reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle C - Rules of the Road › Chapter 541 - Definitions › Subchapter A. Persons and Governmental Authorities › Section 541.001. Persons

Sec. 541.001.  PERSONS.  In this subtitle:
(1)  "Escort flagger" has the meaning assigned by Section 623.008.
(1-a)  "Operator" means, as used in reference to a vehicle, a person who drives or has physical control of a vehicle.
(2)  "Owner" means, as used in reference to a vehicle, a person who has a property interest in or title to a vehicle.  The term:
(A)  includes a person entitled to use and possess a vehicle subject to a security interest;  and
(B)  excludes a lienholder and a lessee whose lease is not intended as security.
(3)  "Pedestrian" means a person on foot.
(4)  "Person" means an individual, firm, partnership, association, or corporation.
(5)  "School crossing guard" means a responsible person who is at least 18 years of age and is designated by a local authority to direct traffic in a school crossing zone for the protection of children going to or leaving a school.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.  Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 30.103, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
Amended by:
Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1129 (H.B. 2620), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2019.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle C - Rules of the Road › Chapter 541 - Definitions › Subchapter A. Persons and Governmental Authorities › Section 541.002. Governmental Authorities

Sec. 541.002.  GOVERNMENTAL AUTHORITIES.  In this subtitle:
(1)  "Department" means the Department of Public Safety acting directly or through its authorized officers and agents.
(2)  "Director" means the public safety director.
(3)  "Local authority" means:
(A)  a county, municipality, or other local entity authorized to enact traffic laws under the laws of this state;  or
(B)  a school district created under the laws of this state only when it is designating school crossing guards for schools operated by the district.
(4)  "Police officer" means an officer authorized to direct traffic or arrest persons who violate traffic regulations.
(5)  "State" has the meaning assigned by Section 311.005, Government Code, and includes a province of Canada.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle C - Rules of the Road › Chapter 541 - Definitions › Subchapter B. Property Areas › Section 541.101. Metropolitan Area

Sec. 541.101.  METROPOLITAN AREA.  In this subtitle, "metropolitan area" means an area that:
(1)  contains at least one municipality with a population of at least 100,000;  and
(2)  includes the adjacent municipalities and unincorporated urban districts.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle C - Rules of the Road › Chapter 541 - Definitions › Subchapter B. Property Areas › Section 541.102. Restricted Districts

Sec. 541.102.  RESTRICTED DISTRICTS.  In this subtitle:
(1)  "Business district" means the territory adjacent to and including a highway if buildings used for business or industrial purposes, including a building used as a hotel, bank, office building, public building, or railroad station:
(A)  are located within a 600-foot segment along the highway;  and
(B)  within that segment the buildings occupy at least 300 feet of frontage:
(i)  on one side of the highway;  or
(ii)  collectively on both sides of the highway.
(2)  "Residence district" means the territory, other than a business district, adjacent to and including a highway, if at least 300 feet of the highway frontage is primarily improved with:
(A)  residences;  or
(B)  buildings used for business purposes and residences.
(3)  "Urban district" means the territory adjacent to and including a highway, if the territory:
(A)  is not in a municipality;  and
(B)  is improved with structures that are used for business, industry, or dwelling houses and located at intervals of less than 100 feet for a distance of at least one-quarter mile on either side of the highway.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle C - Rules of the Road › Chapter 541 - Definitions › Subchapter C. Vehicles, Rail Transportation, and Equipment › Section 541.202. Rail Transportation

Sec. 541.202.  RAIL TRANSPORTATION.  In this subtitle:
(1)  "Railroad" means a carrier that operates cars, other than streetcars, on stationary rails to transport persons or property.
(2)  "Railroad train" means a steam engine or electric or other motor with or without an attached car operated on rails, other than a streetcar.
(3)  "Streetcar" means a car, other than a railroad train, used to transport persons or property and operated on rails located primarily within a municipality.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle C - Rules of the Road › Chapter 541 - Definitions › Subchapter C. Vehicles, Rail Transportation, and Equipment › Section 541.203. Equipment

Sec. 541.203.  EQUIPMENT.  In this subtitle:
(1)  "Exhaust emission system" means a motor vehicle engine modification designed to control or reduce the emission of substances from a motor vehicle or motor vehicle engine, of a model year of 1968 or later, and installed on or incorporated in a motor vehicle or motor vehicle engine in compliance with requirements imposed by the Motor Vehicle Air Pollution Control Act (42 U.S.C. Section 1857 et seq.) or other applicable law.
(2)  "Metal tire" includes a tire the surface of which in contact with the highway is wholly or partly made of metal or other hard, nonresilient material.
(3)  "Muffler" means a device that reduces noise using:
(A)  a mechanical design, including a series of chambers or baffle plates, to receive exhaust gas from an internal combustion engine;  or
(B)  turbine wheels to receive exhaust gas from a diesel engine.
(4)  "Solid tire" includes only a tire that:
(A)  is made of rubber or another resilient material;  and
(B)  does not use compressed air to support its load.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle C - Rules of the Road › Chapter 541 - Definitions › Subchapter D. Traffic, Traffic Areas, and Traffic Control › Section 541.301. Traffic

