Speed and Speed Limits +5Texas · Driving · English

This covers the default speed limits in Texas that apply when no speed limit sign is posted. These are legally defined as 'prima facie' limits, meaning they are the accepted speed unless conditions warrant a slower speed. Memorizing these specific numbers is critical for the knowledge test, as questions frequently test these default situations.

• ✓The maximum speed limit in an urban district is 30 mph unless otherwise posted.
• ✓The maximum speed limit in an alley is 15 mph.
• ✓The maximum speed limit on a public beach is 15 mph.
• ✓On a U.S. or Texas numbered highway outside an urban district, the default speed limit for a passenger car is 70 mph.

This law mandates specific actions for drivers approaching stationary emergency vehicles, law enforcement, tow trucks, or TxDOT vehicles that have their lights activated. The test will expect you to know both required actions (moving over or slowing down) and when to apply them. This is a major safety law and a frequent topic on the exam.

• ✓On a roadway with multiple lanes traveling in the same direction, you must vacate the lane closest to the stationary emergency or service vehicle if it is safe to do so.
• ✓If you are unable to change lanes, or if you are on a road without multiple lanes in the same direction, you must reduce your speed to 20 mph below the posted speed limit.

Maintaining a safe cushion of space behind the vehicle in front of you is essential for having enough time to react and stop. The Texas handbook specifies time-based rules for following distance that change with speed. You should know the minimum times for different speeds and that these times must be increased in poor conditions.

• ✓At speeds of 30 mph or less, you must maintain a minimum following distance of 2 seconds in good conditions.
• ✓At speeds above 30 mph, you must maintain a minimum following distance of 4 seconds in good conditions.
• ✓A four-second following interval is the recommended best practice for any beginning or less experienced driver, regardless of speed.

The exam tests the understanding that higher speeds have dangerous physical consequences. As speed increases, your peripheral vision narrows significantly, and your vehicle's total stopping distance increases exponentially. You may be asked about the relationship between speed and vision or the components of stopping distance.

• ✓As speed increases, your field of vision is reduced. At 60 mph, your field of vision is only about one-fifth of what it is when you are stationary.
• ✓You must always be able to stop within the distance you can see ahead. At night or in bad weather, do not 'over-drive' your headlights or range of vision.
• ✓Total stopping distance is the sum of reaction distance and braking distance, both of which increase dramatically with higher speeds.

The Texas knowledge test includes questions about the specific consequences of illegal driving behaviors. Street racing, which includes drag racing and speed competitions on public roads, is a serious offense with severe penalties. You should be aware of what constitutes street racing and the range of criminal charges.

• ✓It is illegal to participate in a race, a vehicle speed competition, a drag race, or an exhibition of speed on a public road.
• ✓A conviction for illegal street racing is a criminal offense that can range from a Class B misdemeanor to a second-degree felony.

In Texas, specific rules dictate when you must use your headlights and when you must switch to low beams. Headlights are required from 30 minutes after sunset until 30 minutes before sunrise, and any time visibility is less than 1,000 feet. You must dim your headlights to low beams when approaching or following other vehicles at specific distances to avoid blinding other drivers.

• ✓You must use your headlights from 30 minutes after sunset until 30 minutes before sunrise.
• ✓Headlights must be used anytime visibility is less than 1,000 feet.
• ✓Use low beam headlights when you are within 500 feet of an approaching vehicle.
• ✓Use low beam headlights when you are following within 300 feet of another vehicle.

Properly entering a highway or freeway is a critical maneuver. Drivers on the entrance ramp (speed change lane) must yield the right-of-way to traffic already on the main highway. You should use the ramp to accelerate to the speed of traffic, signal your intent to merge, and find a safe gap before moving into the flow of traffic.

• ✓You must yield the right-of-way to all vehicles already traveling on the main highway.
• ✓Use the speed change lane (entrance ramp) to increase your speed to match the flow of highway traffic before merging.
• ✓Signal your intention to merge and ensure the way is clear before entering the highway.

Maintaining a safe following distance is crucial for having enough time to react to sudden stops. The Texas Driver Handbook recommends a time-based rule. In ideal conditions, you should maintain at least a two-second gap between your vehicle and the one in front of you. This distance must be increased in adverse weather conditions.

• ✓In normal, clear weather, you must maintain a following distance of at least two seconds.
• ✓In bad weather, such as rain or fog, you must increase your following distance to at least four seconds.

Modern roundabouts are circular intersections where traffic flows counter-clockwise around a central island. Drivers approaching a roundabout must yield to traffic already inside the circle. It is critical to know the proper procedure for entering, navigating, and exiting, as well as how to handle emergency vehicles.

