Texas Laws to Know Before you Hit the Road
1. When to Contact Law Enforcement
If you are involved in a vehicle collision, always call the police if an injury or fatality has occurred, the vehicles cannot be moved, you suspect one of the drivers is intoxicated, one of the drivers doesn’t have insurance, and/or one of the drivers leaves the scene.
2. Seat Belts
In Texas, drivers and passengers are required to wear seat belts. A seat belt should sit across the hips, not the stomach, and over the shoulder across the center of the chest. Tucking the shoulder belt underneath your arm or behind your back is hazardous to your safety in the event of a collision.
3. Road Trips
Always drive the posted speed limit and adjust your speed according to weather/road conditions. If you are feeling tired or drowsy, give yourself a break, and remember to get out and stretch your legs every 2 hours. Avoid driving between midnight and 6 a.m., but if you do, take breaks at safety rest areas or travel information centers if you do.
4. Avoid aggressive driving
Aggressive driving is defined as “operating a vehicle in a way that endangers people or property.” Road rage is when this behavior becomes violent. If you are caught doing either of these, you may face a fine of $200 for each violation.
How to avoid aggressive driving: regulate your emotions, avoid eye contact with angry drivers, minimize the use of your horn, plan ahead and anticipate delays, only use the left lane to pass other vehicles, do not provoke unsafe situations by responding to or making inappropriate hand gestures and comments.
5. Distracted Driving
Sending and receiving electronic messages while driving is prohibited in Texas. In fact, you should pull off the road entirely and come to a complete stop before you talk or text on the phone. Drivers under the age of 18 are not allowed to use handheld devices, it is also illegal to use a cell phone during the first six months of having a learner’s permit.