Sec. 541.301.  TRAFFIC.  In this subtitle "traffic" means pedestrians, ridden or herded animals, and conveyances, including vehicles and streetcars, singly or together while using a highway for the purposes of travel.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle C - Rules of the Road › Chapter 541 - Definitions › Subchapter D. Traffic, Traffic Areas, and Traffic Control › Section 541.303. Intersection

Sec. 541.303.  INTERSECTION.  (a)  In this subtitle, "intersection" means the common area at the junction of two highways, other than the junction of an alley and a highway.
(b)  The dimensions of an intersection include only the common area:
(1)  within the connection of the lateral curb lines or, in the absence of curb lines, the lateral boundary lines of the roadways of intersecting highways that join at approximate right angles;  or
(2)  at the place where vehicles could collide if traveling on roadways of intersecting highways that join at any angle other than an approximate right angle.
(c)  Each junction of each roadway of a highway that includes two roadways at least 30 feet apart with the roadway of an intersecting highway, including each roadway of an intersecting highway that includes two roadways at least 30 feet apart, is a separate intersection.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle C - Rules of the Road › Chapter 541 - Definitions › Subchapter D. Traffic, Traffic Areas, and Traffic Control › Section 541.304. Traffic Control

Sec. 541.304.  TRAFFIC CONTROL.  In this subtitle:
(1)  "Official traffic-control device" means a sign, signal, marking, or device that is:
(A)  consistent with this subtitle;
(B)  placed or erected by a public body or officer having jurisdiction;  and
(C)  used to regulate, warn, or guide traffic.
(2)  "Railroad sign or signal" means a sign, signal, or device erected by a railroad, public body, or public officer to notify traffic of railroad tracks or an approaching railroad train.
(3)  "Traffic-control signal" means a manual, electric, or mechanical device that alternately directs traffic to stop and to proceed.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle C - Rules of the Road › Chapter 541 - Definitions › Subchapter E. Miscellaneous Terms › Section 541.401. Miscellaneous Terms

Sec. 541.401.  MISCELLANEOUS TERMS.  In this subtitle:
(1)  "Daytime" means the period beginning one-half hour before sunrise and ending one-half hour after sunset.
(2)  "Explosive" means a chemical compound or mechanical mixture that:
(A)  is commonly intended for use or used to produce an explosion;  and
(B)  contains ingredients, which may include oxidizing or combustive units, in packing, proportions, or quantities that, if ignited by fire, friction, concussion, percussion, or detonator, could suddenly generate highly heated gases that could damage surrounding objects or destroy life or limb.
(3)  "Flammable liquid" means a liquid that has a flash point of not more than 70 degrees Fahrenheit as determined by a tagliabue or equivalent closed-cup test device.
(4)  "Gross vehicle weight" means the weight of a vehicle and the weight of its load.
(5)  "Nighttime" means the period beginning one-half hour after sunset and ending one-half hour before sunrise.
(6)  "Park" or "parking" means to stand an occupied or unoccupied vehicle, other than temporarily while loading or unloading merchandise or passengers.
(7)  "Personal injury" means an injury to any part of the human body and that requires treatment.
(8)  "Right-of-way" means the right of one vehicle or pedestrian to proceed in a lawful manner in preference to another vehicle or pedestrian that is approaching from a direction, at a speed, and within a proximity that could cause a collision unless one grants precedence to the other.
(9)  "Stand" or "standing" means to halt an occupied or unoccupied vehicle, other than temporarily while receiving or discharging passengers.
(10)  "Stop" or "stopping" means:
(A)  when required, to completely cease movement;  and
(B)  when prohibited, to halt, including momentarily halting, an occupied or unoccupied vehicle, unless necessary to avoid conflict with other traffic or to comply with the directions of a police officer or a traffic-control sign or signal.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle C - Rules of the Road › Chapter 542 - General Provisions › Subchapter A. Applicability › Section 542.001. Vehicles on Highways

Sec. 542.001.  VEHICLES ON HIGHWAYS.  A provision of this subtitle relating to the operation of a vehicle applies only to the operation of a vehicle on a highway unless the provision specifically applies to a different place.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle C - Rules of the Road › Chapter 542 - General Provisions › Subchapter A. Applicability › Section 542.002. Government Vehicles