• ✓You must yield to all traffic, including bicyclists, that is already in the roundabout.
• ✓Traffic in a roundabout always travels in a counter-clockwise direction.
• ✓If an emergency vehicle approaches, do not stop inside the roundabout; exit the roundabout first and then pull over.

Large trucks have significant blind spots, longer stopping distances, and make wide turns. A key rule is that if you cannot see the truck driver in their side mirror, they cannot see you. Drivers should avoid lingering in a truck's 'No-Zones' (blind spots) and never pass a truck on the right that may be preparing for a right turn.

• ✓Never pass a truck on the right if there is a possibility it is making a right turn, as they swing wide.
• ✓If you cannot see the truck driver in their side-view mirror, you are in their blind spot and they cannot see you.
• ✓When passing a truck, wait until you can see the entire front of the truck in your rearview mirror before pulling back into the lane.

Motorcycles are entitled to a full lane and can be difficult to see. Drivers must be extra vigilant, especially at intersections, as making a left turn in front of an oncoming motorcycle is a common cause of crashes. Always allow a greater following distance behind a motorcycle.

• ✓You must allow a motorcyclist the use of a full lane; do not share a lane with a motorcycle.
• ✓When following a motorcycle, you should maintain a following distance of at least four to six seconds.
• ✓The most common cause of car-motorcycle collisions is a car turning left in front of an oncoming motorcycle.

Long-distance driving can lead to a dangerous state of drowsiness or inattention known as highway hypnosis. To combat this, the Texas Driver Handbook provides specific recommendations for taking breaks and limiting daily driving time to maintain alertness and safety.

• ✓To prevent fatigue, you should stop for a break at least every two hours or every 100 miles.
• ✓It is recommended that you do not drive for more than eight hours in a single day.

Knowing how to react when your vehicle skids or your brakes fail is a critical safety skill. In a skid, you should not brake hard. Instead, take your foot off the accelerator and steer in the direction of the skid. If your brakes fail, you should pump the brake pedal, use the parking brake cautiously, and shift to a lower gear.

• ✓If your vehicle begins to skid, take your foot off the accelerator and turn the steering wheel in the direction the rear of the car is skidding.
• ✓If your brakes fail, you should shift to a lower gear and apply the parking brake cautiously to avoid locking the wheels.

Driving into floodwater is extremely dangerous as it can cause loss of control and sweep a vehicle away. The Texas handbook provides specific details on the depth of water that can affect different vehicles. The primary rule is to avoid driving through standing or moving water.

• ✓As little as six inches of water can cause you to lose control of your vehicle.
• ✓Twelve inches (one foot) of water is enough to float many cars.
• ✓If your vehicle stalls in floodwater, you should abandon it immediately and move to higher ground.

If your vehicle's wheels drift off the paved road surface, it is important to react correctly to avoid losing control or swerving into traffic. A sudden, hard application of the brakes or a sharp turn of the steering wheel can cause a serious crash. The correct procedure is to slow down gradually before attempting to return to the pavement.

• ✓If you run off the pavement, do not brake hard or suddenly.
• ✓Grip the steering wheel tightly, take your foot off the gas, and brake carefully.
• ✓Wait until your speed is reduced and check for traffic before carefully steering back onto the pavement.

In Texas, the definition of legal intoxication is based on Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC). For adult drivers aged 21 and over, the legal limit is 0.08%. However, Texas enforces a strict 'Zero Tolerance' policy for drivers under the age of 21. This means any detectable amount of alcohol in a minor's system while they are operating a motor vehicle is a criminal offense.

• ✓For a person aged 21 or over, a BAC of 0.08% or more is considered legally intoxicated.
• ✓For minors under the age of 21, Texas has a 'Zero Tolerance' law, making it illegal to drive with any detectable amount of alcohol in their system.

Texas law uses specific terms for alcohol-related driving offenses. 'Driving While Intoxicated' (DWI) is the offense for an adult (21+) operating a vehicle with a BAC of 0.08% or higher, or who has lost the normal use of their mental or physical faculties due to alcohol or drugs. 'Driving Under the Influence' (DUI) is the specific offense for a minor (under 21) who operates a vehicle with any detectable amount of alcohol in their system.

• ✓The primary alcohol-related driving offense for adults (21 and over) is Driving While Intoxicated (DWI).
• ✓The offense for a minor (under 21) driving with any detectable amount of alcohol is Driving Under the Influence (DUI).

An adult (age 21 or over) convicted of Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) for the first time faces severe penalties. These include a significant fine, mandatory jail time, and a lengthy driver license suspension. These penalties are designed to deter drunk driving.

