the operator: (1) shall stop the vehicle or equipment not closer than 15 feet or farther than 50 feet from the nearest rail of the railroad; (2) while stopped, shall listen and look in both directions along the track for an approaching train and for signals indicating the approach of a train; and (3) may not proceed until it is safe to cross the track. (d) An operator of a vehicle or equipment may not cross a railroad grade crossing when warning of the immediate approach of a railroad car or train is given by automatic signal, crossing gates, a flagger, or otherwise. If a flagger is provided by the railroad, the operator shall move the vehicle or equipment over the crossing at the flagger's direction. (e) An offense under this section is punishable by a fine of not less than $50 or more than $200
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. (b) To make a left turn at an intersection, an operator shall: (1) approach the intersection in the extreme left-hand lane lawfully available to a vehicle moving in the direction of the vehicle; and (2) after entering the intersection, turn left, leaving the intersection so as to arrive in a lane lawfully available to traffic moving in the direction of the vehicle on the roadway being entered. (c) On a street or roadway designated for two-way traffic, the operator turning left shall, to the extent practicable, turn in the portion of the intersection to the left of the center of the intersection. (d) To turn left, an operator who is approaching an intersection having a roadway designated for one-way traffic and for which signs are posted from a roadway designated for one-way traffic and for which signs are posted shall make the turn as closely as practicable to the left-hand curb or edge of the roadway. (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 (2) require a course different from that specified in this section for movement by vehicles turning at an intersection
547.303. COLOR REQUIREMENTS
(a) Unless expressly provided otherwise, a lighting device or reflector mounted on the rear of a vehicle must be or reflect red. (b) A signaling device mounted on the rear of a vehicle may be red, amber, or yellow
547.333. MULTIPLE-BEAM LIGHTING EQUIPMENT REQUIRED
(a) Unless provided otherwise, a headlamp, auxiliary driving lamp, auxiliary passing lamp, or combination of those lamps mounted on a motor vehicle, other than a motorcycle or motor-driven cycle: (1) shall be arranged so that the operator can select at will between distributions of light projected at different elevations; and (2) may be arranged so that the operator can select the distribution automatically. (b) A lamp identified by Subsection (a) shall produce: (1) an uppermost distribution of light or composite beam that is aimed and emits light sufficient to reveal a person or vehicle at a distance of at least 450 feet ahead during all conditions of loading; and (2) a lowermost distribution of light or composite beam that: (A) is aimed and emits light sufficient to reveal a person or vehicle at a distance of at least 150 feet ahead; and (B) is aimed so that no part of the high-intensity portion of the beam on a vehicle that is operated on a straight, level road under any condition of loading projects into the eyes of an approaching vehicle operator. (c) A person who operates a vehicle on a roadway or shoulder shall select a distribution of light or composite beam that is aimed and emits light sufficient to reveal a person or vehicle at a safe distance ahead of the vehicle, except that: (1) an operator approaching an oncoming vehicle within 500 feet shall select: (A) the lowermost distribution of light or composite beam, regardless of road contour or condition of loading; or (B) a distribution aimed so that no part of the high-intensity portion of the lamp projects into the eyes of an approaching vehicle operator; and (2) an operator approaching a vehicle from the rear within 300 feet may not select the uppermost distribution of light. (d) A motor vehicle of a model year of 1948 or later, other than a motorcycle or motor-driven cycle, that has multiple-beam lighting equipment shall be equipped with a beam indicator that is: (1) designed and located so that the lighted indicator is visible without glare to the vehicle operator; and (2) lighted only when the uppermost distribution of light is in use
601.193. DEFENSE: FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY IN EFFECT AT TIME OF ALLEGED OFFENSE
(a) that was valid at the time that the offense is alleged to have occurred. (b) After the court verifies a document produced under Subsection (a), the court shall dismiss the charge.
Photographic traffic monitoring system
-"Photographic traffic monitoring system" means a system that: -consists of a camera and vehicle sensor installed to work in conjunction with an electrically operated traffic-control signal; -is capable of producing one or more recorded images that depict the license plate attached to a motor vehicle that is not operated in compliance with the instructions of the traffic-control signal.
Illegal Dumping; Disgarding Lighted materials
-(a) A person commits an offense if the person disposes, allows, or permits the disposal of litter or other solid waste at a place that is not an approved solid waste site, including a place on or within 300 feet of a public highway, on a right-of-way, on other public or private property, or into inland or coastal water of the state. -A person commits an offense if the person transports litter, lighted litter, and a fire is ignited as a result of the conduct +An offense under Subsection (a) disposes, (b) receives, or (c) transports is a Class C misdemeanor if the litter weighs five pounds or less or has a volume of five gallons or less +Starts a fire is a misdemeanor under this subsection if the litter weighs less than 500 pounds or has a volume of less than 100 cubic feet and is punishable by: a fine not to exceed $500; confinement in jail for a term not to exceed 30 days; Or both. +An offense under Subsection (a) disposes, (b) receives, or (c) transports is a Class B misdemeanor if the litter weighs more than five pounds but less than 500 pounds or has a volume of more than five gallons but less than 100 cubic feet.
544.010 Stop signs and Yield signs
-(a) Unless directed to proceed by a police officer or traffic-control signal, the operator approaching an intersection with a stop sign shall stop as required in subsection (c) At stop line, crosswalk, or nearest the intersection: -(b) If safety requires, vehicle approaching yield sign shall stop as required in subsection
544.007 Traffic Control Signals in General
-(g) This section also applies to a traffic control signal placed at a location other than an intersection, except for a provision by it's nature cannot apply. (red light in front of fire station exit) (red light at a rail road track crossing) -A required stop shall be made at a sign or marking on the pavement -In the absence of sign or marking, the stop shall be made at the signal
Tail lamps
-15-72 inches -At least 2 (prior to 1960-one) -Visible 1000 ft -Red only -NO tail/stop lamp blackouts or decorative covers -Must have at least 2 red reflectors
544.0055 Traffic Control Signal Preemption Device (TCSPD); Offense
-A device designed, intended, or used to interfere with or alter the operation of a traffic control signal -Person commits offense if Uses, sells, offers for sale, purchases, or possesses for use or sale a TCSPD. -Does not apply to, Person providing TCSPD to fire, police, ambulance, or other emergency services Or manufacturer, wholesaler, or retailer providing TCSPD to above. Transit vehicle
Removal of Property and Vehicles
-A law enforcement agency may remove personal property (Vehicle or Cargo) from a roadway or right-of-way if the law enforcement agency determines that the property blocks the roadway or endangers public safety. -Personal property may be removed under this section without the consent of the owner or carrier of the property. -A law enforcement agency is not liable for: any damage to personal property removed from a roadway or right-of-way under this section, unless the removal is carried out recklessly or in a grossly negligent manner; or any damage resulting from the failure to exercise the authority granted by this section.
TC 521.350 SUSPENSION FOR OFFENSE RELATING TO RACING OF MOTOR VEHICLE ON PUBLIC HIGHWAY OR STREET
-A suspension is for one year, -remains eligible to receive an occupational license -If younger than 18 years of age may only drive to and from an educational facility and the place where the person resides. -shall be required by the court in which the person was convicted to perform at least 10 hours of community service -If the person is a resident of this state without a DL, the court shall issue an order prohibiting the department from issuing the person a driver's license before the person completes the community service -If a person completes community service before the end of the person's license suspension, may apply to the department for reinstatement of the license or the issuance of a new license. -The application must include proof satisfactory to the department that the person has performed the community service -If a person whose license is suspended under this section is subsequently convicted of RACING during the period of license suspension, in addition to the penalties provided by Section 521.457, the department shall revoke the person's license until the first anniversary of the date of conviction and may not reinstate the person's license or issue the person a new license before that date
Class C CDL
-Covers a vehicle or combination of vehicles not described by not described by Class A & B CDL -Vehicle designed to transport 16-23 passengers, including driver -Or a vehicle used in transport of hazardous materials that are required to be placarded -If it's a farm trailer then the trailer weight is not more than 20,000 pounds
TC 521.054 NOTICE OF CHANGE OF ADDRESS OR NAME
-After applying for or being issued a license or certificate moves to a new residence address; -Has used the procedure (Ability to omit the license holder's residence address on the license) and whose status as a federal judge, a state judge, or the spouse of a federal or state judge becomes inapplicable; or -Changes the person's name by marriage or otherwise. -A person subject to this section shall notify the department of the change not later than the 30th day after the date on which the change takes effect and apply for a duplicate license or certificate as provided by Section 521.146. -The duplicate license must include the person's current residence address -A person changing address shall notify the department of the old and new addresses and the number of the license or certificate held by the person. -A person changing their name shall notify the department of the former and new names and the number of the license or certificate held by the person -A court may dismiss a charge for a violation of this section if the defendant remedies the defect not later than the 20th working day after the date of the offense and pays an administrative fee not to exceed $20. The court may waive the administrative fee if the waiver is in the interest of justice.