Sec. 542.002.  GOVERNMENT VEHICLES.  A provision of this subtitle applicable to an operator of a vehicle applies to the operator of a vehicle owned or operated by the United States, this state, or a political subdivision of this state, except as specifically provided otherwise by this subtitle for an authorized emergency vehicle.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle C - Rules of the Road › Chapter 542 - General Provisions › Subchapter A. Applicability › Section 542.003. Animals and Animal-Drawn Vehicles

Sec. 542.003.  ANIMALS AND ANIMAL-DRAWN VEHICLES.  A person riding an animal on a roadway or operating a vehicle drawn by an animal on a roadway has the rights and duties applicable to the operator of a vehicle under this subtitle, except a right or duty that by its nature cannot apply to a person riding an animal or operating a vehicle drawn by an animal.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle C - Rules of the Road › Chapter 542 - General Provisions › Subchapter A. Applicability › Section 542.004. Persons and Equipment Engaged in Work on Highway Surface

Sec. 542.004.  PERSONS AND EQUIPMENT ENGAGED IN WORK ON HIGHWAY SURFACE.  This subtitle does not apply to a person, team, motor vehicle, or other equipment engaged in work on a highway unless the provision is specifically made applicable, but does apply to those persons and vehicles while traveling to or from that work.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle C - Rules of the Road › Chapter 542 - General Provisions › Subchapter A. Applicability › Section 542.005. Rules on Private Property

Sec. 542.005.  RULES ON PRIVATE PROPERTY.  This subtitle does not prevent an owner of private property that is a private road from:
(1)  regulating or prohibiting use of the property by the public for vehicular travel;  or
(2)  requiring conditions different from or in addition to those specified by this subtitle.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle C - Rules of the Road › Chapter 542 - General Provisions › Subchapter A. Applicability › Section 542.006. Speed Restrictions on Private Roads

Sec. 542.006.  SPEED RESTRICTIONS ON PRIVATE ROADS.  (a)  The owners of a majority of the parcels of real property abutting a private road may petition the Texas Transportation Commission to extend the speed restrictions of this subtitle to the portion of the road in a subdivision or across adjacent subdivisions if:
(1)  the road is not in a municipality;
(2)  the total number of residents in the subdivision and subdivisions adjacent to the subdivision is at least 400;  and
(3)  a plat for the subdivision and each adjacent subdivision included to determine the number of residents under Subdivision (2) has been filed in the deed records of the county.
(b)  After the commission receives a petition and verifies the property ownership of its signers, the commission may issue an order extending the speed restrictions to the private road if the commission finds the order is in the interests of the area residents and the public generally.
(c)  If the commission rejects the petition, the commission shall hold a public hearing on the advisability of making the speed restrictions applicable.  The hearing must be held in the county in which the portion of the road that is the subject of the petition is located.  The commission shall publish notice of the hearing in a newspaper of general circulation in that county at least 10 days before the date of the hearing.
(d)  At the hearing, if the commission finds that it would be in the interests of the area residents and the public generally, the commission shall issue an order extending the speed restrictions to the private road.
(e)  After the commission issues an order under this section, the private road is a public highway for purposes of setting and enforcing speed restrictions under this subtitle, and the commission shall post speed limit signs on property abutting the private road with the consent of the owner of the property on which a sign is placed.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.  Amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 308, Sec. 1, eff. May 29, 1999.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle C - Rules of the Road › Chapter 542 - General Provisions › Subchapter A. Applicability › Section 542.007. Traffic Regulations: Private Subdivision in Certain Counties

Sec. 542.007.  TRAFFIC REGULATIONS:  PRIVATE SUBDIVISION IN CERTAIN COUNTIES.  (a)  This section applies only to a subdivision that is located in the unincorporated area of a county with a population of 500,000 or less.
(b)  On petition of 25 percent of the property owners residing in a subdivision in which the roads are privately maintained or on the request of the governing body of the entity that maintains those roads, the commissioners court of the county by order may extend any traffic rules that apply to a county road to the roads of the subdivision if the commissioners court finds the order in the interest of the county generally.  The petition must specify the traffic rules that are sought to be extended.  The court order may extend any or all of the requested traffic rules.
(c)  As a condition of extending a traffic rule under Subsection (b), the commissioners court may require that owners of the property in the subdivision pay all or part of the cost of extending and enforcing the traffic rules in the subdivision.  The commissioners court shall consult with the sheriff to determine the cost of enforcing traffic rules in the subdivision.
(d)  On issuance of an order under this section, the private roads in the subdivision are considered to be county roads for purposes of the application and enforcement of the specified traffic rules.  The commissioners court may place official traffic control devices on property abutting the private roads if:
(1)  those devices relate to the specified traffic rule;  and
(2)  the consent of the owner of that property is obtained.
Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1393, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.  Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 913, Sec. 2, eff. Sept. 1, 2001;  Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 243, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle C - Rules of the Road › Chapter 542 - General Provisions › Subchapter A. Applicability › Section 542.008. Traffic Regulations: Private Subdivisions in Certain Municipalities