• ✓A first DWI offense for an adult is punishable by a fine of up to $2,000.
• ✓A first DWI conviction includes confinement in jail for a minimum of 72 hours up to 180 days and a driver license suspension of 90 to 365 days.

Under the Zero Tolerance law, a minor (under 21) convicted of Driving Under the Influence (DUI) for the first time faces specific penalties. This is a Class C misdemeanor and includes fines, community service, and mandatory participation in an alcohol awareness course.

• ✓A first-offense DUI by a minor is a Class C misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $500.
• ✓Penalties for a first-time minor DUI also include 20 to 40 hours of community service and mandatory attendance at an alcohol awareness course.

By operating a motor vehicle in Texas, you have automatically given consent to have a breath or blood specimen taken to determine your BAC if you are arrested for a DWI or DUI. Refusing to submit to this test results in an automatic and immediate driver license suspension, regardless of whether you are ultimately convicted of DWI/DUI.

• ✓Refusal by an adult to provide a blood or breath specimen for a first offense results in a 180-day driver license suspension.
• ✓Refusal by a minor to provide a blood or breath specimen for a first offense results in a 180-day driver license suspension.

It is illegal in Texas to knowingly possess an open container of an alcoholic beverage in the passenger area of a motor vehicle that is located on a public highway. This law applies whether the vehicle is being operated, stopped, or parked.

• ✓Possessing an open container of alcohol in a vehicle's passenger area is illegal on a public highway.
• ✓A conviction for an open container violation is a Class C misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed $500.

The penalties for DWI are significantly increased if the driver has a passenger under the age of 15 in the vehicle. This offense is elevated to a state jail felony, reflecting the increased danger posed to the child.

• ✓Driving While Intoxicated with a passenger under 15 years old is a state jail felony.
• ✓Penalties include a fine up to $10,000, confinement in a state jail for 180 days to 2 years, and a driver license suspension.

Texas law holds individuals accountable for providing alcohol to minors. Any person who purchases, furnishes, or sells an alcoholic beverage to a minor (under 21) can face serious criminal charges.

• ✓A person who purchases for or furnishes an alcoholic beverage to a minor can be fined up to $4,000.
• ✓In addition to the fine, a person who provides alcohol to a minor can be confined in jail for up to one year.

It is a dangerous myth that drinking coffee, taking a cold shower, or exercising can make a person sober. These methods do not reduce a person's BAC. The only factor that can lower BAC and restore sobriety is time, as the body needs time to metabolize the alcohol.

• ✓Only time can make a person sober; methods like drinking black coffee or taking a cold shower are ineffective.
• ✓It takes the body approximately one hour to rid itself of the alcohol from one standard drink (e.g., one 12 oz beer, one 5 oz glass of wine).

Any drug, including prescription, over-the-counter, and illegal substances, can impair the skills necessary for safe driving. Alcohol is a depressant that affects coordination, judgment, perception, and reaction time. Mixing drugs, or mixing drugs with alcohol, can have a cumulative and unpredictable effect, making driving extremely dangerous.

• ✓One of the first abilities lost when a person drinks alcohol or uses drugs is judgment.
• ✓Mixing alcohol with other drugs, such as tranquilizers or sedatives, can dramatically increase their depressant effects and is highly hazardous.

Certain crash scenarios legally require you to notify the appropriate law enforcement agency as soon as possible. These situations are typically more severe and require an official response. Failing to report these incidents can lead to serious legal consequences.

• ✓You must immediately notify law enforcement if a crash results in any injury or fatality.
• ✓You must also notify law enforcement if a driver leaves the scene of the crash or if you suspect another driver is intoxicated.

Leaving the scene of a crash involving injury or death is a felony offense in Texas, known as Failure to Stop and Render Aid. The penalties are severe and depend on the severity of the injury sustained by the victim. The law requires you to stop, provide information, and offer reasonable assistance to anyone injured.

• ✓Leaving the scene of a crash that results in a person's death is a second-degree felony, punishable by 2 to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.
• ✓Leaving the scene of a crash that results in a person's serious bodily injury is a third-degree felony, punishable by 2 to 10 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

If you are involved in a crash that results only in damage to a vehicle or other property (such as a fence or mailbox), it is illegal to leave the scene without providing your information. The offense is a misdemeanor, with the penalty determined by the amount of damage caused.

• ✓If you leave the scene of a crash where property damage is $200 or more, it is a Class B misdemeanor punishable by a fine up to $2,000 and/or up to 180 days in jail.
• ✓If the property damage is less than $200, leaving the scene is a Class C misdemeanor punishable by a fine up to $500.

