Driving in Texas comes with both privileges and responsibilities. The Texas Transportation Code sets out strict traffic laws designed to prevent accidents and keep all road users safe. Following these rules is essential, not just to avoid tickets, but also to reduce your risk of being found at fault in a car accident in El Paso.
Below are some of the most important traffic laws and safety rules that every Texas driver should know about.
Speed Limits and Safe Driving Requirements
Speeding is one of the most common causes of traffic collisions in Texas. State law requires all drivers to operate their vehicles at a reasonable and prudent speed based on current conditions. This means you can still be cited for driving too fast even if you’re within the posted limit, such as during bad weather conditions.
Standard speed limits under Texas Transportation Code § 545.352 include:
- 30 mph in urban districts
- 60 mph on certain rural highways
- 70 mph on state highways
Always check local signage, however, as speed limits can vary depending on the specific area and road type in question.
Right-of-Way and Intersection Laws
Right-of-way violations frequently cause serious car accidents. Texas law outlines who must yield in different scenarios to keep traffic moving safely:
- Four-way stops: The driver who arrives first has the right of way. If vehicles arrive simultaneously, the driver on the right goes first.
- Left turns: Drivers must yield to oncoming traffic unless they have a green arrow or a protected signal.
- Pedestrians: Drivers must always yield to pedestrians using crosswalks and sidewalks.
Failing to yield can result in traffic citations and may also increase your liability in an accident claim.
Seat Belt and Child Safety Laws
Texas has a primary seat belt law, which means police can pull drivers over solely for not wearing a seat belt. All occupants must buckle up, regardless of where they sit in the vehicle.
For children, the state’s rules and guidelines include:
- Child safety seats for children under 8 years old (unless they are taller than 4 feet 9 inches)
- Booster seats when appropriate for the child’s size and weight
- Rear-facing seats for infants under 2 years old whenever possible
Violating child restraint laws can result in fines and put young passengers at serious risk in the event of a crash.
Distracted and Impaired Driving
Texting while driving, a prevalent cause of distracted driving accidents, is illegal in Texas. The state also has severe penalties for driving while intoxicated (DWI). A first offense DWI can result in up to 180 days in jail, fines up to $2,000, and a suspended license.
Contact a Texas Car Accident Lawyer if You’ve Been Injured
Sometimes, accidents take place even when you take all of the necessary precautions. If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Texas that wasn’t your fault, you may be entitled to compensation.
Contact Cal Mundell Law Firm, PLLC for a free consultation at (915) 250-0700 or by reaching out online. We’ve won millions of dollars for our deserving clients and are ready to get to work on your behalf next.