Sec. 542.008.  TRAFFIC REGULATIONS:  PRIVATE SUBDIVISIONS IN CERTAIN MUNICIPALITIES.  (a)  This section applies only to a subdivision in which the roads are privately owned or maintained that is located in a municipality with a population of 300 or more.
(b)  On petition of 25 percent of the property owners residing in the subdivision or on the request of the governing body of the entity that maintains the roads, the governing body of the municipality may extend by ordinance any traffic rules that apply to a road owned by the municipality, or by the county in which the municipality is located, to the roads in the subdivision so that the roads of the subdivision are under the same traffic rules, if the governing body of the municipality finds the ordinance in the interest of the municipality generally.  A petition under this subsection must specify the traffic rules that are sought to be extended.  The ordinance may extend any or all of the requested rules.
(c)  As a condition of extending a traffic rule under Subsection (b), the governing body of the municipality may require that owners of property in the subdivision pay all or part of the cost of extending and enforcing the traffic rules in the subdivision, including the costs associated with the placement of necessary official traffic control devices.  The governing body of the municipality shall consult with the appropriate law enforcement entity to determine the cost of enforcing traffic rules in the subdivision.
(d)  On issuance of an order under this section, the private roads in the subdivision are considered to be public highways or streets for purposes of the application and enforcement of the specified traffic rules.  The governing body of the municipality may place official traffic control devices on property abutting the private roads if:
(1)  those devices relate to the specified traffic rule;  and
(2)  the consent of the owner of that property is obtained or an easement is available for the placement.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 913, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle C - Rules of the Road › Chapter 542 - General Provisions › Subchapter A. Applicability › Section 542.0081. Traffic Regulations: Special District in Certain Counties

Sec. 542.0081.  TRAFFIC REGULATIONS:  SPECIAL DISTRICT IN CERTAIN COUNTIES.  (a)  This section applies only to a road owned or maintained by a special district that is located in the unincorporated area of a county with a population of less than one million.
(b)  The residents of all or any portion of a special district may file a petition with the commissioners court of the county in which the roads are located requesting that county enforcement of traffic rules on county roads be extended to the roads of the district.  The petition must:
(1)  specify the roads over which county enforcement is sought;
(2)  specify the traffic rules for which county enforcement is sought; and
(3)  be signed by 50 percent of the property owners residing in the area that is served by the roads of the district over which county enforcement is sought.
(c)  If the commissioners court finds that granting the request is in the interest of the county generally, the commissioners court shall by order extend the enforcement of traffic rules by the county to the roads of the district specified in the petition.  The order may grant enforcement of some or all traffic rules requested in the petition.
(d)  As a condition of extending a traffic rule under Subsection (c), the commissioners court may require the special district to pay for all or a part of the costs of extending enforcement to the roads of the district.  The commissioners court shall consult with the sheriff to determine the cost of extending enforcement.
(e)  On issuance of an order under this section, the roads specified in the order are considered to be county roads for the purposes of the application and enforcement of the specified traffic rules.  The commissioners court may place official traffic control devices on the right-of-way of the roads of the district if those devices relate to the specified traffic rules.
Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 812 (H.B. 2541), Sec. 1, eff. June 17, 2011.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle C - Rules of the Road › Chapter 542 - General Provisions › Subchapter B. Uniformity and Interpretation of Traffic Laws › Section 542.201. General Rule of Uniformity

Sec. 542.201.  GENERAL RULE OF UNIFORMITY.  This subtitle applies uniformly throughout this state.  A local authority may not enact or enforce an ordinance or rule that conflicts with this subtitle unless expressly authorized by this subtitle.  However, a local authority may regulate traffic in a manner that does not conflict with this subtitle.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle C - Rules of the Road › Chapter 542 - General Provisions › Subchapter B. Uniformity and Interpretation of Traffic Laws › Section 542.202. Powers of Local Authorities

