Texas driving law, answered
Every answer here comes from Texas Driver Handbook and, where the manual is silent, the Texas Statutes: Transportation Code, Chapter 501: Certificate of Title Act, Transportation Code, Chapter 502: Registration of Vehicles, Transportation Code, Chapter 504: License Plates, Transportation Code, Chapter 521: Driver's Licenses and Certificates, Transportation Code, Chapter 523: Driver's License Compact of 1993, Transportation Code, Chapter 524: Administrative Suspension of Driver's License for Failure to Pass Test for Intoxication, Transportation Code, Chapter 525: Motorcycle and Bicycle Awareness, Transportation Code, Chapter 541: Definitions, Transportation Code, Chapter 542: General Provisions, Transportation Code, Chapter 543: Arrest and Prosecution of Violators, Transportation Code, Chapter 544: Traffic Signs, Signals, and Markings, Transportation Code, Chapter 545: Operation and Movement of Vehicles, Transportation Code, Chapter 547: Vehicle Equipment, Transportation Code, Chapter 548: Inspection of Vehicles, Transportation Code, Chapter 550: Collisions and Collision Reports, Transportation Code, Chapter 551: Operation of Bicycles and Mopeds, Golf Carts, and Other Low-Powered Vehicles, Transportation Code, Chapter 552: Pedestrians and Other Sidewalk Users, Transportation Code, Chapter 552A: Devices Subject to Pedestrian Laws, Transportation Code, Chapter 601: Motor Vehicle Safety Responsibility Act, Transportation Code, Chapter 661: Protective Headgear for Motorcycle Operators and Passengers, Transportation Code, Chapter 662: Motorcycle Operator Training and Safety, Transportation Code, Chapter 681: Privileged Parking, Transportation Code, Chapter 703: Nonresident Violator Compact of 1977, Transportation Code, Chapter 705: Allowing Dangerous Driver to Borrow Motor Vehicle, Transportation Code, Chapter 706: Denial of Renewal of License for Failure to Appear, Transportation Code, Chapter 709: Miscellaneous Traffic Fines, Transportation Code, Chapter 724: Implied Consent, Transportation Code, Chapter 725: Transportation of Loose Materials, Transportation Code, Chapter 727: Modification of, Tampering With, and Equipment of Motor Vehicles, Transportation Code, Chapter 729: Operation of Motor Vehicle by Minor, Penal Code, Chapter 49: Intoxication and Alcoholic Beverage Offenses, Alcoholic Beverage Code, Chapter 106: Provisions Relating to Age, with the page or the section it is in.
Statutes fetched on 8 October 2026; manuals fetched on 14 September 2026. How the answers are made
How far from a fire hydrant must you park?
A driver must not park or leave a vehicle standing within 15 feet of a fire hydrant. A fire crew needs to get a hose to the hydrant in seconds. A car on it costs exactly the time nobody has.
Whether occupied or not, do not park or allow a vehicle to stand idling: 1. In front of a public or private driveway 2. Within 15 feet of a fire hydrant
As of 14 Sep 2026
How far from a crosswalk at an intersection must you park?
A driver must not park or leave a vehicle standing within 20 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection. A car parked at the corner hides anybody stepping into the crosswalk. Twenty feet is what opens the view back up.
Within 20 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection
As of 14 Sep 2026
May you park in or near an intersection?
A driver must not park, stop, or stand a vehicle within an intersection. A car sitting in the box stops every movement through it. Nobody can get round it in any direction.
In the following situations, you should not park, stop, or allow a vehicle to stand idling: 1. On the road side of any vehicle stopped or parked at the edge or curb of a street 2. On a sidewalk or crosswalk 3. Within an intersection
As of 14 Sep 2026
How far from a stop sign or traffic signal must you park?
A driver must not park or leave a vehicle standing within 30 feet on the approach to a flashing signal, stop sign, yield sign, or other traffic control signal at the side of a road. A parked car in front of a stop sign hides it until you are level with it. The distance keeps the sign visible.
Within 30 feet upon the approach to any flashing signal, stop sign, yield sign, or other traffic control signal located at the side of a road 5.
As of 14 Sep 2026
How far from a railroad crossing must you park?
A driver must not park a vehicle within 50 feet of the nearest rail of a railroad crossing, whether or not it is occupied. A train overhangs the rail by several feet and cannot swerve. Fifty feet puts the car outside anything it can catch.