After being involved in any motor vehicle crash, Texas law requires you to stop and exchange essential information with all other drivers. This includes your name, address, phone number, driver license information, vehicle registration number, and motor vehicle liability insurance information. It is crucial to record the insurance company name and policy number exactly as it appears on the insurance card.

• ✓You must always stop and exchange information, including name, address, driver license number, and insurance details, with other drivers involved in a crash.
• ✓If you are involved in a crash, you must show your driver license to the other operator if they request to see it.

In Texas, if you are in a crash that is not investigated by a law enforcement officer, you may be required to file a written report yourself. This report must be submitted to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) on a specific form within a set timeframe.

• ✓A written crash report must be filed if the crash was not investigated by law enforcement and resulted in property damage of $1,000 or more.
• ✓The report must be filed with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) no later than the 10th day after the date of the crash.

If you collide with and damage a vehicle that is parked and unattended, you are still legally obligated to take action. You cannot simply drive away. The law provides two options for fulfilling your responsibility in this situation.

• ✓After hitting an unattended vehicle, you must immediately stop and either locate the owner to provide your name and address.
• ✓If the owner cannot be found, you must securely attach a written notice to the vehicle in a visible place, providing your name, address, and a statement of the circumstances.

To prevent further danger and traffic obstruction, Texas law requires drivers to move their vehicles after a minor crash under certain conditions. This is often referred to as a 'Move It' or 'Steer It, Clear It' law.

• ✓If a crash occurs on a main lane, ramp, or shoulder and each vehicle can be normally and safely driven, drivers must move their vehicles out of the travel lanes.
• ✓Vehicles should be moved to a designated crash investigation site, frontage road, or other suitable location that does not obstruct traffic.

In Texas, the right-of-way between vehicles and pedestrians depends on where the pedestrian is crossing. While drivers must always exercise caution, pedestrians have specific responsibilities. A pedestrian must yield the right-of-way to all vehicles if they cross the street at any point other than a marked or unmarked crosswalk at an intersection. This practice, often called 'jaywalking,' is dangerous and illegal. Similarly, if a designated pedestrian tunnel or overhead crossing is provided, a pedestrian must use it and yield to traffic if they choose to cross at street level instead.

• ✓If you cross a street at any point other than within a crosswalk at an intersection, you (the pedestrian) must yield the right-of-way to all vehicles.
• ✓If a pedestrian tunnel or overhead crossing is provided, a pedestrian crossing the street at road level must yield the right-of-way to all vehicles.
• ✓Pedestrians should not cross the street between two intersections.

Drivers must show extreme caution for pedestrians who are blind, partially blind, or disabled. These individuals are often identified by carrying a white cane or being guided by an assistance animal. A driver must take all necessary precautions to avoid injuring such a pedestrian. If the only way to avoid injury or danger is to stop, the driver must bring their vehicle to a full stop. Drivers should be especially alert for these pedestrians near bus stops, intersections, and schools for the blind.

• ✓A driver shall bring the vehicle to a full stop if injury or danger to a pedestrian with a white cane can only be avoided by that action.
• ✓A driver must take all necessary precautions to avoid injuring or endangering a pedestrian guided by an assistance animal or carrying a white cane.
• ✓Only blind, partially blind, or disabled individuals are legally permitted to carry a white cane on any public street or highway.

As a motorist, you have a fundamental responsibility to be vigilant and protect pedestrians. Whenever you see a pedestrian crossing or attempting to cross the street, you must slow down, be prepared to stop, and use your horn if necessary to alert them of your approach. This duty applies even if the pedestrian is not in a crosswalk. You must always be prepared for unexpected actions, such as a person suddenly running into the street.

• ✓If you see a pedestrian crossing or attempting to cross the street, you must slow down and be prepared to stop.
• ✓A driver should use their horn if necessary to alert a pedestrian to their vehicle's presence.
• ✓Do not assume a pedestrian sees you; always be ready to yield or stop.

Drivers must be aware of the rules pedestrians follow when no sidewalks are available, as this helps anticipate their location on the road. In Texas, if there are no sidewalks, pedestrians are instructed to walk on the left side of the road, facing oncoming traffic. This makes them more visible to drivers. They are also instructed to step off the pavement when a vehicle approaches.

• ✓If there are no sidewalks, a pedestrian should walk on the left side of the road.
• ✓Pedestrians walking on the road should face oncoming traffic.
• ✓Drivers should expect to see pedestrians on the left side of the road in areas without sidewalks.