Sec. 542.202.  POWERS OF LOCAL AUTHORITIES.  (a)  This subtitle does not prevent a local authority, with respect to a highway under its jurisdiction and in the reasonable exercise of the police power, from:
(1)  regulating traffic by police officers or traffic-control devices;
(2)  regulating the stopping, standing, or parking of a vehicle;
(3)  regulating or prohibiting a procession or assemblage on a highway;
(4)  regulating the operation and requiring registration and licensing of a bicycle or electric bicycle, including payment of a registration fee, except as provided by Section 551.106;
(5)  regulating the time, place, and manner in which a roller skater may use a highway;
(6)  regulating the speed of a vehicle in a public park;
(7)  regulating or prohibiting the turning of a vehicle or specified type of vehicle at an intersection;
(8)  designating an intersection as a stop intersection or a yield intersection and requiring each vehicle to stop or yield at one or more entrances to the intersection;
(9)  designating a highway as a through highway;
(10)  designating a highway as a one-way highway and requiring each vehicle on the highway to move in one specific direction;
(11)  designating school crossing guards and school crossing zones;
(12)  altering a speed limit as authorized by this subtitle;  or
(13)  adopting other traffic rules specifically authorized by this subtitle.
(b)  In this section:
(1)  "Roller skater" means a person wearing footwear with a set of wheels attached.
(2)  "Through highway" means a highway or a portion of a highway on which:
(A)  vehicular traffic is given preferential right-of-way;  and
(B)  vehicular traffic entering from an intersecting highway is required by law to yield right-of-way in compliance with an official traffic-control device.
(3)  "Regulating" means criminal, civil, and administrative enforcement against a person, including the owner or operator of a motor vehicle, in accordance with a state law or a municipal ordinance.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.  Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1085, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2001;  Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 359, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle C - Rules of the Road › Chapter 542 - General Provisions › Subchapter B. Uniformity and Interpretation of Traffic Laws › Section 542.203. Limitation on Local Authorities

Sec. 542.203.  LIMITATION ON LOCAL AUTHORITIES.  (a)  A local authority may not erect or maintain a traffic-control device to direct the traffic on a state highway, including a farm-to-market or ranch-to-market road, to stop or yield before entering or crossing an intersecting highway unless permitted by agreement between the local authority and the Texas Department of Transportation under Section 221.002.
(b)  An ordinance or rule of a local authority is not effective until signs giving notice are posted on or at the entrance to the highway or part of the highway, as may be most appropriate.  This subsection applies only to an ordinance or rule that:
(1)  regulates the speed of a vehicle in a public park;
(2)  alters a speed limit as authorized by this subtitle;
(3)  designates an intersection as a stop intersection or a yield intersection;  or
(4)  designates a highway as a one-way highway or a through highway.
(c)  An ordinance or rule of a local authority regulating the time, place, and manner in which a roller skater may use a highway may not alter the local authority's standard of care or liability with regard to construction, design, or maintenance of a highway.
(d)  A local authority's standards, policies, orders, ordinances, regulations, or other measures that designate a school crossing zone or school crosswalk must include a high school campus that is located in a municipality with a population of two million or more.
(e)  On request of an administrator of a high school campus described by Subsection (d), a local authority shall determine the components, including any engineering report, necessary to designate a school crossing zone or school crosswalk at the campus and shall make the designation.  This subsection does not apply to a high school campus undergoing major expansion or new construction that requires the preparation of a traffic impact analysis as part of the permitting process.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
Amended by:
Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 399 (H.B. 1263), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2023.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle C - Rules of the Road › Chapter 542 - General Provisions › Subchapter B. Uniformity and Interpretation of Traffic Laws › Section 542.2035. Limitation on Municipalities

Sec. 542.2035.  LIMITATION ON MUNICIPALITIES.  (a)  A municipality may not implement or operate an automated traffic control system with respect to a highway or street under its jurisdiction for the purpose of enforcing compliance with posted speed limits.  The attorney general shall enforce this subsection.
(b)  In this section, "automated traffic control system" means a photographic device, radar device, laser device, or other electrical or mechanical device designed to:
(1)  record the speed of a motor vehicle; and
(2)  obtain one or more photographs or other recorded images of:
(A)  the vehicle;
(B)  the license plate attached to the vehicle; or
(C)  the operator of the vehicle.
Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 646 (H.B. 922), Sec. 1, eff. June 15, 2007.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle C - Rules of the Road › Chapter 542 - General Provisions › Subchapter B. Uniformity and Interpretation of Traffic Laws › Section 542.204. Powers Related to Intersections

Sec. 542.204.  POWERS RELATED TO INTERSECTIONS.  The Texas Transportation Commission and a local authority may, in a matter of highway or traffic engineering design, consider the separate intersections of divided highways with medians at least 30 feet apart as components of a single intersection.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle C - Rules of the Road › Chapter 542 - General Provisions › Subchapter B. Uniformity and Interpretation of Traffic Laws › Section 542.205. Conflict Between This Subtitle and an Order, Rule, or Regulation of Certain Agencies

Sec. 542.205.  CONFLICT BETWEEN THIS SUBTITLE AND AN ORDER, RULE, OR REGULATION OF CERTAIN AGENCIES.  (a)  If this subtitle conflicts with an order, rule, regulation, or requirement of the federal Surface Transportation Board or the department relating to a vehicle safety requirement, including a requirement relating to vehicle equipment, compliance by the owner or operator of the vehicle with the order, rule, regulation, or requirement of the federal Surface Transportation Board or the department is compliance with this subtitle.
(b)  The owner or operator of a vehicle shall comply with any requirement of this subtitle that is in addition to, but not in conflict with, a requirement of the federal Surface Transportation Board or the department.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.  Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 30.104, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle C - Rules of the Road › Chapter 542 - General Provisions › Subchapter B. Uniformity and Interpretation of Traffic Laws › Section 542.206. Effect of Speed Limits in a Civil Action

