FindLaw Codes may not reflect the most recent version of the law in your jurisdiction. An operator may not drive through or in a safety zone. As a factor contributing to the accident, the police report listed faulty evasive action by Griffin. Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. (B) the operator is subject to a fine if the operator uses a wireless communication device in the school crossing zone. (3) the person occupying the trailer or semitrailer was in a part of the trailer or semitrailer designed for human habitation. 1, eff. This subsection does not apply where a local ordinance otherwise regulates stopping or parking on the one-way roadway. (3) increase the speed limit for a vehicle described by Section 545.352(b)(4). Sept. 1, 1997; Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. DRIVING THROUGH SAFETY ZONE. (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. 6 (S.B. September 1, 2005. Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. (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. 165, Sec. (b-2) Subsection (b-1) applies only to a two-lane, undivided highway or part of a highway. 669, Sec. 109), Sec. September 1, 2011. 2, eff. 265, Sec. in narrative) 49-improper start from parked position 50-load not secured 51-opened door into traffic lane 52-oversize vehicle or load 1522), Sec. 143, eff. (2) equipped with footrests and handholds for use by the passenger. Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. what is the oldest baseball bat company? (2) supersede any other established speed limit that would permit a person to operate a motor vehicle at a higher rate of speed. A restriction approved under this section may not be enforced until the appropriate traffic control devices are in place. Faulty Evasive Action. (b-4) The local authority shall pay the costs associated with the posting of signs under Subsections (b-1) and (b-2), unless the authority enters an agreement providing otherwise. 18, eff. Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. Sec. 545.151. 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. PASSING STREETCAR TO RIGHT. (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; (4) operating a vehicle that is the only vehicle owned or operated by the members of a household; or. (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. 712 (H.B. 803, Sec. 545.4205. Rules and Regulations. 3050), Sec. 265 (H.B. 545.419. Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. Investigators said Hernandez "performed a faulty evasive action" by driving onto the sidewalk to avoid colliding with a car. (a) The commissioners court of a county by resolution may request the Texas Transportation Commission to determine and declare a reasonable and safe prima facie speed limit that is lower than a speed limit established by Section 545.352 on any part of a farm-to-market or a ranch-to-market road of the highway system that is located in that county and is without improved shoulders. VEHICLE ENTERING HIGHWAY FROM PRIVATE ROAD OR DRIVEWAY. Sept. 1, 1995. 1, eff. 165, Sec. The court shall set the number of hours of service under this subsection. Sec. Sec. 545.421. 545.3051. 545.4165. ( a) No driver shall be on duty and possess, be under the influence of, or use, any of the following drugs or other substances: ( 1) Any 21 CFR 1308.11 Schedule I substance; ( 2) An amphetamine or any formulation thereof (including, but not limited, to "pep pills," and "bennies"); ( 3) A narcotic drug or any derivative thereof; or (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. 1759), Sec. 3871), Sec. (a) Except as provided by Subsection (b), an operator required to give a stop or turn signal shall do so by: (2) lighting signal lamps approved by the department. (B) in which the majority of lots are subject to deed restrictions limiting the lots to residential use. Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. (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. 1, eff. 545.054. AUTHORITY OF REGIONAL TOLLWAY AUTHORITIES TO ALTER SPEED LIMITS ON TURNPIKE PROJECTS. 2, eff. 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. 2.06, eff. (B) any fallback maneuvers necessary to respond to a failure of the system. Common Types of Lift Truck Accidents in McAllen, TX. (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, the operator of a streetcar shall immediately stop the streetcar clear of any intersection and remain there until the authorized emergency vehicle has passed, unless otherwise directed by a police officer. (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); (3) a Texas Department of Transportation vehicle or a highway maintenance or construction vehicle operated pursuant to a contract awarded under Subchapter A, Chapter 223, 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; (4) a service vehicle used by or for a utility, as defined by Section 203.091, and using visual signals that comply with the standards and specifications adopted under Section 547.105; (5) a stationary vehicle used exclusively to transport municipal solid waste, as defined by Section 361.003, Health and Safety Code, or recyclable material, as defined by Section 361.421, Health and Safety Code, while being operated in connection with the removal or transportation of municipal solid waste or recyclable material from a location adjacent to the highway; and. 1294), Sec. May 28, 1997. 2194), Sec. 1111 (H.B. 1, eff. 1, eff. (f) This section does not apply to a vehicle owned by a commercial establishment that is parked in the public right-of-way adjacent to the property where the establishment is located. Copyright 2023, Thomson Reuters. DRIVING ON MULTIPLE-LANE ROADWAY. 1257), Sec. 545.305. 30.108(a), eff. (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. (2) where an official sign prohibits parking. This driving mistake highlights the importance . 545.061. According to the Texas Department of Transportation, in 2020 there were more than 4,800 . Fail to ride in one lane when riding side by side. (2) establish a speed limit of more than 75 miles per hour. DEFINITIONS SUBCHAPTER A. (c) An operator may not use a wireless communication device while operating a school bus or passenger bus with a minor passenger on the bus unless the bus is stopped. The operator may not shift gears while crossing the track. 