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
-Covers a single vehicle with a vehicle weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more -If the GVWR of towed vehicle or vehicles exceeds 10,000 lbs. -Motor vehicle designed to carry 16 passengers or more including the driver -A motor vehicle transporting hazardous materials that are required to be placarded EXCEPTIONS: Farmers, fire fighting or emergency vehicles operated in an emergency, military vehicles operated for military purpose by military personnel, recreational vehicles, and vehicles used exclusively to transport cotton seed modules
TC 503.062 Dealer's temporary tags
-Dealer may issue temp tag for use on an unregistered vehicle only to; demonstrate to prospective buyer convey vehicle from one of dealer's businesses in this state to another of the dealer's businesses in this state from dealer's business to a place to be repaired, reconditioned, or serviced -From state line or location in this state where vehicle is unloaded to the dealer's business from the dealer's business to another dealer's business from point of purchase by dealer to the dealer's business to road test the vehicle, or use the vehicle or allow use by a charitable organization Subsection does not prohibit a dealer from permitting: (1) a prospective buyer to operate a vehicle while the vehicle is being demonstrated; or (2) a customer to operate a vehicle temporarily while the customer's vehicle is being repaired. vehicle being conveyed under this section is exempt from the inspection requirements
521.221 Imposition of special restrictions and endorsements
-Department may impose restrictions or require endorsements that relate to; -type of MV may operate -special mechanical control device -mechanical attachments (including glasses, artificial limbs) -area, location, road, or highway in this state permitted to operate -any other condition to ensure safe operation of MV
Electric Bicycle
-Designed to be propelled by an electric motor, exclusively or in combination with the application of human power -Cannot attain a speed of more than 20 miles per hour without the application of human power; -and does not exceed a weight of 100 pounds
Multifunction school activity bus
-It is manufactured in compliance with the federal motor vehicle safety standards for school buses However, they do not have: alternately flashing red lights and movable stop arms, -Vehicle is used to transport preprimary, primary, or secondary students on a school-related activity trip Not used for routes to and from school. -The term does not include a school bus, a school activity bus, a school-chartered bus, or a bus operated by a mass transit authority.
522.015 License or permit issued by other jurisdiction
-May drive CMV in this state if the person has a CDL or permit issued by: -another state meeting minimum Federal standards; or -a foreign jurisdiction and USDOT says it meets Federal standards; and -CDL or permit is for class of vehicle being driven the person is not disqualified or subject to OOS -has not had a domicile in this state for more than 30 days
522.043 Restrictions; offense
-May impose one or more restrictions; -prohibiting driving vehicle equipped with air brakes -prohibiting driver interstate by person under 21; or -does not meet physical guidelines; or -if cannot read or speak the English language (will restrict to intrastate commerce)
544.009 Lane-Direction Control
-May travel in lane over which a green signal is shown -May not enter or travel in lane over which a red signal is shown
TC 504.945 Wrong, fictitious, altered, or obscured license plate
-Offense if person attaches or displays on motor vehicle a license plate that is issued to a different vehicle issued for the vehicle under any other vehicle law other than by department (Example: Republic of Texas) -Assigned for a registration period other than period in effect (expired) is fictitious -Has blurring or reflective matter that significantly impairs the readability of the name of the state in which the vehicle is registered or the letters or numbers of the license plate number at any time -has an attached illuminated device or sticker, decal, emblem or other insignia not authorized by law and interferes with readability of letters or numbers of the license plate number or name of the state in which the vehicle is registered (rainbow, college, etc.,) -an offense is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not more than $200, unless the owner knowingly altered or made illegible the letters, numbers, and other identification marks S-(coating, covering, protective substance, or other material) may not be construed to apply to: a trailer hitch A transponder (a device, placed on or within an automobile, that is capable of transmitting information used to assess or to collect tolls.) A wheelchair lift or wheelchair carrier A trailer being towed by the vehicle A bicycle or motorcycle rack A court may dismiss charges under (a) 3,5,6, or 7 if defendant remedies defect before court date and Pays admin fee not to exceed $10 Class B misdemeanor.
522.071 Driving while disqualified prohibited
-Offense if person drives a CMV after being denied issuance of license, -during period while persons license or privilege is disqualified -during period person subject to order prohibiting from obtaining DL; or -during period subject to out of service order
Whistle Commands
-One long blast of police whistle is used to attract drivers attention to stop (include hand signal) -Two short blasts of police whistle used to attract drivers attention to start (include hand signal) -Short rapid blasts (normally three) used to give warning signal
544.004 Compliance with traffic-control device
-Operator of vehicle or streetcar shall comply with traffic control device unless -otherwise directed by peace officer; or -operating and emergency vehicle and is subject to exceptions -Provisions may not be enforced if at time and place of violation the device was not in proper position and sufficiently legible to an ordinarily observant person
TC 521.027 Persons exempt for license requirement
-Person in service of state or US military forces while operating official vehicle in scope of that service -Person operating road machine, farm tractor, or implement of husbandry -Nonresident on active duty armed forces US and holds license issued by person's state or Canadian province -Spouse or dependent child of above who hold license in home state or Canadian province
544.006 Display of unauthorized signs, signals, or markings
-Person may not place, maintain, or display on or in view of highway an unauthorized sign signal marking or device that; imitates or resembles official traffic control device, or railroad sign / signal -attempts to direct the movement of traffic hides or hinders effectiveness of an official traffic control device or railroad sign / signal -Person may not place or maintain, or public authority permit a traffic sign or signal bearing commercial advertising -Person may not place or maintain flashing light or flashing electric sign within 1000 feet of intersection except under permit -Does not prohibit sign used for direction information that cannot be mistaken for official sign
544.005 Interference with traffic-control device or railroad sign or signal
-Person may not, without lawful authority, alter, injure, knock down, or remove or attempt to alter, injure, knock down, or remove; -an official traffic-control device or RR sign or signal, -an inscription, shield, or insignia of above; -another part of above
TC 503.0631 Buyer's Temporary Tag Database
-The department shall develop and maintain a secure, real-time database of information on persons to whom temporary buyer's tags are issued that may be used by a law enforcement agency in the same manner that the agency uses vehicle registration information. -The database shall be managed by the vehicle titles and registration division of the department. The database must allow law enforcement agencies to use a vehicle-specific number assigned to and displayed on the tag to obtain information about the person to whom the tag was issued. -Except as provided by Subsection (d), before a buyer's temporary tag may be displayed on a vehicle, a dealer must enter into the database through the Internet information about the buyer of the vehicle for which the tag was issued and generate a vehicle-specific number for the tag. -Subsection (d) - A dealer shall obtain 24-hour Internet access at its place of business if the dealer is unable to access the Internet at the time of the sale of a vehicle, the dealer shall complete and sign a form that states the dealer has Internet access, but was unable to access the Internet at the time of sale. The buyer shall keep the original copy of the form in the vehicle until the vehicle is registered to the buyer. Not later than the next business day after the time of sale, the dealer shall submit the information required -(e) The department shall adopt rules and prescribe procedures as necessary to implement this section. (f) The dealer may charge a reasonable fee not to exceed $20 for costs associated with complying with this section
TC 521.060 EMERGENCY CONTACT AND MEDICAL INFORMATION DATABASES
-The department shall maintain in its files a record of the name, address, and telephone number of the person(s) that have been identified by the holder of a driver's license or personal identification certificate that are to be contacted in the event that the holder is injured or dies in or as a result of a vehicular accident or another emergency situation -In addition, the department shall maintain in its files a record of any medical information or any health condition information that is voluntarily provided to the department. -A record maintained by the department is confidential and, on request, may be disclosed: only to a peace officer in this or another state; +Only if the peace officer is otherwise authorized to obtain information in the driver's license or personal identification certificate files of the department; and only for the purpose of making contact with a named individual to +Report the injury to or death of the holder of the driver's license or personal identification certificate, +Learn the nature of any medical information reported by the person who holds the driver's license or identification certificate, +Learn whether the person who holds the driver's license or identification certificate has a health condition that may impede communications with the peace officer.
Persons Licensed by State Department or Claiming Diplomatic or Consular Immunity
-This section applies to a person who is stopped or issued a notice to appear by a peace officer in connection with a violation of: this subtitle; Possession of Alcohol in Motor vehicle, Intoxication Assault, Intoxication Manslaughter, involving operation of a motor vehicle; and -presents to the peace officer a driver's license issued by the United States Department of State or claims immunities or privileges under Diplomatic or Consular Immunity record all relevant information from any driver's license or identification card presented by the person or -a copy of any notice to appear issued to the person and any accident report prepared any statement made by the person relating to immunities or privileges and promptly deliver the record to the law enforcement agency that employs the peace officer and Bureau of Diplomatic Security Office of Foreign Missions of the United States Department of State
General Orders 420.08 - Pushing Vehicles
-Unless the police vehicle is equipped with a push bar. Push bars are to be used only for the purpose of immediately removing stalled or disabled vehicles from a hazardous location to a place of safety. -To prevent damage, officers should assure that the push bars match with the bumper of the stalled or disabled vehicle before attempting to move the vehicle. -The stalled or disabled vehicle should be in neutral gear. -The stalled or disabled vehicle will have a driver in order to steer the vehicle to a place of safety. -Vehicles should be pushed the shortest possible distance. -Officers will not push any vehicle rated over a 3/4 ton pick-up (unloaded). -Officers will not push a vehicle for the purpose of starting that vehicle.
Turn Signal Lamps
-Vehicles less than 80 inches wide -Visible 300 ft in normal sunlight -Vehicle 80 inches wide or more - Visible 500 ft -White or amber on the front -Red or amber on the rear
School activity bus
-a bus designed to transport more than 15 passengers, including the operator, -Owned, operated, rented, or leased by a school district, county school, open-enrollment charter school, regional education service center, or shared services arrangement, -used to transport public school students on a school-related activity trip. -Does not include a chartered bus, a bus operated by a mass transit authority, or a school bus or a multifunction school activity bus.