Do not park a vehicle, occupied or not, within 50 feet of the nearest rail of a railroad crossing
As of 14 Sep 2026
How far from a fire station driveway must you park?
A driver must not park or leave a vehicle standing within 20 feet of the driveway entrance to a fire station. A fire engine needs a wide swing to get out of the bay. Parking that close takes the swing away.
Within 20 feet of the driveway entrance to any fire station and on the side of a street opposite the entrance to any fire station within 75 feet of entrance 6.
As of 14 Sep 2026
How close to the curb must you park?
On a road that allows two-way traffic a driver must park with the vehicle's right-hand wheels within 18 inches of the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway. Parked further out, the car sticks into the lane traffic uses. Eighteen inches is where it stops being an obstacle.
Do not park more than 18 inches from the curb or edge of the road
As of 14 Sep 2026
When must you stop for a school bus with flashing red lights?
A driver approaching a school bus from either direction must stop when the bus is showing alternately flashing red lights. Children cross in front of the bus where the driver of a passing car cannot see them. Both directions stop for that reason.
bus from either direction and the bus is displaying alternately flashing red lights, you must stop
As of 14 Sep 2026
What must you do when passing a stopped emergency vehicle with flashing lights?
Approaching a stopped emergency vehicle with its lights on, a driver must vacate the lane closest to it where the highway has two or more lanes in that direction. A crew working beside the road is an arm's length from traffic. Moving over is the only thing that puts space there.
Unless otherwise directed by a law enforcement officer, drivers who approach a stopped emergency vehicle with its lights activated must: 1. Vacate the lane closest to the emergency vehicle if the highway has two or more lanes traveling in the direction of the emergency vehicle;
As of 14 Sep 2026
How far behind a fire truck answering an alarm may you follow?
A driver may not follow within 500 feet of a fire truck answering an alarm or an ambulance with its flashing red lights on. Following close behind means arriving in the middle of whatever they are arriving at. The distance keeps the scene clear.
You are not allowed to follow within 500 feet of a fire truck answering an alarm or an ambulance when the flashing red lights are on
As of 14 Sep 2026
When must you turn on your headlights?
A driver must use headlights beginning 30 minutes after sunset and ending 30 minutes before sunrise. The half hour either side of the sun is when the light is worst and drivers least expect it. The rule is a clock, not a judgment.
You must use your headlights beginning 30 minutes after sunset and ending 30 minutes before sunrise, or anytime when individuals or vehicles cannot be seen clearly for at least 1,000 feet
As of 14 Sep 2026
How far from an oncoming vehicle must you dim your high beams?
A driver uses low beam headlights within 500 feet of an approaching vehicle. High beams at that distance put the oncoming driver in the dark for several seconds. Those are the seconds they need.
Use your low beam headlights when: 1. Within 500 feet of an approaching vehicle
As of 14 Sep 2026
Who must wear a seat belt?
The driver and all passengers, whatever their age, must use safety belts if the seat they occupy has one. There is no back-seat exemption and no age above which it stops. The belt is required wherever there is a belt.
The driver and all passengers, regardless of age, in a passenger vehicle are required to use safety belts if occupying a seat in a vehicle equipped with a safety belt
As of 14 Sep 2026
When must a child ride in a car seat?
A child under 8 years old must be secured in a federally approved child car seat unless the child is more than 4 feet 9 inches tall. The belt is designed for an adult body and crosses a small child at the neck. Height is the test, not just age.
unless the child is more than 4’9” tall
As of 14 Sep 2026
What is the legal blood alcohol limit for adult drivers?
In Texas a person aged 21 and over is legally intoxicated with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more. It is the number the whole adult offense turns on. Below it a driver can still be charged on the way they were driving.
In Texas, a person, age 21 and over, is considered legally intoxicated if the person has a BAC of 0.08 or more
As of 14 Sep 2026
What is the blood alcohol limit for drivers under 21?
Texas law does not allow any amount of blood alcohol concentration for minors. There is no allowance to argue over for a driver under 21. Detectable is the offense.
Texas law does not allow any amount of blood alcohol concentration (BAC) for minors
As of 14 Sep 2026
What happens if you refuse a breath or blood alcohol test?
A person who refuses to give a breath or blood specimen may have the license suspended. Refusing does not leave the state with nothing. The refusal itself is what the suspension rests on.