537), Sec. The comptroller shall deposit the amount received to the credit of the tertiary care fund for use by trauma centers. 2466), Sec. 550.022 Accident Involving Damage to Vehicle (a) Except as provided by Subsection (b), the operator of a vehicle involved in an accident resulting only in damage to a vehicle that is driven or attended by a person shall: (1) AUTHORITY OF TEXAS TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION TO ALTER SPEED LIMITS. accident resulting only in damage to a vehicle that is driven or attended by a person (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. 378), Sec. Sec. Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 545.2555. 548. (a) A person commits an offense if the person drives a vehicle in wilful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property. Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. No reflector or light on the back of a bicycle or moped at night. (2) a highway is not considered to have separate roadways if the highway has roadways separated only by a left turn lane. For example, say that a driver is traveling on a highway when he suddenly hits a pothole and loses control of his vehicle. How they occur, who or what causes them, and why they occur are factors the Military Police must determine. 1786), Sec. 1174), Sec. 165, Sec. Police for Reporting Crashes, also known as the CR-100 manual, in accordance with the Texas Transportation Code and Administrative Rule(s). (b-1) Except as provided by Subsection (b-3), the governing body of a municipality, for a highway or a part of a highway in the municipality that is not an officially designated or marked highway or road of the state highway system, may declare a lower speed limit of not less than 25 miles per hour, if the governing body determines that the prima facie speed limit on the highway is unreasonable or unsafe. September 1, 2017. Sept. 1, 1999; Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1.21, eff. 3026), Sec. (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; (4) a slow-moving vehicle, as defined by Section 547.001. (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. (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. 545.106. (f) If the commission enters an order under this section, it shall file the order in the office of the governor. requirements of Section 550.023 and minimize interference with freeway traffic. Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1061, Sec. 165, Sec. Sec. The commissioners court may not enforce the restrictions unless: (1) the department's executive director or the executive director's designee has approved the restrictions; and. (repealed by RA 10883) . In this subtitle: (1) "Operator" means, as used in reference to a vehicle, a person who drives or has physical control of a vehicle. (i) A peace officer who stops a motor vehicle for an alleged violation of this section may not take possession of or otherwise inspect a portable wireless communication device in the possession of the operator unless authorized by the Code of Criminal Procedure, the Penal Code, or other law. 1020, Sec. 229 (H.B. 6. (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; (3) may not proceed until it is safe to cross the track. (2) post and maintain signs before each end of the structure stating the maximum speed. 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. 165, Sec. Posted on Aug 16, 2016. (3) "Entire dynamic driving task" means the operational and tactical aspects of operating a vehicle. 1, eff. PASSING STREETCAR TO LEFT. 1, eff. (a) A person may not operate a school bus if: (1) the door of the school bus is open; or. September 1, 2015. (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. Sec. 1353), Sec. (e) An offense under this section is punishable by a fine of not less than $50 or more than $200. 545.418. (2) "Wireless communication device" means a device that uses a commercial mobile service, as defined by 47 U.S.C. About Transportation. 15, eff. 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. 2837), Sec. Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. Sept. 1, 2003. September 1, 2011. 1438, Sec. Sec. 2, eff. (B) where pedestrians are not permitted to cross the roadway. Sept. 1, 1995. RIDING IN OPEN BEDS; OFFENSE. 3, eff. 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. 2205), Sec. An operator may not drive on or from a limited-access or controlled-access roadway except at an entrance or exit that is established by a public authority. (3) a Class B misdemeanor if the violation results in bodily injury. 545.303. 545.057. Sept. 1, 1997. Sec. Sec. Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. Sec. September 1, 2013. 1391 (H.B. 165, Sec. 165, Sec. Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. (e) In a prosecution under this section, proof that at the time of the offense a train or other on-track equipment was in hazardous proximity to the crossing and that the train or other equipment was plainly visible to the operator is prima facie evidence that it was not safe for the operator to proceed. 545.302. September 1, 2019. 548), Sec. An owner as defined by Section 502.001(31) may identify the vehicle to the department as an automated motor vehicle or an automated driving system. 1, eff. T raffic accidents are extremely confusing events. Sec. 2, eff. Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. Other examples of behavior that might rise to the level of reckless driving include: Speeding Running stop signs or red lights Failing to yield the right of way Driving while intoxicated Racing with other vehicles Sec. 467 (H.B. Now, the brothers say they want trucking companies to take a close look at safety procedures and training. Sec. (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. 1391 (H.B. 545.201. 229 (H.B. 2, eff. 165, Sec. 545.4145. Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. (c) A prima facie speed limit that is declared by the commission under this section is effective when the commission erects signs giving notice of the new limit. (j) 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 Subsection (b) of this section. As a factor which may have contributed, the report listed unsafe lane change by Ngo. (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. 3026), Sec. TRAFFIC FACTS PROJECT FACT SHEET STUDY OVERVIEW . (a)Except as provided by Subsection (b), the operator of a vehicle involved in an 204, Sec. Sept. 1, 2001. 1, eff. (B) if complying with Paragraph (A) is not possible, as much of the roadway as possible. 5.68(13), eff. 774 (H.B. (b) An operator commits an offense if the operator uses a portable wireless communication device to read, write, or send an electronic message while operating a motor vehicle unless the vehicle is stopped. Sec. (f) A temporary speed limit established under this section: (A) the 45th day after the date the limit becomes effective; or, (B) the date on which the district engineer determines that the maintenance activity has been completed and all equipment has been removed from the maintenance activity site; and. Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 5.68(13), eff. STREETCAR APPROACHED BY AUTHORIZED EMERGENCY VEHICLE. (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. (b) A district engineer may temporarily lower a prima facie speed limit under this section without the approval of or permission from the Texas Transportation Commission. Sept. 1, 2003. (2) the number of passengers on the bus is greater than the manufacturer's design capacity for the bus. (2) the operator is subject to a fine if the operator uses a portable wireless communication device for electronic messaging while operating a motor vehicle in this state. METHOD OF GIVING HAND AND ARM SIGNALS. 1, eff. (e) Department approval under Subsection (d) must: (1) be based on a traffic study performed by the department to evaluate the effect of the proposed restriction; and. Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. A municipality, county, or designated official shall comply with the guidelines. Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. (b) An operator may not back the vehicle on a shoulder or roadway of a limited-access or controlled-access highway. (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, (B) the operator is signaled by the bus driver to proceed; or. HOUSTON - A Houston jury returned a $30 million verdict last week against FedEx Freight Inc. in a wrongful death suit filed by the sons of a man who died in a 2018 collision involving one of the company's truck drivers. 5, eff. (e) An entity that establishes or alters a speed limit under this subchapter shall establish the same speed limit for daytime and nighttime. 1, eff. 1059 (H.B. 165, Sec. (c) A municipal governing body or commissioners court, on request of the governing body of a school or institution of higher education, may hold one public hearing for all public and private elementary and secondary schools, open-enrollment charter schools, and institutions of higher education in its jurisdiction. 1, eff. 4, eff. 30.113(a), eff. Sept. 1, 1999; Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 11 (H.B. 1, eff. September 1, 2007. September 1, 2013. s Crash Report Code Sheet Texas Peace Officer 3Refer to the Numbered Lists Numbered Fields on the CR the form t Q ti O Form CR 3CS 111 2010 2 Roadway Part 3 Street Prefix IH Interstate AL Alternate 1 MainlProper Lane US SP Spur 2 ServicelFrontage US Highway SH State Highwa y CR County FM Farm to PR Park Market Road 3 Road 4 PV . (h-1) Notwithstanding Section 545.352(b), the commission may establish a speed limit of 80 miles per hour on a part of Interstate Highway 10 or Interstate Highway 20 in Crockett, Culberson, Hudspeth, Jeff Davis, Kerr, Kimble, Pecos, Reeves, Sutton, or Ward County if the commission determines that 80 miles per hour is a reasonable and safe speed for that part of the highway. USE OF PORTABLE WIRELESS COMMUNICATION DEVICE FOR ELECTRONIC MESSAGING; OFFENSE. 7. Sec. Texas Drivers Handbook (PDF) Transportation Code Next Steps Contact a qualified traffic ticket attorney to help you get the best result possible. 545.204. Added by Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. (c) An operator who is passing a streetcar may not turn in front of the streetcar so as to interfere with or impede its movement. DEFINITIONS. 545.3561. in narrative) 49-improper start from parked position 50-load not secured 51-opened door into traffic lane 52-oversize vehicle or load (e-1) Subsection (c) does not apply to an operator of a school bus or passenger bus using a wireless communication device: (1) in the performance of the operator's duties as a bus driver; and. OPERATION OF VEHICLE BY PERSON UNDER 18 YEARS OF AGE. The Texas Department of Transportation reports the leading causes of statewide traffic accidents in 2017 included: Failed to control speed: 33,593; Driver inattention: 18,477; Failed to drive in lane: 12,716; . 545.416. 716 (H.B. Sept. 1, 1997. (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. Refreshed: 2021-06-07. (b) Notwithstanding any other law, a licensed human operator is not required to operate a motor vehicle if an automated driving system installed on the vehicle is engaged. (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. 545.058. 1093), Sec. 3171), Sec. A municipality may not modify the rule established by Section 545.351(a) or establish a speed limit of more than 75 miles per hour. We will always provide free access to the current law. (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. Single State Registration: Transportation Code Chapter 645. CROSSING SIDEWALK OR HIKE AND BIKE TRAIL. Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. Sec. September 1, 2019. 2, eff. (2) show the beginning and end of each no-passing zone by appropriate signs or markings on the roadway. (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. (2) another reasonable and safe speed because of wet or inclement weather. Texas 18+ Adult Drivers Course; Driver . The officer giving the signal must be in uniform and prominently display the officer's badge of office.