Authorized Emergency Vehicle
-a fire department or police vehicle, -a public or private ambulance, -Municipal department or public service corporation emergency vehicle authorized by municipality, -a private vehicle of a volunteer firefighter or a certified EMS employee when responding to a fire or medical emergency -Industrial emergency response vehicle, -Blood or tissue bank vehicle when making emergency deliveries
Bus
-a motor vehicle used to transport persons -and designed to accommodate more than 10 passengers, including the operator; -a motor vehicle, other than a taxi, designed and used to transport persons for compensation
Motor-driven cycle
-a motorcycle equipped with a motor that has an engine piston displacement of 250 cubic cm or less
Motor vehicle
-a self-propelled vehicle or -a vehicle that is propelled by electric power from overhead trolley wires. -This term does not include an electric bicycle, or electric personal assistive mobility device
House trailer
-a trailer or semi-trailer, other than a recreational vehicle, that: -is transportable in one or more sections, -is less than 40 feet in length, -built on a permanent chassis, -designed as a dwelling or for commercial purposes, and -includes plumbing, heating, A/C, and electrical systems
Semi-trailer
-a vehicle designed to be drawn by a motor vehicle and to transport persons or property -constructed so that part of the vehicle's weight and load rests on or is carried by another vehicle
Special mobile equipment
-a vehicle not designed or used primarily to transport persons or property and that is only incidentally operated on a highway. -Construction vehicles -Ditch digging apparatus, -Well boring apparatus -Excludes a vehicle that is designed to transport persons or property
School crossing guard
-at least 18 years of age, -designated by a local authority to direct -traffic in a school crossing zone, for the protection of children going to or leaving school
Metropolitan area
-contains at least one municipality with a population of at least 100,000 and, -includes adjacent municipalities and unincorporated urban districts.
Recorded image
-depicts a motor vehicle; and -is automatically recorded on a photograph or digital image. -This section applies only to a municipality that pursuant to an ordinance of the municipality employs a photographic traffic monitoring system to enforce compliance with the instructions of traffic-control signals in the municipality -The municipality shall install signs along each roadway that leads to an intersection. -The signs must be at least 100 feet from the intersection or located according to standards adopted by the Texas Transportation Commission (Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices) -be easily readable to any operator approaching the intersection, -and clearly indicate the presence of a photographic monitoring system that records violations that may result in the issuance of a notice of violation and the imposition of a monetary penalty -A municipality that fails to comply with (sign requirement) may not impose or attempt to impose a civil or administrative penalty against a person, including the owner of a motor vehicle or an operator, for a failure to comply with the instructions of a traffic-control signal located at the applicable intersection -Does not prohibit a peace officer from arresting or issuing a citation and notice to appear to a person whom the officer observes to have failed to comply with the instructions of a traffic-control signal located at the intersection
Urban district
-is not in a municipality; and -improved with businesses, industry or houses and located at intervals of less than 100 feet for a distance of at least 1/4 mile on either side of the highway
Dismissal options
A court may dismiss a charge brought under (expired) if the defendant: remedies the defect before the defendant's first court appearance; and pays an administrative fee not to exceed $10.
TC 503.068 Limitation on Use of Dealer's License Plates and Tags
A dealer or an employee of a dealer may not use a dealer's temporary tag as authorization to operate a vehicle for the dealer's or employee's personal use. A person may not use a metal dealer's license plate or dealer's temporary tag on: A service or work vehicle A commercial vehicle carrying a load
551.405. CROSSING CERTAIN ROADWAYS
A golf cart may cross intersections, including a road or street that has a posted speed limit of more than 35 miles per hour
83.013. STORAGE FEES
A law enforcement agency or the agent of a law enforcement agency that takes into custody an abandoned motor vehicle, aircraft, watercraft, or outboard motor is entitled to reasonable storage fees: (1) for not more than 10 days, beginning on the day the item is taken into custody and ending on the day the required notice is mailed; and (2) beginning on the day after the day the agency mails notice and ending on the day accrued charges are paid and the vehicle, aircraft, watercraft, or outboard motor is removed
552.009. ORDINANCES RELATING TO PEDESTRIANS
A local authority may by ordinance: (1) require pedestrians to comply strictly with the directions of an official traffic control signal; and (2) prohibit pedestrians from crossing a roadway in a business district or a designated highway except in a crosswalk.
Authority
A metropolitan rapid transit authority operating under A regional transportation authority operating
The term pocket bike or minimotorbike does not include:
A moped or motorcycle An electric bicycle or motor-driven cycle A motorized mobility device as defined by 542.009 : Designed for transport of person w/ physical disabiltiy 3 or more wheels Battery powered motor Not more than one forward gear Max speed of 8 mph An electric personal assistive mobility device or A neighborhood electric vehicle
All-Terrain Vehicle
A motor vehicle equipped with a saddle for use of the rider and passenger -designed to propel itself with three or more tires in contact with the ground; -designed for off highway use; -not designed primarily for farming or lawn care; and not more than 50 inches wide
547.601. SAFETY BELTS REQUIRED
A motor vehicle required by Chapter 548 to be inspected shall be equipped with front safety belts if safety belt anchorages were part of the manufacturer's original equipment on the vehicle
547.603. WINDSHIELD WIPERS REQUIRED
A motor vehicle shall be equipped with a device that is operated or controlled by the operator of the vehicle and that cleans moisture from the windshield. The device shall be maintained in good working condition
547.602. MIRRORS REQUIRED
A motor vehicle, including a motor vehicle used to tow another vehicle, shall be equipped with a mirror located to reflect to the operator a view of the highway for a distance of at least 200 feet from the rear of the vehicle.
Commercial Motor Vehicle
A motor vehicle, other than a motorcycle, designed or used primarily to transport property. The term includes a passenger car reconstructed and used primarily for delivery purposes. The term does not include a passenger car used to deliver the United States mail
552.004. PEDESTRIAN TO KEEP TO RIGHT
A pedestrian shall proceed on the right half of a crosswalk if possible.
General offense
A person commits an offense if the person performs an act prohibited or fails to perform an act required by this subtitle Except as other wise provided, an offense under this subtitle is a misdemeanor.
TC 502.475 Wrong, fictitious, altered, or obscured insignia
A person commits an offense if the person attaches to or displays on a motor vehicle a registration insignia that Is assigned to a different motor vehicle Assigned to a vehicle under any other motor vehicle law Assigned for a period other than the period in effect (expired) Is fictitious misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not more than $200, If owner knowingly altered or made illegible the letters, numbers, and other identification marks, the offense is a Class B misdemeanor
TC 502.474. OPERATION OF ONE-TRIP PERMIT VEHICLE
A person commits an offense if the person operates a vehicle for which a one-trip permit is required without the registration receipt and properly displayed temporary tag.
TC 504.944 Operation of Vehicle with Wrong License Plate
A person commits an offense if the person operates, or as the owner permits another to operate, on a public highway, a motor vehicle that has attached to it a number plate or registration insignia issued for a different vehicle. An offense under this section is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed $200.
Criminal Penalty
A person commits an offense if they violate this chapter. Except as otherwise provided, an offense is a misdemeanor with a fine of not less than $50 or more than $5,000 -Buyer, dealer, temporary new car tags
Operation of vehicle with expired license plates
A person commits an offense if, after the 5th working day after the date the registration expires: the person operates on a public highway a motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer that has attached to it a license plate for the preceding period; and the license plate has not been validated by the attachment of a registration insignia for the registration period in effect.
545.304. MOVING THE VEHICLE OF ANOTHER; UNLAWFUL PARKING
A person may not move a vehicle that is not lawfully under the person's control: (1) into an area where a vehicle is prohibited under Section 545.302; or (2) away from a curb a distance that is unlawful under Section 545.303
545.419. RIDING IN HOUSE TRAILER
A person may not occupy a house trailer while it is being moved
601.051. REQUIREMENT OF FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
A person may not operate a motor vehicle in this state unless financial responsibility is established for that vehicle through: (1) a motor vehicle liability insurance policy that complies with Subchapter D; (2) a surety bond filed under Section 601.121; (3) a deposit under Section 601.122; (4) a deposit under Section 601.123; or (5) self-insurance under Section 601.124.
663.035. RECKLESS OR CARELESS OPERATION PROHIBITED
A person may not operate an off-highway vehicle on public property or a beach in a careless or reckless manner that endangers, injures, or damages any person or property.
663.034. SAFETY APPAREL REQUIRED
A person may not operate, ride, or be carried on an off-highway vehicle on public property or a beach unless the person wears: (1) a safety helmet that complies with United States Department of Transportation standards; and (2) eye protection.
Obedience required to police officers and school crossing guards
A person may not willfully fail or refuse to comply with the lawful order or direction of: a police officer; or a school crossing guard who is performing crossing guard duties in a school crosswalk to stop and yield to a pedestrian
545.418. OPENING VEHICLE DOORS
A person may not: (1) open the door of a motor vehicle on the side available to moving traffic, unless the door may be opened in reasonable safety without interfering with the movement of other traffic; or (2) leave a door on the side of a vehicle next to moving traffic open for longer than is necessary to load or unload a passenger.
551.203. SIDEWALKS
A person may operate an electric personal assistive mobility device on a sidewalk
Animals and Animal-Drawn Vehicles
A person riding an animal on a roadway or operating a vehicle drawn by an animal on a roadway has the rights and duties applicable to the operator of a vehicle under this subtitle, except a right or duty that by its nature cannot apply to person riding an animal or operating an vehicle drawn by an animal.
Inchoate offense
A person who attempts to commit or conspires to commit an act declared by this subtitle to be an offense is guilty of the offense A person who falsely, fraudulently, or willfully permits another to violate this subtitle is guilty of the violation.
