Traffic Laws In Texas: Commercial Vehicles Only?

Traffic laws in Texas apply to all vehicles, including commercial and non-commercial vehicles. However, there are some laws that are specific to commercial vehicles.

In Texas, a commercial vehicle is defined as a vehicle that is used primarily for transporting goods or passengers and meets at least one of the following criteria:

- It has a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 pounds or more.

- It includes a towed unit with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) exceeding 10,000 pounds.

- It is a vehicle other than a motorcycle used for the transportation of property or delivery purposes.

- It is a self-propelled or towed vehicle used to transport passengers or cargo on a public highway.

- It is a vehicle used to transport more than 15 passengers, including the driver.

- It is a vehicle used to transport hazardous materials.

Commercial vehicles in Texas are subject to various regulations, including weight, equipment, identifying markings, and the transportation of hazardous materials. Commercial vehicle operators are required to understand these regulations and their rights in the event of a violation.

Commercial motor vehicle drivers in Texas must obtain a commercial driver's license (CDL) and meet specific requirements, including being a Texas resident, satisfying medical requirements, and having no drug or alcohol addiction. The minimum age requirement for commercial motor vehicle drivers who travel only within Texas is 18 years old.

In addition to state laws, commercial vehicles in Texas must also comply with federal regulations, such as restricting the hours a commercial motor vehicle driver can work. A breach of these laws can result in liability, and commercial vehicle accidents are typically based on the doctrine of negligence.

Lane markings

• Yellow lines: These separate traffic going in opposite directions. If you're to the left of a yellow line and you're not passing someone, you should move to the right as soon as possible to avoid a potential head-on collision.
• Solid double yellow lines: Two yellow lines separated by a small gap indicate a no-passing zone. Even if you think you can see far enough ahead, there may be hazards that make it unsafe to pass. However, you are allowed to turn left across a double yellow line, except when there are two sets of double yellow lines, in which case, you may not cross at all.
• Single solid yellow line: This marks the left edge of a divided highway or separates the left shoulder from the through lane.
• Solid yellow line on your side and broken yellow line on the other: You are not allowed to pass if there is a solid yellow line on your side. Traffic on the other side with the broken line is permitted to pass.
• Broken yellow line: Passing is allowed in both directions when there is a single broken (dashed) yellow line.
• Broken double yellow lines: This marking indicates reversible lanes, where the direction of traffic can change periodically. Pay attention to lane control signs or signals.
• White lines: These separate traffic going in the same direction.
• Double white lines: Parallel white lines indicate that changing lanes or turning across the lines is prohibited, as it may disrupt the flow of traffic or be dangerous.
• Single solid white line: This discourages lane changes but does not prohibit them. You can cross it if necessary, but it is recommended to avoid doing so.
• Broken white line: A broken (dashed) white line indicates that you can change lanes when it is safe.
• Short broken white line: This marks a lane that will soon become an exit or turn-only lane. Short broken lines may also be used to mark lanes through an intersection (sometimes called "puppy tracks").

Right-of-way at intersections

Texas Transportation Code Chapter 545, Subchapter D contains Texas's right-of-way laws for vehicular traffic. Here are some of the key rules to be aware of:

• Stop and Yield Signs: Drivers must stop, yield, and allow others to use the intersection when complying with a traffic-control device, such as a stop or yield sign. If a traffic signal is present but not displaying any indication, drivers are still required to stop.
• Uncontrolled Intersections: When approaching an intersection that is not controlled by a traffic-control device, drivers must yield to vehicles that have already entered the intersection from their right. After stopping, drivers can proceed when it is safe to do so.
• Turning Left: Drivers turning left at an intersection or into an alley, private road, or driveway must yield the right-of-way to vehicles approaching from the opposite direction.
• T-Intersections: Drivers approaching an intersection that is not controlled by a traffic-control device from a roadway that terminates at the intersection must stop and allow traffic on the through street to pass.
• Private Roads: Drivers about to enter or cross a highway from an alley, private road, or driveway must yield to vehicles on the main roadway.
• Unpaved Streets: Drivers on an unpaved roadway who are approaching an intersection with a paved roadway must stop and yield to vehicles on the paved roadway.

In addition to these laws, it's important to remember that right-of-way laws are in place to protect motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians, and to help traffic flow as smoothly and safely as possible. Even if you have the right-of-way, always exercise caution and be prepared to yield if necessary to avoid a collision.

School bus laws

School buses in Texas are governed by a set of laws and regulations to ensure the safety of students. Here are some key points regarding school bus laws in Texas:

Safety Standards and Regulations:

The Texas Department of Public Safety, in collaboration with the Texas Education Agency, establishes safety standards for school buses used to transport students. School districts are required to meet or exceed these safety standards. This includes ensuring proper maintenance, functioning lights and signals, and regular inspections.

Transportation of Students:

School buses are primarily used for transporting students to and from schools. On routes with 10 or more students, school buses or mass transit authority motor buses must be used. For routes with fewer than 10 students, passenger cars may be used. When transporting 15 or more students for school activities, only school buses or motor buses are permitted. For fewer than 15 students, passenger cars or vans can be utilised.

Passenger Safety:

School districts are prohibited from allowing children to stand on a moving school bus or passenger van. Additionally, when passenger cars or vans are used, operators must ensure that the number of passengers does not exceed the vehicle's designed capacity, and that all passengers are secured by safety belts. School districts are also responsible for establishing disciplinary policies to enforce the use of seat belts by students.

