The following information is updated periodically. However, laws and regulations can change between updates. State statutes and local ordinances are the ultimate authorities for these issues.

Points of Interest

• A nonresident can apply for a concealed handgun license, if licensed in his/her home state, home state's licensing requirements are as rigorous as Texas, and home state allows a person with a Texas license to apply for a license.
• Texas repealed its motorcycle helmet law in 1997 for cyclists 21 years of age or older. However, in order for residents or nonresidents to go helmetless, they must have proof of $10,000 in medical insurance or proof that they have taken a motorcycle safety course which meets the standards of the Motorcycle Safety Foundation.
• On many rural highways in Texas, there is a full width paved shoulder, mainly as a breakdown lane. However, it is legal to travel on that shoulder for specific purposes. Mainly, it is used by a slow car to allow faster cars behind it to pass safely without changing into the oncoming lane. This allows cars to pass slow traffic in no-pass zones or with heavy oncoming traffic. Care must be taken not to use this lane when cresting hills because over the crest may be a parked disabled car on the shoulder.
• Motorists who receive a traffic ticket involving LIDAR may find this link helpful.

This PDF shows a breakdown of contributing factors to 2008 vehicle crashes in Texas.

Speed Limits

Rural Interstates: Cars Day 75, Cars Night 65, Trucks Day 70, Trucks Night 65
Urban Interstates: Cars Day 70, Cars Night 65, Trucks Day 70, Trucks Night 65
Other Limited Access Roads: Cars Day 75, Cars Night 65, Trucks Day 75, Trucks Night 65
(http://www.ghsa.org/html/stateinfo/laws/speedlimit_laws.html)

These speed limits apply unless a different limit is posted.

Speed limits are presumed. (Driving faster than the speed limit is only evidence of unreasonable speed--you can still argue that your speed was safe under the specific conditions.)

Speed Limits Enforcement Techniques
Enforced through use of:
Pacing: Yes
Radar: Yes
Vascar: No
Automated Speed Enforcement: Yes
Aircraft: No
Laser: Yes

Ticket Payment Methods
Consult your ticket or clerk of courts

Trial By Declaration Allowed
No

Jury Trial Allowed
Speeding: Yes
Parking: Yes
Equipment: Yes
DWI: Yes

Member of Nonresident Compact
Yes

Member of Driver License Compact
Yes

When and Where to File Accident Reports
Accidents involving death, personal injury, or property damage exceeding $500 must be reported immediately to the local authorities and other accidents require a written report within 10 days to Statistical Services, Texas Department of Public Safety, P.O. Box 4087, Austin, TX 78773.

Resident Insurance Requirements
Liability insurance is required (although some states allow posting a cash bond or such as an alternative)
Minimum Coverage Required:
Injury to one person: $25,000
All injuries: $50,000
Property Damage: $25,000

Phone Restrictions
Novice Drivers: All cell phone use, including text-messaging, prohibited for intermediate stage permit holders, first twelve months, using primary enforcement
School Bus Drivers: All cell phone use, including text-messaging, prohibited with passenger age 17 or younger, using primary enforcement
All Drivers: Hand-held cell phone use and text-messaging prohibited in school zones
(http://www.ghsa.org/html/stateinfo/laws/cellphone_laws.html)

Other Regulations

• The BAC level is .08%.
• Texas has an administrative license suspension law and an implied consent law. The breathalyzer refusal penalty is a 90-day driver's license suspension.
• Studded tires (only those that will not damage the highway and made of rubber) are permitted.
• Tire chains are not required.
• Texas has a seat belt law with primary enforcement for all front seat occupants.
• Texas has a mandatory child restraint law for passengers under 5 years of age. Children under age 2 must use approved car safety seats.

General Information
Telephone: 512/424-2000 (Department Of Public Safety)
Emergency Cellular Phone Number: *DPS or 911