Removal of License Plates and Registration Insignia Upon Sale of Motor Vehicle
A person who obtains a motor vehicle in a private transaction may obtain one vehicle transit permit (temporary single-trip permit), if the seller or transferor has removed the license plates and registration insignia. This permit is valid for five calendar days, only one permit may be issued per vehicle sale and must be carried in the vehicle
Offense by person owning or controlling vehicle
A person who owns a vehicle or employs or otherwise directs the operator of a vehicle commits an offense if the person requires or knowingly permits the operator of the vehicle to operate the vehicle in a manner that violates law.
663.032. OPERATION BY PERSON YOUNGER THAN 14
A person younger than 14 years of age who is operating an off-highway vehicle must be accompanied by and be under the direct supervision of: (1) the person's parent or guardian; or (2) an adult who is authorized by the person's parent or guardian
551.002. MOPED AND ELECTRIC BICYCLE INCLUDED
A provision of this subtitle applicable to a bicycle also applies to: (1) a moped, other than a provision that by its nature cannot apply to a moped; and (2) an electric bicycle, other than a provision that by its nature cannot apply to an electric bicycle
Government vehicles
A provision of this subtitle applicable to an operator of a vehicle applies to the operator of a vehicle owned or operated by the United States, this state, or a political subdivision of this state, except as specifically provided otherwise by this subtitle for an emergency vehicle.
Vehicles on highways
A provision of this subtitle relating to the operation of a vehicle applies only to the operation of a vehicle on a highway unless the provision specifically applies to a different place
547.607. FIRE EXTINGUISHER REQUIRED
A school bus or a motor vehicle that transports passengers for hire or lease shall be equipped with at least one quart of chemical-type fire extinguisher in good condition and located for immediate use.
547.609. REQUIRED LABEL FOR SUNSCREENING DEVICES
A sunscreening device must have a label that: (1) is legible; (2) contains information required by the department on light transmission and luminous reflectance of the device; (3) if the device is placed on or attached to a windshield or a side or rear window, states that the light transmission of the device is consistent with Section 547.613(b)(1) or (2), as applicable; and (4) is permanently installed between the material and the surface to which the material is applied
Traffic Incident
A traffic incident is defined as any non-recurrent event, such as a vehicle crash, vehicle breakdown, or special event that causes: ■ A Reduction of Roadway Capacity ■ An Abnormal Increase in Traffic Demand or Congestion ■ Secondary Incidents
681.007. PARKING PRIVILEGES: VEHICLES DISPLAYING INTERNATIONAL SYMBOL OF ACCESS
A vehicle may be parked and is exempt from the payment of a fee or penalty in the same manner as a vehicle that has displayed on the vehicle special license plates issued under Section 504.201 or a disabled parking placard as provided by Section 681.006 if there is displayed on the vehicle a license plate or placard that: (1) bears the international symbol of access; and (2) is issued by a state or by a state or province of a foreign country to the owner or operator of the vehicle for the transportation of a person with a disability
545.403. DRIVING THROUGH SAFETY ZONE
An operator may not drive through or in a safety zone
545.105. SIGNALING STOPS.
An operator may not stop or suddenly decrease the speed of the vehicle without first giving a stop signal as provided by this subchapter to the operator of a vehicle immediately to the rear when there is an opportunity to give the signal
545.103. SAFELY TURNING.
An operator may not turn the vehicle to enter a private road or driveway, otherwise turn the vehicle from a direct course, or move right or left on a roadway unless movement can be made safely
545.102. TURNING ON CURVE OR CREST OF GRADE
An operator may not turn the vehicle to move in the opposite direction when approaching a curve or the crest of a grade if the vehicle is not visible to the operator of another vehicle approaching from either direction within 500 feet
Liability Issues
Administration: ■ Failure to Properly Train Personnel ■ Failure to Supply Proper Resources ■ Failure to Prepare and Implement Viable Incident Management Plan and Guidelines ■ Failure to Prescribe to the Philosophy: "In the Interest of Safety" Responders: ■ Failure to Follow Prescribed Training ■ Failure to Follow Departmental Guidelines ■ "Deliberate Indifference" ■ "Fail to Warn" ■ "Fail to Protect"
Notice to appear required: certain offenses
An officer shall issue a written notice to appear if: the offense is speeding or a violation of the open container law PC 49.03 * and the person makes a written promise to appear in court
545.155. VEHICLE ENTERING HIGHWAY FROM PRIVATE ROAD OR DRIVEWAY
An operator about to enter or cross a highway from an alley, building, or private road or driveway shall yield the right-of-way to a vehicle approaching on the highway to be entered
545.256. EMERGING FROM AN ALLEY, DRIVEWAY, OR BUILDING
An operator emerging from an alley, driveway, or building in a business or residence district shall: (1) stop the vehicle before moving on a sidewalk or the sidewalk area extending across an alley or driveway; (2) yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian to avoid collision; and (3) on entering the roadway, yield the right-of-way to an approaching vehicle
545.402. MOVING A PARKED VEHICLE
An operator may not begin movement of a stopped, standing, or parked vehicle unless the movement can be made safely
545.408. CROSSING FIRE HOSE
An operator may not, without the consent of the fire department official in command, drive over an unprotected hose of a fire department if the hose is on a street or private driveway and is intended for use at a fire or alarm of fire
545.154. VEHICLE ENTERING OR LEAVING LIMITED-ACCESS OR CONTROLLED-ACCESS HIGHWAY
An operator on an access or feeder road of a limited-access or controlled-access highway shall yield the right-of-way to a vehicle entering or about to enter the access or feeder road from the highway or leaving or about to leave the access or feeder road to enter the highway
545.107. METHOD OF GIVING HAND AND ARM SIGNALS
An operator who is permitted to give a hand and arm signal shall give the signal from the left side of the vehicle as follows: (1) to make a left turn signal, extend hand and arm horizontally; (2) to make a right turn signal, extend hand and arm upward, except that a bicycle operator may signal from the right side of the vehicle with the hand and arm extended horizontally; and (3) to stop or decrease speed, extend hand and arm downward
Charitable organization
An organization to relieve poverty, to advance education, religion, or science, to promote health, for governmental or municipal purposes, for other purposes beneficial to the community without financial gain
Proper Site Management
An organized and well-prepared site management plan will immediately impact all involved parties, including first responders, the motoring public, and the community, by -clearing the incident scene faster and -opening the roadway sooner without jeopardizing scene safety.
Arrest without a warrant authorized
Any peace officer may arrest without a warrant a person found committing a violation of this subtitle
661.004. AUTHORITY OF PEACE OFFICER TO INSPECT PROTECTIVE HEADGEAR
Any peace officer may stop and detain a person who is a motorcycle operator or passenger to inspect the person's protective headgear for compliance with the safety standards prescribed by the department.
How to Start Traffic
Attract attention of driver by extending arm and pointing at driver Turn palm inward, bring the hand up and over, bending the arm at elbow When using flashlight or illuminated baton, point beam at driver to gain his attention. Then point beam toward the ground, and indicate with the beam the direction to proceed (keeping beam pointed toward ground). Repeat as necessary to keep traffic moving
How to Turn Traffic
Attract drivers attention by extending arm and pointing While arm is extended, bring hand across in front of the body, bending elbow slightly, and point in the direction you want to turn traffic
Mobility problem that substantially impairs a person's ability to ambulate - means that the person:
Cannot walk 200 ft without stopping Cannot walk without the use of or assistance from an assistive device, including a brace, cane, crutch, another person, or a prosthetic device Cannot ambulate without a wheel chair or similar device Is restricted by lung disease Uses portable oxygen Has a cardiac condition Severely limited because of arthritic, neurological, or orthopedic condition A disorder of the foot that limits person's ability to walk Or another debilitating condition that limits person's ability to walk
TC 503.094 Criminal Penalty
Chapter 503 A person commits an offense if they violate this chapter. Except as otherwise provided, an offense is a misdemeanor with a fine of not less than $50 or more than $5,000
521.457 Driving While License Invalid (DWLI)
Commits offense if operates a MV After DL has been cancelled When license is suspended or revoked While the license is expired when DL is suspended After renewal of DL has been denied -Offense is a Class C misdemeanor -Offense is a Class B if it is shown at trial the person has been previously convicted +DWLI 601.371(a), +Fail to Maintain Financial Responsibility -Offense is a Class B if it is shown at trial the person license has been previously suspended for Driving While Intoxicated -Offense is a Class A misdemeanor if it is shown on the trial that at the time of the offense +the person was operating the motor vehicle in violation of Section 601.191 FMFR +and caused or was at fault in a motor vehicle accident that resulted in serious bodily injury to or the death of another person.
Buyer's temporary tags
Dealer shall issue to buyer of a vehicle one temporary buyer's tag for the vehicle. tag is valid until the earlier of the date on which the vehicle is registered Or the 60th day after date of purchase
TC 503.063 Buyer's temporary tags
Dealer shall issue to buyer of a vehicle one temporary buyer's tag for the vehicle. tag is valid until the earlier of the date on which the vehicle is registered Or the 60th day after date of purchase The Department (DPS) shall develop and maintain a secure, real-time database of information on persons to whom temporary buyer's tags are issued that may be used in the same manner that the agency uses vehicle registration information. The database must allow law enforcement agencies to use a vehicle-specific number assigned to and displayed on the tag in order to obtain information about the person to whom the tag was issued.
