reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
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 543.009. Compliance With or Violation of Promise to Appear

Sec. 543.009.  COMPLIANCE WITH OR VIOLATION OF PROMISE TO APPEAR.  (a)  A person may comply with a written promise to appear in court by an appearance by counsel.
(b)  A person who wilfully violates a written promise to appear in court, given as provided by this subchapter, commits a misdemeanor regardless of the disposition of the charge on which the person was arrested.
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 543.010. Specifications of Speeding Charge

Sec. 543.010.  SPECIFICATIONS OF SPEEDING CHARGE.  The complaint and the summons or notice to appear on a charge of speeding under this subtitle must specify:
(1)  the maximum or minimum speed limit applicable in the district or at the location;  and
(2)  the speed at which the defendant is alleged to have driven.
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 543.011. Persons Licensed by State Department or Claiming Diplomatic or Consular Immunity

Sec. 543.011.  PERSONS LICENSED BY STATE DEPARTMENT OR CLAIMING DIPLOMATIC OR CONSULAR IMMUNITY.  (a)  This section applies to a person who:
(1)  is stopped or issued a notice to appear by a peace officer in connection with a violation of:
(A)  this subtitle;
(B)  Section 49.03 or 49.04, Penal Code;  or
(C)  Section 49.07 or 49.08, Penal Code, involving operation of a motor vehicle;  and
(2)  presents to the peace officer a driver's license issued by the United States Department of State or claims immunities or privileges under 22 U.S.C. Chapter 6.
(b)  A peace officer who stops or issues a notice to appear to a person to whom this section applies shall record all relevant information from any driver's license or identification card presented by the person or any statement made by the person relating to immunities or privileges and promptly deliver the record to the law enforcement agency that employs the peace officer.
(c)  The law enforcement agency shall:
(1)  as soon as practicable contact the United States Department of State to verify the person's status and immunity, if any; and
(2)  not later than the fifth working day after the date of the stop or issuance of the notice to appear, send to the Bureau of Diplomatic Security and the Office of Foreign Missions of the United States Department of State the following:
(A)  a copy of any notice to appear issued to the person and any collision report prepared; or
(B)  if a notice to appear was not issued and a collision report was not prepared, a written report of the incident.
(d)  This section does not affect application of a law described by Subsection (a)(1) to a person to whom this section applies.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 446, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
Amended by:
Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 709 (H.B. 2190), Sec. 32, 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 B. Dismissal of Certain Misdemeanor Charges on Completing Driving Safety Course › Section 543.111. Regulation by Certain State Agencies

Sec. 543.111.  REGULATION BY CERTAIN STATE AGENCIES.  (a)  The Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation shall enter into a memorandum of understanding with the Texas Department of Insurance for the interagency development of a curriculum for driving safety courses.
(b)  The Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation and Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, as appropriate, shall:
(1)  adopt and administer comprehensive rules governing driving safety courses; and
(2)  investigate options to develop and implement procedures to electronically transmit information pertaining to driving safety courses to municipal and justice courts.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.  Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 30.106(d), eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
Amended by:
Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1044 (H.B. 1786), Sec. 65, eff. September 1, 2015.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle C - Rules of the Road › Chapter 543 - Arrest and Prosecution of Violators › Subchapter B. Dismissal of Certain Misdemeanor Charges on Completing Driving Safety Course › Section 543.112. Standards for Uniform Certificate of Course Completion

Sec. 543.112.  STANDARDS FOR UNIFORM CERTIFICATE OF COURSE COMPLETION.  (a)  The Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation by rule shall provide for the design and distribution of uniform certificates of course completion so as to prevent to the greatest extent possible the unauthorized production or misuse of the certificates.
(b)  The uniform certificate of course completion must include an identifying number by which the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, the court, or the department may verify its authenticity with the course provider and must be in a form adopted by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.
(c)  The Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation by rule shall determine the amount of the fee to be charged for issuance of a duplicate certificate by persons who are licensed providers of courses approved under Chapter 1001, Education Code.
(d)  A driving safety course provider shall electronically submit data identified by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation pertaining to issued uniform certificates of course completion to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation as directed by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.  Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 30.106(e), eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
Amended by:
Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1044 (H.B. 1786), Sec. 65, eff. September 1, 2015.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle C - Rules of the Road › Chapter 543 - Arrest and Prosecution of Violators › Subchapter B. Dismissal of Certain Misdemeanor Charges on Completing Driving Safety Course › Section 543.113. Fees for Printing and Supplying Certificate