DPS is authorized to suspend a license or driving privilege: 1. For individuals who are over 21 years of age who fail a breath or blood test (the blood alcohol content indicates a level of 0.08 or more) 2. Of any person who refuses to submit to a breath or blood test
As of 14 Sep 2026
May you use a handheld phone while driving?
It is against the law to read, write, or send messages on a cell phone or other portable wireless device while driving. Reading counts as much as typing does. Both take the eyes off the road for the same few seconds.
It is against the law to read, write, or send messages on a cell phone or other portable wireless device
As of 14 Sep 2026
May you text while driving?
It is against the law to read, write, or send messages on a cell phone or other portable wireless device while driving. Reading counts as much as typing does. Both take the eyes off the road for the same few seconds.
It is against the law to read, write, or send messages on a cell phone or other portable wireless device
As of 14 Sep 2026
How far before a turn must you signal?
A driver must signal continuously for at least 100 feet before turning or stopping. A signal flicked on at the corner tells the driver behind nothing they can use. A hundred feet is enough distance to react in.
Signal continuously for at least 100 feet before turning or stopping, and be sure to turn off your signal lights once your turn is complete
As of 14 Sep 2026
May you turn right on a red light?
At a steady red light a driver stops before entering the crosswalk or intersection and may turn right unless the law prohibits it. Red does not mean the car is stuck there. It means stop first, then turn if turning is allowed.
Stop before entering the crosswalk or intersection. You may turn right unless prohibited by law
As of 14 Sep 2026
May you turn left on a red light onto a one-way street?
At a steady red light a driver may also turn left if both streets are one way, unless the law prohibits it. Turning left between two one-way streets crosses nothing. That is the only left turn a red light allows.
turn left if both streets are one way, unless prohibited by law
As of 14 Sep 2026
Where are U-turns not allowed?
Making a U-turn at an intersection where this sign is posted is prohibited. A U-turn crosses every lane on the road at once, slowly. Where the sightlines are poor, Texas takes the option away.
Making a U-turn at an intersection where this sign is posted is prohibited
As of 14 Sep 2026
What is the speed limit on a highway outside town when no sign is posted?
A passenger car may travel at up to 70 mph on a highway numbered by Texas or the United States outside an urban district. This is the highest ordinary limit in the table. Everything above it needs a posted sign.
Highway numbered by Texas or the U.S. outside an urban district including Farm to Market and Ranch to Market roads Passenger cars, motorcycles, light truck, passenger car or light truck towing a trailer or semi-trailer, truck or truck-tractor, truck or truck-tractor towing a trailer or semi-trailer, buses, school activity bus. 70
As of 14 Sep 2026
When may you pass another vehicle on the right?
A driver may pass on the right only where the road is clear of parked vehicles and other obstructions and is wide enough for two or more lanes in each direction. Passing on the right is where the other driver is least likely to look. Texas allows it only where the road is built for it.
The road is clear of parked vehicles or other lane obstructions and is wide enough for two or more lanes in each direction
As of 14 Sep 2026
May you have an open container of alcohol in the car?
It is illegal to possess an open container of alcohol in the passenger area of a motor vehicle on a public highway, whether the vehicle is being driven, stopped, or parked. Parking the car does not make the open bottle lawful. The offense is where the container is, not what the car is doing.
It is illegal to possess an open container of alcohol in a motor vehicle passenger area located on a public highway, regardless of whether the vehicle is being operated, stopped, or parked
As of 14 Sep 2026
How old must you be to get a learner's permit?
An applicant for a learner license must be at least 15 years old and no more than 18. Fifteen is the floor and eighteen is where the learner license stops being the route in. Below fifteen there is no learner license to apply for.
person applying for a learner license must: 1. Be at least 15 but no more than 18 years of age
As of 14 Sep 2026
How long must you hold a learner's permit before a license?
Phase One requires an applicant under 18 to hold a learner, hardship, or combined license for at least six months before a provisional license is issued. Six months puts a full run of seasons and road conditions behind a new driver. It is time in the car, not a course, that the phase is measuring.
This phase requires applicants under 18 years of age to hold a valid learner, hardship, or combination of learner and hardship license for a minimum of six months prior to the issuance of a provisional license
As of 14 Sep 2026
Who must ride with you when you drive on a learner's permit?