Traffic control channelizing device
Equipment used to warn and alert drivers of conditions created by work activities in or near the traveled way, to protect workers in a temporary traffic control zone, and to guide drivers and pedestrians safely. The term includes a traffic cone, tubular marker, vertical panel, drum, barricade, temporary raised island, concrete or cable barrier, guardrail, or channelizer
546.003. AUDIBLE OR VISUAL SIGNALS REQUIRED
Except as provided by Section 546.004, the operator of an authorized emergency vehicle engaging in conduct permitted by Section 546.001 shall use, at the discretion of the operator in accordance with policies of the department or the local government that employs the operator, audible or visual signals that meet the pertinent requirements
Registration Buyers Temporary Tags
Expires the date on which the vehicle is registered Or the 60th day after date of purchase
Neon or chaser light license plate frame
Front or rear -Display unclean, obscured, altered license plate
Sec 170.001 Local Govt. Code
Gives county commissioners court authority to prohibit or regulate the use of a privately owned motor vehicle used by a sheriff, deputy sheriff or constable for law enforcement duties. And the private vehicle may not be considered an authorized emergency vehicle for exemption purposes under Section 228.054, 284.070, 366.178 , or 370.177, Transportation Code (laws regarding to payment of tolls on State Highways, County roadways, Turn pikes and toll ways) unless the vehicle is marked.
Law Enforcement Personnel
Identifying Potential Incidents Securing the Incident Site Providing Emergency Medical Aid Directing Traffic Serving as Incident Commander Conducting Investigations Arranging for Removal of Vehicles Coordinating Transportation for Uninjured Persons Safeguarding Personal Property Clearing the Roadway as Quick as Possible
PENALTIES FOR FAILURE TO YIELD RIGHT-OF-WAY OFFENSE RESULTING IN ACCIDENT
If it is shown on the trial of an offense under this subtitle in which an element is the failure by the operator of a vehicle to yield the right-of-way to another vehicle that an accident resulted from the operator's failure to yield the right-of-way: the offense is punishable by a fine of not less than $500 or more than $2,000, if a person other than the operator of the vehicle suffered bodily injury, as defined by Section 1.07, Penal Code, in the accident; the offense is punishable by a fine of not less than $1,000 or more than $4,000, if a person other than the operator of the vehicle suffered serious bodily injury, as defined by Section 1.07, Penal Code, in the accident.
546.001. PERMISSIBLE CONDUCT
In operating an authorized emergency vehicle the operator may: (1) park or stand, irrespective of another provision of this subtitle; (2) proceed past a red or stop signal or stop sign, after slowing as necessary for safe operation; (3) exceed a maximum speed limit, except as provided by an ordinance adopted under Section 545.365, as long as the operator does not endanger life or property; and (4) disregard a regulation governing the direction of movement or turning in specified directions
Registration of Autocycle
In this section, "autocycle" means a motor vehicle, other than a tractor, that is: designed to have when propelled not more than three wheels on the ground; equipped with a steering wheel; equipped with seating that does not require the operator to straddle or sit astride the seat; and manufactured and certified to comply with federal safety requirements for a motorcycle. For purposes of registering a vehicle under this chapter, an autocycle is considered to be a motorcycle.
OPERATORS OF CERTAIN MOBILITY DEVICES
In this section, motorized mobility device means a device designed for transportation of persons with physical disabilities that: has three or more wheels; is propelled by a battery-powered motor; has not more than one forward gear; and is not capable of speeds exceeding eight miles per hour. For the purposes of this subtitle, a person operating a non-motorized wheelchair or motorized mobility device is considered to be a pedestrian.
521.026 Dismissal of Expired License Charge
Judge may dismiss charge if defendant remedies within 20 working days or before court date whichever is later May assess an administrative fee of $20
Dismissal of Expired License Charge
Judge may dismiss charge if defendant remedies within 20 working days or before court date whichever is later May assess an administrative fee of $20
License Plate Lamp
Makes plate clearly legible at 50 feet illuminates the rear license plate; and must emit a light when the headlamp or auxiliary driving lamp is on. A taillamp or separate light shall be constructed and mounted to emit a white light that: -White only
522.042 Endorsements; offense
May issue CDL with endorsements authorizing; transport of hazmat towing of double or triple trailer (triple not legal in TX) or trailer over weight driving vehicle carrying passengers driving tank vehicle; or combination of hazmat & tank vehicle endorsement Driver may not drive vehicle requiring endorsement unless endorsements appear on license
522.013 Nonresident license
May issue nonresident CDL to resident of foreign jurisdiction if standards in home country do not meet US standards must surrender any nonresident CDL issued by another state department must establish capability to disqualify person before issuing CDL "Nonresident" to appear on DL -Dept. may issue a "non-resident" CDL to person who does not present Social Security Card as required but who meets other requirements including CDL testing and licensing standards -The "non-resident" CDL Expires on the earlier of +60th day after DL issued +Expiration of visa +Expiration of Form I-94 arrival/departure record* *Document that indicates how long a person is allowed to stay in the U.S. and proves that they arrived in the country legally. -May not be renewed -May not be issued more than one
Safety Chains
Metal links or rings connected/fitted together that includes hooks, coupling devices, and other connects to tow a vehicle
Parking Prohibitions
May not stand or park within these distances Fire Hydrant 15 ft Crosswalk 20 ft Flashing signal, stop or yield sign, or traffic control signal 30 ft Fire station driveway near side of the street 20 ft or opposite side of street 75 ft Rail road crossing 50 ft
Rail Road Crossing
May not stop closer than 15 feet or further than 50 feet of nearest rails
522.012 Restricted license
May waive knowledge and skills tests and issue restricted CDL to employee of farm-related service industry
Registration Passenger Car License Plates
Must display 2 license plates
License Plates
Must have 2 One on the exterior front and at the rear of vehicle that are securely fastened in a horizontal position of not less than 12 inches from the ground
Moped license
Must have DL 15 or older pass exam based on laws applicable to operation of Moped
Spot Lamps
No more than 2
Registration Required; General Rule
Not more than 30 days after purchasing a vehicle or becoming a resident of this state, the owner of a motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer shall apply for the registration of the vehicle for: each registration year in which the vehicle is used or to be used on a public highway; if the vehicle is unregistered for a registration year that has begun and that applies to the vehicle and if the vehicle is used or to be used on a public highway, the remaining portion of that registration year.
552.008. DRIVERS TO EXERCISE DUE CARE
Notwithstanding another provision of this chapter, the operator of a vehicle shall: (1) exercise due care to avoid colliding with a pedestrian on a roadway; (2) give warning by sounding the horn when necessary; and (3) exercise proper precaution on observing a child or an obviously confused or incapacitated person on a roadway
Issues and Barriers
Obtaining Accurate Information From Dispatch About: Location of Incident Involved Vehicles Injuries, Fatal, HazMat Under-Response - too few or wrong resources are dispatched Over- Response - too much equipment and personnel are sent to the scene. Mistrust of Other Responder's Assessment of the Incident Difficulty Accessing Incident Location Inadequate Equipment Resources to Meet Responder Needs
544.011 Lane use signs
On a multi-lane highway, if there is a law requiring slower traffic to stay in a certain lane, the sign posted shall read, "left lane for passing only"
545.061 Driving on multiple-lane roadway
On a roadway divided into three or more lanes and providing for one-way movement of traffic, an operator entering a lane of traffic from a lane to the right shall yield the right-of-way to a vehicle entering the same lane of traffic from a lane to the left
Standard for Safety Chains
Operator of passenger car or light truck may not draw a trailer, semi-trailer, house trailer, or another motor vehicle unless safety chains are attached in a manner approved by department Does not apply to Agricultural purposes Previous listed vehicles in compliance with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations Originally manufacture on vehicle by August 18th, 1994 or before Fifth wheel or gooseneck semitrailers
Site Management
Organizing requested resources to successfully handle all of the dynamics of a critical incident.
Speed restrictions on private roads
Owners of property abutting a private road may petition the Texas Transportation Commission to extend speed restrictions to the portion of the road in a subdivision or across adjacent subdivisions if; the road is not in a municipality the total number of residents in subdivision(s) is at least 400, and a plat for subdivision(s) has been on filed in deed records of the county After verifying petition, the commission may extend the speed restrictions to the private road if it is the interests of the area residents or general public
Person arrested to be taken before a magistrate
Person arrested shall be taken immediately before a magistrate if arrested on charge of fail to stop at an accident causing property damage the person demands immediate appearance before magistrate or refuses to sign promise to appear Must be taken to magistrate who has jurisdiction is in the same county of offense; and is nearest or most accessible
Notice to appear required:person not taken to magistrate
Person not taken to magistrate shall be issued a written notice to appear in court in duplicate showing: time and place person is to appear the offense charged the name and address of person charged if applicable, the license number of the person's vehicle
License to be carried and exhibited on demand
Person required to have DL shall while operating MV have in their possession a class of license appropriate for type of vehicle being operated and display the license on the demand of magistrate, court officer, or peace officer Defense if person shows DL in court that was issued to that person For the type of vehicle person was driving and was valid at the time of the offense Court may dismiss for admin fee $10
Fire Department Personnel
Protecting the Incident Scene Providing Traffic Control Providing Emergency Medical Care Providing for Initial Hazmat Response and Containment Fire Suppression Crash Victim Rescue Arranging Transportation for Injured (Careflight) Serving as Incident Commander Assisting in Incident Clearance
Emergency Medical Technicians
Providing Advanced Emergency Medical Care Determining Destination and Transport Injured Coordinating Evacuation With Fire & Police Serving as Incident Commander for Medical Determining Approximate Cause of Injuries for Trauma Center Removing Medical Waste From Scene
Towing and Recovery
Removing Vehicles From Scene Protecting Victims' Property and Vehicles Removing Debris From Roadway
Child Passenger Safety Seat
Required for child younger than 8 Unless taller than 4 feet 9 inches
521.029 Operation of Motor Vehicle by New State Residents
Requires new resident operating a vehicle in Texas to obtain TX DL no later than 90 days If 16 or older and Has DL issued by person's previous state or country
Restricted class M license
Restricts MC operator to MC not more than 250cc person eligible if 15 or older but under 18 passed MC training course application signed by parent, legal guardian or in their absence applicant's employer or county judge
How to Stop Traffic
Select vehicle(s) to be stopped Look directly at driver. With arm extended point at driver then raise palm and hold position until traffic has stopped. When using flashlight or illuminated baton, point beam in direction of oncoming traffic (not directly in driver's eyes) and move beam back and forth at right angles. Then use hand signal for stopping as indicated above.