Driver Qualifications and Training:

School bus drivers are required to be certified and meet specific standards and qualifications set by the Department of Public Safety. This includes obtaining a commercial driver's license and undergoing training in safe driving practices, student management, and emergency procedures.

Sharing the Road with School Buses:

Motorists sharing the road with school buses have a responsibility to drive safely. This includes following at a safe distance, being alert for children around buses, and always stopping for flashing red lights or a stop sign on a school bus. Violations of these rules can result in fines of up to $1,250 for a first offense.

Reporting and Accountability:

School districts are required to report annually to the Texas Education Agency the number of collisions involving their buses. This report includes details such as the type of bus involved, the number of students and adults involved, the types of injuries sustained, and whether seat belts were worn.

Emergency vehicle laws

Traffic laws in Texas apply to all vehicles, but commercial vehicles are subject to additional regulations. Commercial vehicles are those used for business purposes and owned by businesses rather than individuals. They include semi-trucks, garbage trucks, and buses.

Now, here is an overview of emergency vehicle laws in Texas:

In Texas, emergency vehicles are granted certain privileges to facilitate their operations in urgent situations. These laws are outlined in the Texas Transportation Code, Chapter 546, which details the permissible conduct of authorized emergency vehicles. Here are the key provisions:

• Parking and Standing: Operators of authorized emergency vehicles are permitted to park or stand regardless of other parking regulations.
• Proceeding Past Stop Signals: Emergency vehicles may proceed past red lights or stop signs after slowing down as necessary to ensure safe operation.
• Exceeding Speed Limits: Operators can exceed the maximum speed limit as long as they do not endanger life or property. However, they must adhere to specific ordinances, such as Section 545.365.
• Disregarding Direction Regulations: Emergency vehicles are allowed to disregard regulations governing the direction of movement or turning, allowing them to deviate from typical traffic patterns when necessary.
• Use of Audible or Visual Signals: Operators of authorized emergency vehicles are typically required to use audible or visual signals when engaging in permitted conduct. This includes sirens, flashing lights, or other signals to alert other motorists.
• Police Escorts: The laws specify when a police escort is authorized, such as facilitating the movement of a funeral, an oversized or hazardous load, or addressing other traffic disruptions for public safety purposes.
• Duty of Care: Despite the special privileges, operators of emergency vehicles are not relieved of their duty to exercise appropriate regard for the safety of all persons. They can still be held liable for reckless disregard for the safety of others.
• Designated Emergency Vehicles During Disasters: The Texas Department of Emergency Management designates certain vehicles as authorized emergency vehicles during declared disasters, allowing them to operate as such in response to specific situations.
• Firefighter Road Closure Authority: Firefighters are authorized to close one or more lanes of a road or highway to protect people and property while performing their official duties.

These laws provide emergency vehicles with the necessary flexibility to respond to urgent situations effectively while still emphasizing the importance of safety for all road users.

Parking laws

Texas is known for its lenient driving and parking laws, but it's important to follow the rules to avoid getting into trouble. Here are some key parking laws that all Texas drivers should know:

Disabled Parking Spaces

The laws regarding disabled parking spaces have been amended to cater to the needs of those with disabilities. Reserved parking spaces should be appropriately marked, and only vehicles displaying a valid disabled parking permit should use these spaces. Modifying or using someone else's disabled parking permit is prohibited and can lead to severe penalties and criminal charges. Violating the law by parking in a disabled parking space without a valid permit can result in a fine of up to $1,000.

Prohibited Parking Zones

Texas parking laws prohibit parking in specific zones, such as:

• Bus Stops: Parking in a zone reserved for public transportation is illegal and can lead to a fine of $200 or more.
• Fire Lanes: Parking in a fire lane is dangerous and illegal. Law enforcement officers can tow the vehicle immediately without prior notice.
• Red Zone: Parking in a "No Parking Zone" is illegal in Texas.

Parking on Sidewalks, Crosswalks, and Bicycle Paths

Parking on sidewalks, crosswalks, and bicycle paths is prohibited in Texas. This violation can lead to a fine of up to $60 or more, depending on the severity of the offense. Parking on a sidewalk can impede the movement of pedestrians and wheelchair users, creating a safety hazard.

Parking on Private Property

In Texas, you must have the property owner's consent before parking on private property. This law gives property owners control over who parks on their land. However, some property owners do allow public parking in their lots, provided that drivers follow specific guidelines.

Off-Street Parking Regulations

The off-street parking regulations ensure that businesses provide adequate parking spaces for their clients. New commercial developments are required to have a parking ratio of one parking space per 300 square feet.

Distracted Driving Laws

Texas has passed laws prohibiting the use of electronic devices while driving, including GPS and texting. These laws aim to promote safe driving and reduce accidents caused by distracted driving.

Moving Violation Regulations

Texas parking laws include increased penalties for moving violations. For example, the fine for parking in a handicap parking spot has been raised from $500 to $1,000, and the penalty for parking in a fire lane has increased from $50 to $200.

Parking for Electric Vehicles

Commercial property owners are now allowed to reserve spaces for electric vehicle charging stations. This law encourages the use of electric vehicles and supports the development of clean energy.

Autonomous Vehicles Regulations

Texas parking laws have been updated to accommodate the testing and use of self-driving vehicles, with specific regulations in place to ensure the safety of all road users.

Consequences of Violating Texas Parking Laws

Violating Texas parking laws can result in various consequences, including hefty fines, parking boots, or towing of the vehicle. In some cases, violations can even lead to criminal penalties, including imprisonment. Therefore, it is essential to follow the parking rules and regulations to avoid legal troubles and ensure the safety and convenience of all road users.

Frequently asked questions