Sec. 542.206.  EFFECT OF SPEED LIMITS IN A CIVIL ACTION.  A provision of this subtitle declaring a maximum or minimum speed limit does not relieve the plaintiff in a civil action from the burden of proving negligence of the defendant as the proximate cause of a collision.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
Amended by:
Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 709 (H.B. 2190), Sec. 29, eff. September 1, 2023.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle C - Rules of the Road › Chapter 542 - General Provisions › Subchapter C. Offenses › Section 542.301. General Offense

Sec. 542.301.  GENERAL OFFENSE.  (a)  A person commits an offense if the person performs an act prohibited or fails to perform an act required by this subtitle.
(b)  Except as otherwise provided, an offense under this subtitle is a misdemeanor.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle C - Rules of the Road › Chapter 542 - General Provisions › Subchapter C. Offenses › Section 542.302. Offense by Person Owning or Controlling Vehicle

Sec. 542.302.  OFFENSE BY PERSON OWNING OR CONTROLLING VEHICLE.  A person who owns a vehicle or employs or otherwise directs the operator of a vehicle commits an offense if the person requires or knowingly permits the operator of the vehicle to operate the vehicle in a manner that violates law.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle C - Rules of the Road › Chapter 542 - General Provisions › Subchapter C. Offenses › Section 542.303. Inchoate Offense

Sec. 542.303.  INCHOATE OFFENSE.  (a)  A person who attempts to commit or conspires to commit an act declared by this subtitle to be an offense is guilty of the offense.
(b)  A person who falsely, fraudulently, or wilfully permits another to violate this subtitle is guilty of the violation.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle C - Rules of the Road › Chapter 542 - General Provisions › Subchapter C. Offenses › Section 542.304. Moving Violations for Certain Purposes

Sec. 542.304.  MOVING VIOLATIONS FOR CERTAIN PURPOSES.
(a)  The department by rule shall designate the offenses involving the operation of a motor vehicle that constitute a moving violation of the traffic law for the purposes of:
(1)  Section 1001.112(b)(4), Education Code;
(2)  Section 411.110(f), Government Code; and
(3)  Sections 773.0614(b) and 773.06141(a), Health and Safety Code.
Text of subsection effective until January 01, 2025
(b)  The rules must provide that for the purposes of the provisions described in Subsection (a), moving violations:
(1)  include:
(A)  a violation of the traffic law of this state, another state, or a political subdivision of this or another state; and
(B)  an offense under Section 545.412; and
(2)  do not include:
(A)  an offense committed before September 1, 2003;
(B)  the offense of speeding when the person convicted was at the time of the offense driving less than 10 percent faster than the posted speed limit, unless the person committed the offense in a school crossing zone;
(C)  an offense adjudicated under Article 45.051 or 45.0511, Code of Criminal Procedure; or
(D)  an offense under Section 545.4251.
Text of subsection effective on January 01, 2025
(b)  The rules must provide that for the purposes of the provisions described in Subsection (a), moving violations:
(1)  include:
(A)  a violation of the traffic law of this state, another state, or a political subdivision of this or another state; and
(B)  an offense under Section 545.412; and
(2)  do not include:
(A)  an offense committed before September 1, 2003;
(B)  the offense of speeding when the person convicted was at the time of the offense driving less than 10 percent faster than the posted speed limit, unless the person committed the offense in a school crossing zone;
(C)  an offense adjudicated under Subchapter G or H, Chapter 45A, Code of Criminal Procedure; or
(D)  an offense under Section 545.4251.
Added by Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1094 (H.B. 2048), Sec. 11, eff. September 1, 2019.
Amended by:
Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 663 (H.B. 1560), Sec. 5.67, eff. September 1, 2021.
Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 915 (H.B. 3607), Sec. 20.006, eff. September 1, 2021.
Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 765 (H.B. 4504), Sec. 2.172, eff. January 1, 2025.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle C - Rules of the Road › Chapter 542 - General Provisions › Subchapter D. Penalties and Costs of Court › Section 542.401. General Penalty

Sec. 542.401.  GENERAL PENALTY.  A person convicted of an offense that is a misdemeanor under this subtitle for which another penalty is not provided shall be punished by a fine of not less than $1 or more than $200.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle C - Rules of the Road › Chapter 542 - General Provisions › Subchapter D. Penalties and Costs of Court › Section 542.403. Fines