Lane Closure Example
Speed Limit times the lane width equals the taper to properly close a lane +Lane width = 12 feet Speed limit = 60 mph Two lanes closed 60 x 24 = 1440 ft
TC 503.0626 Dealer's and Converter's Temporary Tag Database
The Department (DPS) shall develop and maintain a secure, real-time database of information on vehicles to which dealers and converters have affixed temporary tags. The database must allow law enforcement agencies to use the vehicle-specific number assigned to and displayed on the tag in order to obtain information about the dealer or converter.
521.203 Restrictions on Class A & B licenses
The Department may not issue a Class A or B DL to a person Who is under 17 Who is under 18, unless they have completed a driver training course Who has not provided an affidavit stating they will not operate CMV
551.302. REGISTRATION
The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles may adopt rules relating to the registration and issuance of license plates to neighborhood electric vehicles
Specifications of speeding charge
The complaint and the summons or notice to appear on a charge of speeding must specify: the maximum or minimum speed limit applicable at the location the speed the defendant is alleged to have driven
Time and place of appearance
The time specified must be at least 10 days after the date of arrest (offense) The place must be before magistrate having jurisdiction
548.052. VEHICLES NOT SUBJECT TO INSPECTION
This chapter does not apply to: (1) a trailer, semitrailer, pole trailer, or mobile home moving under or bearing a current factory-delivery license plate or current in-transit license plate; (2) a vehicle moving under or bearing a paper dealer in-transit tag, machinery license, disaster license, parade license, prorate tab, one-trip permit, vehicle temporary transit permit, antique license, custom vehicle license, street rod license, temporary 24-hour permit, or permit license; (3) a trailer, semitrailer, pole trailer, or mobile home having an actual gross weight or registered gross weight of 7,500 pounds or less; (4) farm machinery, road-building equipment, a farm trailer, or a vehicle required to display a slow-moving-vehicle emblem under Section 547.703; (5) a former military vehicle, as defined by Section 504.502; (6) a vehicle qualified for a tax exemption under Section 152.092, Tax Code; or (7) a vehicle for which a certificate of title has been issued but that is not required to be registered
Chapter 522 - 522.004 Applicability
This chapter does not apply to; vehicle controlled or owned by a farmer and used to transport agricultural products, farm machinery, or farm supplies to or from the farm used within 150 miles of persons farm not used in the operations of a common or contract motor carrier -Fire fighting or emergency vehicle necessary to the preservation of life or property -military vehicle when operated for military purposes by military personnel -recreational vehicle driven for personal use -vehicle owned, leased, or controlled by air carrier driven by employee of air carrier only on airport property -vehicle used exclusively to transport seed cotton modules or cotton burrs
546.005. DUTY OF CARE
This chapter does not relieve the operator of an authorized emergency vehicle from: (1) the duty to operate the vehicle with appropriate regard for the safety of all persons; or (2) the consequences of reckless disregard for the safety of others
551.353. APPLICATION OF SUBCHAPTER TO POCKET BIKE OR MINIMOTORBIKE
This subchapter may not be construed to authorize the operation of a pocket bike or minimotorbike on any: (1) highway, road, or street; (2) path set aside for the exclusive operation of bicycles; or (3) sidewalk.
General rule of uniformity
This subtitle applies uniformly throughout this state. A local authority may not enact or enforce an ordinance or rule that conflicts with this subtitle unless expressly authorized by this subtitle A local authority may regulate traffic in a manner that does not conflict with this subtitle
Persons and equipment engaged in work on a highway surface
This subtitle does not apply to a person, team, motor vehicle, or other equipment engaged in work on a highway unless the provision is specifically made applicable, persons or vehicles traveling to or from that work are not exempt
Powers of local authorities
This subtitle does not prevent a local authority from: regulating traffic by police or traffic control devices, regulating the stopping, standing, or parking of a vehicle, regulating or prohibiting a procession or assemblage on a highway, regulating the operation and requiring registration of a bicycle or electric bicycle including payment of a registration fee, designating a highway as a one-way highway and requiring each vehicle on the highway to move in one specified direction designating school crossing guards and school crossing zones altering a speed limit as authorized by this subtitle
Rules on private property
This subtitle does not prevent an owner of private property that is a private road from: regulating or prohibiting use of the property by the public for vehicular travel; or requiring conditions different from or in addition to those specified in this subtitle
Notice to Appear
Time to appear at least 10 days
Promise to appear; release
To secure release the person must: make a written promise to appear by signing the written notice The officer shall retain the original, and give a copy to the violator The officer shall promptly release the person from custody
545.152. VEHICLE TURNING LEFT
To turn left at an intersection or into an alley or private road or driveway, an operator shall yield the right-of-way to a vehicle that is approaching from the opposite direction and that is in the intersection or in such proximity to the intersection as to be an immediate hazard
Traffic Incident Management
Traffic incident management is defined as the planned, systematic, and coordinated use of human, mechanical, institutional, and technical resources to reduce the duration and impact of incidents and improve the safety of crash victims, incident responders, and motorists.
Violation by Officer
Violation of Section 543.003 thru 5434.007 is misconduct in office and the officer is subject to removal from the officer's position
Backup Lamp
White only
Explosive
a chemical compound or mechanical mixture that: is commonly intended for use or used to produce an explosion; and contains ingredients, which may include oxidizing or combustive units, in packing, proportions, or quantities that, if ignited by fire, friction, concussion, percussion, or detonator, could suddenly generate highly heated gases that could damage surrounding objects or destroy life or limb.
Disability
a condition in which a person has: Mobility problems that substantially impair the person's ability to ambulate Visual acuity of 20 / 200 or less in the better eye with correcting lenses or Visual acuity of 20 / 200 but with a limited field of vision in which the widest diameter of the visual field subtends an angle of 20 degrees or less Disabled parking placard - means a placard issued under section 681.002
Local Authority
a county, municipality, other local entity authorized to enact traffic laws under the laws of this state; or a school district created under the laws of this state only when it is designating school crossing guards for schools operated by the district.
School crosswalk
a crosswalk designated on a street by a local authority to facilitate safe crossing of the street by children going to or leaving a public or private elementary or secondary school
Bicycle
a device that a person may ride and that is propelled by human power and has 2 tandem wheels at least one of which is more than 14 inches in diameter
Vehicle
a device that can be used to transport or draw persons or property on a highway. The term does not include: a device exclusively used on stationary rails or tracks; or manufactured housing
Freeway
a divided, controlled access highway for through traffic
Limited-access or controlled-access highway
a highway or roadway to which: persons, including owners or occupants of abutting real property, have no right to access; and access by persons to enter or exit the highway is restricted under law except at a place or in a manner determined by the authority that has jurisdiction over the highway or roadway
Flammable liquid
a liquid that has a flash point of not more than 70 degrees Fahrenheit
Traffic-Control Signal
a manual, electric, or mechanical device that alternately directs traffic to stop and to proceed
Traffic-control signal
a manual, electric, or mechanical device that alternately directs traffic to stop and to proceed
Farm tractor
a motor vehicle designed and used primarily as a farm implement to draw an implement of husbandry, including a plow or mowing machine.
Road tractor
a motor vehicle designed and used to draw another vehicle but not constructed to carry a load independently or a part of the weight of the other vehicle or its load.
Golf Cart
a motor vehicle designed by the manufacturer primarily for use on a golf course
Truck tractor
a motor vehicle designed to primarily to draw another vehicle but not constructed to carry a load other than a part of the weight of the other vehicle and its load
Truck
a motor vehicle designed, used or maintained primarily to transport property
Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle
a motor vehicle equipped with a non-straddle seat for the use of rider and passenger Four or more tires Manufactured for off-highway use Not used primarily for farming or lawn care
Multipurpose vehicle
a motor vehicle that is designed to carry 10 or fewer persons and constructed on a truck chassis or with special features for occasional off-road use
Utility vehicle
a motor vehicle that is not a golf cart or lawn mower and is: equipped with side-by-side seating for the use of the operator and a passenger; designed to propel itself with at least four tires in contact with the ground; designed by the manufacturer for off-highway use only; and designed by the manufacturer primarily for utility work and not for recreational purposes.