The licensed driver supervising a learner must be at least 21 years old and have at least one year of driving experience. A supervisor who has only just passed the test has nothing to teach. Texas sets a floor on both the age and the years behind the wheel.
The licensed driver must be at least 21 years of age with at least one year of driving experience, must occupy the seat beside the driver, and cannot be intoxicated, asleep, or engaging in any activity that prevents observation and response to the actions of the driver
As of 14 Sep 2026
What hours may a provisional driver not drive?
During Phase Two a driver may not drive between midnight and 5:00 a.m. unless it is for work, a school activity, or a medical emergency. The small hours are when tired drivers meet drunk ones. The exceptions cover the trips a young driver cannot simply skip.
During Phase, Two these individuals may not drive a motor vehicle: 1. With more than one passenger in the vehicle under the age of 21 who is not a family member 2. Between midnight and 5:00 a.m. unless the operation of the vehicle is necessary for the driver to work, to attend or participate in a school-related activity, or due to a medical emergency All drivers who are under 18 years of age are restricted from using a wireless communication device, including a hands-free device, except in case of an emergency.
As of 14 Sep 2026
How many passengers may a new provisional driver carry?
During Phase Two a driver may not carry more than one passenger under 21 who is not a family member. A carful of friends is the single loudest distraction a new driver meets. Texas caps it at one rather than banning passengers outright.
During Phase, Two these individuals may not drive a motor vehicle: 1. With more than one passenger in the vehicle under the age of 21 who is not a family member
As of 14 Sep 2026
What is the fine for a first drunk-driving conviction?
A first adult conviction for driving while intoxicated carries a fine of up to $2,000 and 72 hours to 180 days in jail. Jail starts at the first offense, not the second. Seventy-two hours is the floor, not the maximum.
72 hours to 180 days in jail
As of 14 Sep 2026
How long can you be jailed for a first drunk-driving conviction?
A first adult conviction for driving while intoxicated carries a fine of up to $2,000 and 72 hours to 180 days in jail. Jail starts at the first offense, not the second. Seventy-two hours is the floor, not the maximum.
72 hours to 180 days in jail
As of 14 Sep 2026
When must you install an ignition interlock after a drunk-driving conviction?
(a) Subject to Subsection (b-1), the judge shall restrict the person to the operation of a motor vehicle equipped with an ignition interlock device if: (1) the person is currently under an order restricting the person to the operation of a motor vehicle equipped with an ignition interlock device, including an order imposed as a condition of bond; or (2) the person's license has been suspended, revoked, or canceled after a conviction for an offense under Sections 49.04-49.08, Penal Code.
Texas law, Tex. Transp. Code § 521.246(a)
As of 8 Oct 2026
At what blood alcohol level do drunk-driving penalties increase?
(d) If it is shown on the trial of an offense under this section that an analysis of a specimen of the person's blood, breath, or urine showed an alcohol concentration level of 0.15 or more at the time the analysis was performed, the offense is a Class A misdemeanor.
Texas law, Tex. Penal Code § 49.04(d)
As of 8 Oct 2026
How many points on your license lead to a suspension?
Four or more traffic convictions occurring separately within any 12-month period may result in a suspension after a hearing. One ticket is a bad day; four in a year is a pattern. The department gets to act on the pattern.
3. Repeated violations of traffic laws, including: a. Four or more traffic convictions occurring separately within any 12-month period or b.
As of 14 Sep 2026
How much light must a tinted side or rear window let through?
(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;
Texas law, Tex. Transp. Code § 547.613(b)(2)
As of 8 Oct 2026
Must a vehicle driving slower than other traffic keep to the right lane?
(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.
Texas law, Tex. Transp. Code § 545.051(b)
As of 8 Oct 2026
What is the minimum liability insurance coverage for bodily injury or death of one person and property damage?
(a-1) Effective January 1, 2011, the minimum amounts of motor vehicle liability insurance coverage required to establish financial responsibility under this chapter are: (1) $30,000 for bodily injury to or death of one person in one collision; (2) $60,000 for bodily injury to or death of two or more persons in one collision, subject to the amount provided by Subdivision (1) for bodily injury to or death of one of the persons; and (3) $25,000 for damage to or destruction of property of others in one collision.
Texas law, Tex. Transp. Code § 601.072(a-1)
As of 8 Oct 2026
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