Question 1
You are following a dump truck filled with gravel. The sides and tailgate are secure, but small rocks are blowing from the top of the pile. What is this driver legally required to do?
- A. Drive at a lower speed to reduce the amount of blowing material.
- B. Only fill the truck to 75% capacity.
- C. Firmly secure a cover, like a tarpaulin, over the top of the load. ✓ Answer
- D. Display a "Caution: Falling Debris" sign on the back of the truck.
Explanation: According to Texas law, the top of a load of loose material must be covered with a canvas, tarpaulin, or other covering that is firmly secured to prevent the load from blowing or spilling.
Question 2
You are preparing to haul a load of loose dirt in your pickup truck. Before you even consider covering the load, what does Texas law require regarding the truck bed itself?
- A. The truck bed must be completely enclosed on the front, sides, and rear. ✓ Answer
- B. The truck bed must have at least two high side panels.
- C. The tailgate may be removed if the load is under 500 pounds.
- D. The floor of the truck bed must be lined with a waterproof material.
Explanation: Texas law requires that a vehicle bed carrying loose material must be completely enclosed on the sides, front, and rear by a tailgate or panel to prevent the cargo from falling out.
Question 3
You are connecting a small utility trailer to your light truck to haul some equipment on a Texas highway. In addition to the main hitch connection, what is legally required as a safety precaution?
- A. A special towing permit from the Texas DPS.
- B. A secondary braking system for the trailer.
- C. A "VEHICLE IN TOW" sign on the back of the trailer.
- D. Safety chains attached from the trailer to the towing vehicle. ✓ Answer
Explanation: In Texas, when a passenger car or light truck is towing a trailer on a public highway, it is mandatory to have safety chains attached from the trailer to the towing vehicle.
Question 4
You are driving behind a truck that is towing a car using a chain. To ensure the connection is clearly visible to other drivers, what does Texas law require to be attached to the chain?
- A. A red flag, at least 10 inches square.
- B. An orange reflective triangle.
- C. A white flag, not less than 12 inches square. ✓ Answer
- D. Flashing amber lights on the towed vehicle.
Explanation: Texas law requires that a white flag, not less than 12 inches square, must be attached to the connection between two vehicles being towed to ensure it is visible.
Question 5
You are helping a friend whose car has broken down on a Texas road. If you use a tow rope to connect your vehicles, what is the maximum legal length for that rope?
- A. 15 feet ✓ Answer
- B. 10 feet
- C. 20 feet
- D. 25 feet
Explanation: Under Texas law, the drawbar, chain, rope, or cable used to tow another vehicle must not be longer than 15 feet from one vehicle to the other.
Question 6
If a person attempts to flee from a law enforcement officer, how does the use of a vehicle during the offense affect the legal consequences in Texas?
- A. The penalties for the offense become more severe. ✓ Answer
- B. The penalties remain exactly the same as fleeing on foot.
- C. The offense is reduced to a simple traffic ticket.
- D. The driver is only charged with reckless driving instead of evading.
Explanation: According to Texas law, you will be subject to higher penalties if you use a vehicle while evading arrest. This action increases the danger to the public and is therefore treated as a more serious crime.