School Bus
a motor vehicle used to transport pre-primary, primary, or secondary students On a route to or from school or on a school related activity trip Term does not include a school-chartered bus or bus operated by a mass transit authority
Passenger car
a motor vehicle, other than a motorcycle, used to transport persons and designed to accommodate 10 or fewer passengers, including the operator
Motorcycle
a motor vehicle, other than a tractor, that is equipped with a rider's saddle and designed to have not more than 3 wheels on the ground
Registration of Autocyle
a motor vehicle, other than a tractor, that is: designed to have when propelled not more than three wheels on the ground; equipped with a steering wheel; equipped with seating that does not require the operator to straddle or sit astride the seat; and manufactured and certified to comply with federal safety requirements for a motorcycle. For purposes of registering a vehicle under this chapter, an autocycle is considered to be a motorcycle.
Moped
a motor-driven cycle that cannot attain a speed in one mile of more than 30 mph and an engine which: -cannot produce more than 2 hp has a piston displacement of 50 cubic cm or less -and connects to a power drive system that does not require the operator to shift gears.
Towable recreational vehicle
a non-motorized vehicle that is designed: to be towable by a motor vehicle; and for temporary human habitation for uses including recreational camping or seasonal use; is permanently built on a single chassis; may contain one or more life-support systems; and may be used permanently or temporarily for advertising, selling, displaying, or promoting merchandise or services, but is not used for transporting property for hire or for distribution by a private motor carrier
Improved shoulder
a paved shoulder
Operation of Vehicle without License Plate
a person commits an offense if the person operates on a public highway, a motor vehicle that does not display two license plates that: have been assigned by the department for the period; and comply with department rules regarding the placement of license plates.
Pedestrian
a person on foot
Operator
a person who drives or has physical control of a vehicle
Owner
a person who has a property interest in or title to a vehicle
Nonresident
a person who is not a resident of this state
Laned roadway
a roadway that is divided into at least two clearly marked lanes for vehicular travel
Official Traffic Control Device
a sign, signal, marking, or device that is: consistent with this subtitle; placed or erected by a public body or officer having jurisdiction; and used to regulate, warn, or guide traffic
Official traffic control device
a sign, signal, marking, or device that is: consistent with this subtitle; placed or erected by a public body or officer having jurisdiction; and used to regulate, warn, or guide traffic
Railroad Sign or Signal
a sign, signal, or device erected by a railroad, public body, or public officer to notify traffic of railroad tracks or an approaching train
Railroad sign or signal
a sign, signal, or device erected by a railroad, public body, or public officer to notify traffic of railroad tracks or an approaching train
State
a state of the United States (includes a province of Canada)
Alley
a street that is not used primarily for through traffic and provides access to rear entrances of buildings or lots along a street
Vehicle equipment
a system, part, or device that is manufactured or sold as original or replacement equipment or as a vehicle accessory or a device or apparel manufactured or sold to protect a vehicle operator or passenger
Light truck
a truck that has a rated carrying capacity of 2000 lbs. or less.
Personal Property
a vehicle described spilled cargo; a hazardous material or hazardous substance
Farm Semitrailer or Farm Trailer
a vehicle designed and used primarily as a farm vehicle
Implement of husbandry
a vehicle that is designed and adapted for use as a farm implement, machinery, or tool for tilling the soil.
Police Vehicle
a vehicle used by a peace officer for law enforcement purposes that is: owned or leased by a government entity; owned or leased by the police department of a private institution of higher education that commissions peace officers (TCU, SMU, etc., etc.) or, a private vehicle owned or leased by the peace officer; approved for use by the head of the law enforcement agency that employs the peace officer or by that person's designee, provided that use of the private vehicle complies with any rule adopted by the commissioners court of a county under Section 170.001, Local Government Code,
Pole trailer
a vehicle without motive power; designed to be drawn by another vehicle and secured to the other vehicle by pole, reach, boom, or other security device ordinarily used to transport a long or irregularly shaped load, including poles, pipes, or structural members.
547.305. RESTRICTIONS ON USE OF LIGHTS
a) A motor vehicle lamp or illuminating device, other than a headlamp, spotlamp, auxiliary lamp, turn signal lamp, or emergency vehicle, tow truck, or school bus warning lamp, that projects a beam with an intensity brighter than 300 candlepower shall be directed so that no part of the high-intensity portion of the beam strikes the roadway at a distance of more than 75 feet from the vehicle. (b) Except as expressly authorized by law, a person may not operate or move equipment or a vehicle, other than a police vehicle, with a lamp or device that displays a red light visible from directly in front of the center of the equipment or vehicle. (c) A person may not operate a motor vehicle equipped with a red, white, or blue beacon, flashing, or alternating light unless the equipment is: (1) used as specifically authorized by this chapter; or (2) a running lamp, headlamp, taillamp, backup lamp, or turn signal lamp that is used as authorized by law. (d) A vehicle may be equipped with alternately flashing lighting equipment described by Section 547.701 or 547.702 only if the vehicle is: (1) a school bus; (2) an authorized emergency vehicle; (3) a church bus that has the words "church bus" printed on the front and rear of the bus so as to be clearly discernable to other vehicle operators; (4) a tow truck while under the direction of a law enforcement officer at the scene of an accident or while hooking up to a disabled vehicle on a roadway; or (5) a tow truck with a mounted light bar which has turn signals and stop lamps in addition to those required by Sections 547.322, 547.323, and 547.324, Transportation Code. (e) A person may not operate a highway maintenance or service vehicle that is not equipped with lamps or that does not display lighted lamps as required by the standards and specifications adopted by the Texas Department of Transportation (e-1) A security patrol vehicle may only be equipped with green, amber, or white lights. (e-2) A motor vehicle is equipped with a lamp or illuminating device under this section regardless of whether the lamp or illuminating device is: (1) attached to the motor vehicle temporarily or permanently; or (2) activated. (f) In this section "tow truck" means a motor vehicle or mechanical device that is adapted or used to tow, winch, or move a disabled vehicle. (1) "Security patrol vehicle" means a motor vehicle being used for the purpose of providing security services by: (A) a guard company described by Section 1702.108, Occupations Code; or (B) a security officer as defined by Section 1702.002, Occupations Code. (2) "Tow truck" means a motor vehicle or mechanical device that is adapted or used to tow, winch, or move a disabled vehicle.
547.330. AUXILIARY DRIVING LAMPS PERMITTED
a) A motor vehicle may be equipped with no more than two auxiliary driving lamps. (b) An auxiliary driving lamp shall be mounted on the front of the vehicle at a height from 16 to 42 inches. (c) Auxiliary driving lamps may be used with headlamps
547.801. LIGHTING EQUIPMENT
a) A motorcycle, including a motor-driven cycle, shall be equipped with: (1) not more than two headlamps mounted at a height from 24 to 54 inches; (2) at least one taillamp mounted at a height from 20 to 72 inches; (3) a taillamp or separate lamp to illuminate the rear license plate that complies with the requirements of Sections 547.322(f) and (g); (4) at least one stoplamp that complies with the requirements of Section 547.323(d); and (5) at least one rear red reflector that complies with the requirements of Section 547.325(b) and may be included as a part of the taillamp. (b) A motorcycle, other than a motor-driven cycle, shall be equipped with multiple-beam lighting equipment that produces: (1) an uppermost distribution of light that reveals a person or vehicle at a distance of at least 300 feet ahead; and (2) a lowermost distribution of light that: (A) reveals a person or vehicle at a distance of at least 150 feet ahead; and (B) is aimed so that no part of the high-intensity portion of the beam on the motorcycle that is on a straight and level road under any condition of loading projects into the eyes of an approaching vehicle operator. (c) A motor-driven cycle shall be equipped with: (1) multiple-beam lighting equipment that complies with the requirements of Subsection (b); or (2) single-beam lighting equipment that: (A) emits light sufficient to reveal a person or vehicle: (i) at a distance of at least 100 feet when the cycle is operated at a speed less than 25 miles per hour; (ii) at a distance of at least 200 feet when the cycle is operated at a speed of 25 miles per hour or more; and (iii) at a distance of at least 300 feet when the cycle is operated at a speed of 35 miles per hour or more; and (B) is aimed so that no part of the high-intensity portion of the beam from the lamp on a loaded cycle projects a beam higher than the level center of the lamp for a distance of 25 feet ahead. (d) A motorcycle may not be operated at any time unless at least one headlamp on the motorcycle is illuminated. This subsection does not apply to a motorcycle manufactured before the model year 1975
81.0111. MANUFACTURE, SALE, POSSESSION, OR USE OF COUNTERFEIT OR ALTERED PLACARD
a) A person commits an offense if, without the department's authorization, the person: (1) manufactures, sells, or possesses a placard that is deceptively similar to a disabled parking placard; or (2) alters a genuine disabled parking placard. (b) A person commits an offense if the person knowingly parks a vehicle displaying a counterfeit or altered placard in a parking space or area designated specifically for persons with disabilities. (c) An offense under Subsection (a) is a Class A misdemeanor. An offense under Subsection (b) is a Class C misdemeanor. (d) For purposes of this section, a placard is deceptively similar to a disabled parking placard if the placard is not a genuine disabled parking placard but a reasonable person would presume that it is a genuine disabled parking placard
551.104. SAFETY EQUIPMENT
a) A person may not operate a bicycle unless the bicycle is equipped with a brake capable of making a braked wheel skid on dry, level, clean pavement. (b) A person may not operate a bicycle at nighttime unless the bicycle is equipped with: (1) a lamp on the front of the bicycle that emits a white light visible from a distance of at least 500 feet in front of the bicycle; and (2) on the rear of the bicycle: (A) a red reflector that is: (i) of a type approved by the department; and (ii) visible when directly in front of lawful upper beams of motor vehicle headlamps from all distances from 50 to 300 feet to the rear of the bicycle; or (B) a lamp that emits a red light visible from a distance of 500 feet to the rear of the bicycle
545.423. CROSSING PROPERTY
a) An operator may not cross a sidewalk or drive through a driveway, parking lot, or business or residential entrance without stopping the vehicle. (b) An operator may not cross or drive in or on a sidewalk, driveway, parking lot, or business or residential entrance at an intersection to turn right or left from one highway to another highway
51.304. LIMITED OPERATION
a) An operator may operate a neighborhood electric vehicle: (1) in a master planned community: (A) that has in place a uniform set of restrictive covenants; and (B) for which a county or municipality has approved a plat; (2) on a public or private beach; or (3) on a public highway for which the posted speed limit is not more than 35 miles per hour, if the neighborhood electric vehicle is operated: (A) during the daytime; and (B) not more than two miles from the location where the neighborhood electric vehicle is usually parked and for transportation to or from a golf course. (b) A person is not required to register a neighborhood electric vehicle operated in compliance with this section
License
an authorization to operate a motor vehicle that is issued under or granted by the laws of this state. The term includes: Driver's license The privilege to operate a motor vehicle regardless of whether the person holds a driver's license (military) Nonresident's operating privilege
Personal injury
an injury to any part of the human body and that requires treatment
Ramp
an interconnecting roadway of a traffic interchange, or connecting roadway between highways at different levels or between parallel highways, that allows a vehicle to enter or exit a roadway.