Sec. 542.403.  FINES.  (a)  In addition to other costs, the court shall order a person convicted of a misdemeanor under this subtitle to pay a fine of $3.
(b)  The officer who collects a fine under this section shall:
(1)  deposit in the municipal treasury a fine collected in a municipal court case; and
(2)  deposit in the county treasury a fine collected in a justice court case or in a county court case, including a case appealed from a justice or municipal court.
(c)  In this section, "conviction" has the meaning assigned by Section 133.101, Local Government Code.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.  Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 209, Sec. 77(a), eff. Jan. 1, 2004.
Amended by:
Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1352 (S.B. 346), Sec. 2.70, eff. January 1, 2020.
Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1352 (S.B. 346), Sec. 2.71, eff. January 1, 2020.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle C - Rules of the Road › Chapter 542 - General Provisions › Subchapter D. Penalties and Costs of Court › Section 542.404. Fine for Offense in Construction or Maintenance Work Zone

Sec. 542.404.  FINE FOR OFFENSE IN CONSTRUCTION OR MAINTENANCE WORK ZONE.  (a)  Except as provided by Subsection (c), if an offense under this subtitle, other than an offense under Chapter 548 or 552 or Section 545.412 or 545.413, is committed in a construction or maintenance work zone when workers are present and any written notice to appear issued for the offense states on its face that workers were present when the offense was committed:
(1)  the minimum fine applicable to the offense is twice the minimum fine that would be applicable to the offense if it were committed outside a construction or maintenance work zone; and
(2)  the maximum fine applicable to the offense is twice the maximum fine that would be applicable to the offense if it were committed outside a construction or maintenance work zone.
(b)  In this section, "construction or maintenance work zone" has the meaning assigned by Section 472.022.
(c)  The fine prescribed by Subsection (a) applies to a violation of a prima facie speed limit authorized by Subchapter H, Chapter 545, only if the construction or maintenance work zone is marked by a sign indicating the applicable maximum lawful speed.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 674, Sec. 2, eff. Jan. 1, 1998.  Amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 789, Sec. 3, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Amended by:
Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 658 (H.B. 1097), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2013.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle C - Rules of the Road › Chapter 542 - General Provisions › Subchapter D. Penalties and Costs of Court › Section 542.4045. Penalties for Failure to Yield Right-of-Way Offense Resulting in Collision

Sec. 542.4045.  PENALTIES FOR FAILURE TO YIELD RIGHT-OF-WAY OFFENSE RESULTING IN COLLISION.  If it is shown on the trial of an offense under this subtitle in which an element is the failure by the operator of a vehicle to yield the right-of-way to another vehicle that a collision resulted from the operator's failure to yield the right-of-way:
(1)  the offense is punishable by a fine of not less than $500 or more than $2,000, if a person other than the operator of the vehicle suffered bodily injury, as defined by Section 1.07, Penal Code, in the collision; and
(2)  the offense is punishable by a fine of not less than $1,000 or more than $4,000, if a person other than the operator of the vehicle suffered serious bodily injury, as defined by Section 1.07, Penal Code, in the collision.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1391 (S.B. 1967), Sec. 6, eff. September 1, 2009.
Amended by:
Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 709 (H.B. 2190), Sec. 30, eff. September 1, 2023.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle C - Rules of the Road › Chapter 542 - General Provisions › Subchapter E. Miscellaneous › Section 542.501. Obedience Required to Police Officers, School Crossing Guards, and Escort Flaggers

Sec. 542.501.  OBEDIENCE REQUIRED TO POLICE OFFICERS, SCHOOL CROSSING GUARDS, AND ESCORT FLAGGERS.  A person may not wilfully fail or refuse to comply with a lawful order or direction of:
(1)  a police officer;
(2)  a school crossing guard who:
(A)  is performing crossing guard duties in a school crosswalk to stop and yield to a pedestrian; or
(B)  has been trained under Section 600.004 and is directing traffic in a school crossing zone; or
(3)  an escort flagger who is directing or controlling the flow of traffic in accordance with a permit issued by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles under Subtitle E for the movement of an oversize or overweight vehicle.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.  Amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 724, Sec. 1, eff. Aug. 30, 1999.
Amended by:
Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1129 (H.B. 2620), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2019.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle C - Rules of the Road › Chapter 543 - Arrest and Prosecution of Violators › Subchapter A. Arrest and Charging Procedures; Notices and Promises to Appear › Section 543.001. Arrest Without Warrant Authorized

Sec. 543.001.  ARREST WITHOUT WARRANT AUTHORIZED.  Any peace officer may arrest without warrant a person found committing a violation of this subtitle.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle C - Rules of the Road › Chapter 543 - Arrest and Prosecution of Violators › Subchapter A. Arrest and Charging Procedures; Notices and Promises to Appear › Section 543.002. Person Arrested to Be Taken Before Magistrate