A critical aspect of defensive driving is anticipating that pedestrians may not follow traffic rules. Pedestrians, especially children, can be unpredictable and may suddenly walk or run into the street directly in the path of a vehicle. Such an action may make it impossible for a driver to yield or stop in time. Therefore, drivers must be exceptionally cautious in residential areas, school zones, and near parks.

• ✓A driver must be alert for pedestrians who may suddenly walk or run into the street.
• ✓Sudden actions by a pedestrian may make it impossible for a vehicle operator to yield.
• ✓Be extra careful when pedestrians are getting off a streetcar or bus, as they may cross in front of the vehicle.

For safety and traffic flow, Texas law prohibits individuals from standing in the road to conduct business. It is illegal for any person to stand in a roadway for the purpose of soliciting a ride (hitchhiking), contributions, or business. There is a specific exception for charitable contributions, which may be allowed if the person has been authorized to do so by the local authority that has jurisdiction over that road.

• ✓No person may stand in the road for the purpose of soliciting a ride, contributions, or business.
• ✓A person may stand in a road to solicit a charitable contribution only if authorized by the local authority.

Alcohol impairs judgment and coordination for both drivers and pedestrians. In Texas, it is illegal for a pedestrian to walk on a road while under the influence of or consuming an alcoholic beverage. Drivers should be aware that alcohol is a significant contributing factor in pedestrian traffic crashes and should exercise increased caution in areas where intoxicated pedestrians are likely, such as entertainment districts.

• ✓A pedestrian must not walk on a road when under the influence of alcohol.
• ✓A pedestrian is not permitted to consume an alcoholic beverage while on a roadway.
• ✓Drivers should recognize that alcohol is a major contributing factor to pedestrian traffic crashes.

Texas law mandates the use of safety belts for the driver and all passengers in a vehicle. Specific rules apply to children based on age and height, with significant fines for non-compliance. The driver is responsible for ensuring passengers under 17 are properly secured.

• ✓The fine for a driver who has a passenger under 17 years old riding without a safety belt is $100 to $200.
• ✓Any child under 8 years old must be secured in a child passenger safety seat system unless they are taller than 4 feet 9 inches.
• ✓The fine for a driver or a passenger who is at least 15 years old riding without a safety belt is $25 to $50.
• ✓Your chances of being killed in a crash are five times greater if you are thrown from your car.

Intentionally fleeing from a law enforcement officer who is attempting to lawfully arrest or detain you is a serious offense in Texas. Using a vehicle to evade arrest results in higher penalties, especially if it causes injury to another person.

• ✓A person commits an offense if they intentionally flee from a person they know is a peace officer attempting to lawfully arrest or detain them.
• ✓You will be subject to higher penalties if you use a vehicle while evading arrest or cause injury to another person.

In Texas, it is illegal to operate an open bed truck or trailer with a child under the age of 18 occupying the bed. The driver is responsible and will be fined for violations. There are specific exceptions to this rule, such as for parades, on a beach, or for transporting farm-workers on certain roads.

• ✓It is an offense for a person younger than 18 years of age to occupy the bed of an open truck or trailer.
• ✓The fine assessed to the driver for a child under 18 riding in an open-bed pickup truck is $25 to $200.
• ✓An exception to the open bed restriction rule is when operating the vehicle on a beach.

When stopped by law enforcement in Texas, drivers have specific obligations. State law requires you to stop immediately for an emergency vehicle. During the stop, you must remain in your vehicle, keep your hands visible, and provide your driver license upon request. Failure to comply can lead to serious charges.

• ✓State law requires a driver to immediately stop when approached by an authorized emergency vehicle.
• ✓When stopped, you should remain in the car and keep both hands clearly in sight on top of the steering wheel until the officer provides instructions.
• ✓Drivers are required by law to display a driver license when requested by a law enforcement officer.
• ✓Giving a false or fictitious name to a law enforcement officer who has lawfully detained you is a criminal offense.

When one vehicle tows another in Texas, there are specific rules for the connection between them to ensure safety. The length of the connection is limited, a warning flag is required, and safety chains are mandatory for most trailers.

• ✓The drawbar, chain, rope, or cable used for towing must not be longer than 15 feet from one vehicle to another.
• ✓A white flag, not less than 12 inches square, must be attached to the connection between the two vehicles.
• ✓A passenger car or light truck towing a trailer on a public highway must have safety chains attached from the trailer to the towing vehicle.

To prevent hazards from falling cargo, Texas law requires that any loose material capable of blowing or spilling, such as sand or gravel, must be properly contained. This involves enclosing the load and using a secure cover.

• ✓A vehicle bed carrying loose material must be completely enclosed on the sides, front, and rear by a tailgate or panel.
• ✓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.