Safety zone
area in roadway officially designated for exclusive pedestrian use that is protected or so marked, or indicated by adequate signs as to be plainly visible at all times.
Photographic Traffic Monitoring System
c-onsists of a camera and vehicle sensor installed to work in conjunction with an electrically operated traffic-control signal; and -is capable of producing one or more recorded images that depict the license plate attached to a motor vehicle that is not operated in compliance with the instructions of the traffic-control signal.
Litter
decayable waste from a public or private establishment, residence, or restaurant, including animal and vegetable waste material from a market or storage facility handling or storing produce or other food products, or the handling, preparation, cooking, or consumption of food, but not including sewage, body wastes, or industrial by-products; or -An offense under Subsection (a) disposes, (b) receives, or (c) transports is a Class C misdemeanor -weighs 5 lbs or less or has a volume of five gallons or less if the litter weighs less than 500 pounds or has a volume of less than 100 cubic feet and is punishable by: a fine not to exceed $500; confinement in jail for a term not to exceed 30 days; Or both. -a Class B misdemeanor if the litter weighs more than five pounds but less than 500 pounds or has a volume of more than five gallons but less than 100 cubic feet. -Class A misdemeanor if: the litter weighs 500 pounds or more but less than 1,000 pounds or has a volume of 100 cubic feet or more but less than 200 cubic feet; Or the litter is disposed for a commercial purpose and weighs more than five pounds but less than 200 pounds or has a volume of more than five gallons but less than 200 cubic feet. -state jail felony if the litter or solid waste to which the offense applies: weighs 1,000 pounds or more or has a volume of 200 cubic feet or more; is disposed of for a commercial purpose and weighs 200 pounds or more or has a volume of 200 cubic feet or more; or is contained in a closed barrel or drum.
Recorded Image
depicts a motor vehicle; and is automatically recorded on a photograph or digital image.
Non-decayable solid waste
except ashes, that consists of: combustible waste material, including paper, rags, cartons, wood, excelsior, furniture, rubber, plastics, yard trimmings, leaves, or similar materials; noncombustible waste material, including glass, crockery, tin or aluminum cans, metal furniture, and similar materials that do not burn at ordinary incinerator temperatures of 1800 degrees Fahrenheit or less; and discarded or worn-out manufactured materials and machinery, including motor vehicles and parts of motor vehicles, tires, aircraft, farm implements, building or construction materials, appliances, and scrap metal.
Certain Off-Highway Vehicles
may not register an all-terrain vehicle or a recreational off-highway vehicle, with or without design alterations, for operation on a public highway. EXCEPTIONS: State, County, Municipality may register to be used on public beaches or highway
"Dispose" and "dump"
mean to discharge, deposit, inject, spill, leak, or place litter on or into land or water.
Motor-assisted Scooter
means a self propelled device with At least two wheels in contact with the ground during operation Braking system capable of stopping the device under typical operating conditions Gas or electric motor not exceeding 40cc Deck designed for person to stand or sit Ability to be propelled by human power And does not include a pocket bike or mini-motorbike
Pocket bike or minimotorbike
means a self-propelled vehicle that is equipped with an electric motor or internal combustion engine less than 50cc, Designed to propel itself with not more than 2 wheels on ground Seat or saddle for the use of the operator Not designed for use on a highway And is ineligible for a certificate
Police officer
means an officer authorized to direct traffic or arrest persons who violate traffic regulations
Police Officer
means an officer authorized to direct traffic or arrest persons who violate traffic regulations.* * do not confuse with Penal Code definition of Peace Officer
Traffic
means pedestrians, ridden or herded animals, and conveyances, including vehicles and streetcars, singly or together while using a highway for the purposes of travel.
Public Property
means property owned or leased by this state or a political subdivision of this state
Department
means the Department of Public Safety acting directly or through its authorized officers and agents
Intersection
means the common area at the junction of two highways, other than the junction of an alley and a highway The dimensions of an intersection include only the common area: within the connection of the lateral curb lines, or in the absence of curb lines, the lateral boundary lines of the roadways intersecting highways that join at approximate right angles; -includes two roadways at least 30 feet apart with the roadway of an intersecting highway
Business district
means the territory adjacent to a highway if buildings are used for business or industrial purposes
Residence District
means the territory, other than a business district, adjacent to a highway, if at least 300 feet of the highway frontage is improved with: residences; or buildings used for business purposes and residences.
Operate Temporarily on the Highways
means to travel between: different farms; a place of supply or storage and a farm; or an owner's farm and the place at which the owner's farm produce is prepared for market or is marketed.
Stop or stopping
means; when required, to completely cease movement; and when prohibited to halt, including momentarily halting, an occupied or unoccupied vehicle unless necessary to avoid conflict with other traffic or to comply with the directions of a police officer or a traffic-control sign or signal.
Misdemeanor - General Penalty
not less than $1 or more than $200
Law Enforcement Agency
the department police department of a municipality sheriff's office of a county constable's office of a county
Nighttime
the period beginning one-half hour after sunset and ending one-half hour before sunrise
Daytime
the period beginning one-half hour before sunrise and ending one-half hour after sunset
Shoulder
the portion of a highway that is: adjacent to the roadway; designed or ordinarily used for parking; distinguished from the roadway by different design, construction, or marking; and not intended for normal vehicular travel
Roadway
the portion of a highway, other than the berm or shoulder, that is improved, designed, or ordinarily used for vehicular travel
Crosswalk
the portion of a roadway designated as a pedestrian crossing by surface markings, including lines; or The portion of a roadway within the lateral lines of the sidewalk on opposite sides of the highway measured from the curbs, or in the absence of curbs, from the edges of the traversable roadway.
Sidewalk
the portion of a street that is: between a curb or lateral line of a roadway and the adjacent property line; and intended for pedestrian use
Luminous reflectance
the ratio of the amount of light that is reflected by a material to the amount of light that falls on the material
Light transmission
the ratio of the amount of light that passes through a material to the amount of light that falls on the material and glazing
Issuance of Registration Insignia
the registration insignia for validation of a license plate shall be attached to the inside of the vehicle's windshield within six inches of the motor vehicle inspection sticker If the vehicle does not have a windshield, the owner shall notify the department, and the department shall issue a distinctive device for attachment to the rear license plate of the vehicle. The registration insignia shall be attached to the rear license plate of the vehicle, if the vehicle is: a motorcycle; machinery used exclusively to drill water wells or construction machinery or oil well servicing, oil clean out, or oil well drilling machinery
Right-of-way
the right of one vehicle or pedestrian to proceed in a lawful manner in preference to another vehicle or pedestrian that is approaching from a direction, at a speed, and within a proximity that could cause a collision unless one grants precedence to the other.
Gross vehicle weight
the weight of a vehicle and the weight of its load
Highway or Street
the width between the boundary lines of a publicly maintained way any part of which is open to the public for vehicular travel
551.001. PERSONS AFFECTED
this chapter applies only to a person operating a bicycle on: (1) a highway; or (2) a path set aside for the exclusive operation of bicycles
Objectives of Quick Clearance
■ Remove the Incident From the Road as Quickly as Possible ■ Ensure Safety of Responders, Victims, and Other Motorists by Reducing the Chances of Secondary Incidents ■ Restore the Full Roadway Capacity ■ Minimize Delays and Motorist Frustration
Response Vehicle Positioning
■ Allows for Maximum Safe Traffic Flow ■ Allows for Adequate Warning for Approaching Motorists ■ Allows Multiple Tasks To Be Performed Simultaneously ■ Should Be Protective ■ Based on Function ■ Planned and Coordinated With Other Agencies
Collision Investigation Sites
■ If Possible, Move to Safe Place to Investigate Collision and Complete Paperwork Parking Lots Service Roads Side Streets
Push Bumpers
■ Liability Is Not a Problem When Used Properly ■ Must Provide the Driver With Proper Instructions ■ Move to Nearest Position Safely Clear of Traffic ■ Check Before and After the Move for Damage
Emergency Light Discipline
■ Reduce Lighting For Improved Safety ■ Restrict Emergency Lights From Impacting Traffic on the Other Side of Barrier Walls ■ Turn Off or Dim Headlights ■ Amber Is the Preferred Color ■ Provide More Direction, Less Confusion