Sec. 543.002.  PERSON ARRESTED TO BE TAKEN BEFORE MAGISTRATE.  (a)  A person arrested for a violation of this subtitle punishable as a misdemeanor shall be immediately taken before a magistrate if:
(1)  the person is arrested on a charge of failure to stop in the event of a collision causing damage to property; or
(2)  the person demands an immediate appearance before a magistrate or refuses to make a written promise to appear in court as provided by this subchapter.
(b)  The person must be taken before a magistrate who:
(1)  has jurisdiction of the offense;
(2)  is in the county in which the offense charged is alleged to have been committed;  and
(3)  is nearest or most accessible to the place of arrest.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
Amended by:
Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 709 (H.B. 2190), Sec. 31, eff. September 1, 2023.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle C - Rules of the Road › Chapter 543 - Arrest and Prosecution of Violators › Subchapter A. Arrest and Charging Procedures; Notices and Promises to Appear › Section 543.003. Notice to Appear Required: Person Not Taken Before Magistrate

Sec. 543.003.  NOTICE TO APPEAR REQUIRED:  PERSON NOT TAKEN BEFORE MAGISTRATE.  An officer who arrests a person for a violation of this subtitle punishable as a misdemeanor and who does not take the person before a magistrate shall issue a written notice to appear in court showing the time and place the person is to appear, the offense charged, the name and address of the person charged, and, if applicable, the license number of the person's vehicle.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.  Amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 701, Sec. 3, eff. Aug. 30, 1999.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle C - Rules of the Road › Chapter 543 - Arrest and Prosecution of Violators › Subchapter A. Arrest and Charging Procedures; Notices and Promises to Appear › Section 543.004. Notice to Appear Required: Certain Offenses

Sec. 543.004.  NOTICE TO APPEAR REQUIRED:  CERTAIN OFFENSES.  (a)  An officer shall issue a written notice to appear if:
(1)  the offense charged is:
(A)  speeding;
(B)  the use of a wireless communication device under Section 545.4251; or
(C)  a violation of the open container law, Section 49.031, Penal Code; and
(2)  the person makes a written promise to appear in court as provided by Section 543.005.
(b)  If the person is a resident of or is operating a vehicle licensed in a state or country other than this state, Subsection (a) applies only as provided by Chapter 703.
(c)  The offenses specified by Subsection (a) are the only offenses for which issuance of a written notice to appear is mandatory.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.  Amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 62, Sec. 17.07, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Amended by:
Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 438 (H.B. 62), Sec. 3, eff. September 1, 2017.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle C - Rules of the Road › Chapter 543 - Arrest and Prosecution of Violators › Subchapter A. Arrest and Charging Procedures; Notices and Promises to Appear › Section 543.005. Promise to Appear; Release

Sec. 543.005.  PROMISE TO APPEAR;  RELEASE.  To secure release, the person arrested must make a written promise to appear in court by signing the written notice prepared by the arresting officer.  The signature may be obtained on a duplicate form or on an electronic device capable of creating a copy of the signed notice.  The arresting officer shall retain the paper or electronic original of the notice and deliver the copy of the notice to the person arrested.  The officer shall then promptly release the person from custody.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.  Amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 701, Sec. 4, eff. Aug. 30, 1999.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle C - Rules of the Road › Chapter 543 - Arrest and Prosecution of Violators › Subchapter A. Arrest and Charging Procedures; Notices and Promises to Appear › Section 543.006. Time and Place of Appearance

Sec. 543.006.  TIME AND PLACE OF APPEARANCE.  (a)  The time specified in the notice to appear must be at least 10 days after the date of arrest unless the person arrested demands an earlier hearing.
(b)  The place specified in the notice to appear must be before a magistrate having jurisdiction of the offense who is in the municipality or county in which the offense is alleged to have been committed.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle C - Rules of the Road › Chapter 543 - Arrest and Prosecution of Violators › Subchapter A. Arrest and Charging Procedures; Notices and Promises to Appear › Section 543.007. Notice to Appear: Commercial Vehicle or License

Sec. 543.007.  NOTICE TO APPEAR:  COMMERCIAL VEHICLE OR LICENSE.  A notice to appear issued to the operator of a commercial motor vehicle or holder of a commercial driver's license or commercial learner's permit, for the violation of a law regulating the operation of vehicles on highways, must contain the information required by department rule, to comply with Chapter 522 and the federal Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1986 (Title 49, U.S.C. Section 2701 et seq.).
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.  Amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 701, Sec. 5, eff. Aug. 30, 1999.
Amended by:
Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 752 (H.B. 1888), Sec. 38, eff. January 1, 2016.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle C - Rules of the Road › Chapter 543 - Arrest and Prosecution of Violators › Subchapter A. Arrest and Charging Procedures; Notices and Promises to Appear › Section 543.008. Violation by Officer

Sec. 543.008.  VIOLATION BY OFFICER.  A violation by an officer of a provision of Sections 543.003-543.007 is misconduct in office and the officer is subject to removal from the officer's position.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.