Sec. 543.113.  FEES FOR PRINTING AND SUPPLYING CERTIFICATE.  (a)  The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation shall issue course completion certificate numbers and supply them to persons who are licensed providers of courses approved under Chapter 1001, Education Code.  The Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation by rule shall establish a fee for each certificate.
(b)  A course provider shall charge an operator a fee equal to the fee paid to the agency for a certificate.
(c)  Money collected by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation under this section may be used to pay monetary awards for information relating to abuse of uniform certificates that leads to the conviction or removal of an approval, license, or authorization.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.  Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 30.106(f), eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
Amended by:
Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1044 (H.B. 1786), Sec. 66, eff. September 1, 2015.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle C - Rules of the Road › Chapter 543 - Arrest and Prosecution of Violators › Subchapter B. Dismissal of Certain Misdemeanor Charges on Completing Driving Safety Course › Section 543.114. Distribution of Written Information on Provider

Sec. 543.114.  DISTRIBUTION OF WRITTEN INFORMATION ON PROVIDER.  (a)  A person may not distribute written information to advertise a provider of a driving safety course within 500 feet of a court having jurisdiction over an offense to which this subchapter applies.  A violation of this section by a provider or a provider's agent, employee, or representative results in loss of the provider's status as a provider of a course approved under Chapter 1001, Education Code.
(b)  This section does not apply to distribution of information:
(1)  by a court;
(2)  to a court to obtain approval of the course;  or
(3)  to a court to advise the court of the availability of the course.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
Amended by:
Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1044 (H.B. 1786), Sec. 67, eff. September 1, 2015.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle C - Rules of the Road › Chapter 543 - Arrest and Prosecution of Violators › Subchapter B. Dismissal of Certain Misdemeanor Charges on Completing Driving Safety Course › Section 543.115. Fees for Driving Safety Course

Sec. 543.115.  FEES FOR DRIVING SAFETY COURSE.  (a)  A driving safety course may not be provided to a student for less than $25.
(b)  A course provider shall charge each student a fee for course materials and for overseeing and administering the course.  The fee may not be less than $3.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 30.106(g), eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle C - Rules of the Road › Chapter 543 - Arrest and Prosecution of Violators › Subchapter B. Dismissal of Certain Misdemeanor Charges on Completing Driving Safety Course › Section 543.116. Delivery of Uniform Certificate of Course Completion

Sec. 543.116.  DELIVERY OF UNIFORM CERTIFICATE OF COURSE COMPLETION.  (a)  A driving safety course provider shall mail an issued uniform certificate of course completion to a person who successfully completes the course.
(b)  The certificate must be mailed not later than the 15th working day after the date a person successfully completes the course.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 30.106(g), eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle C - Rules of the Road › Chapter 543 - Arrest and Prosecution of Violators › Subchapter C. Records and Information Maintained by Department › Section 543.201. Conviction Reported to Department

Sec. 543.201.  CONVICTION REPORTED TO DEPARTMENT.  Each magistrate or judge of a court not of record and each clerk of a court of record shall keep a record of each case in which a person is charged with a violation of law regulating the operation of vehicles on highways.
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 C. Records and Information Maintained by Department › Section 543.203. Submitting Record to Department

Sec. 543.203.  SUBMITTING RECORD TO DEPARTMENT.  Not later than the seventh day after the date of conviction or forfeiture of bail of a person on a charge of violating a law regulating the operation of a vehicle on a highway or conviction of a person of negligent homicide or a felony in the commission of which a vehicle was used, the magistrate, judge, or clerk of the court in which the conviction was had or bail was forfeited shall immediately submit to the department a written record of the case containing the information required by Section 543.202.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
Amended by:
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1146 (H.B. 2730), Sec. 17.02, eff. September 1, 2009.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle C - Rules of the Road › Chapter 543 - Arrest and Prosecution of Violators › Subchapter C. Records and Information Maintained by Department › Section 543.204. Submission of Record Prohibited

Sec. 543.204.  SUBMISSION OF RECORD PROHIBITED.
Text of subsection effective until January 01, 2025
(a)  A justice of the peace or municipal judge who defers further proceedings, suspends all or part of the imposition of the fine, and places a defendant on probation under Article 45.051, Code of Criminal Procedure, or a county court judge who follows that procedure under Article 42.111, Code of Criminal Procedure, may not submit a written record to the department, except that if the justice or judge subsequently adjudicates the defendant's guilt, the justice or judge shall submit the record not later than the seventh day after the date on which the justice or judge adjudicates guilt.
Text of subsection effective on January 01, 2025
(a)  A justice of the peace or municipal judge who defers further proceedings and suspends all or part of the imposition of the fine under Subchapter G, Chapter 45A, Code of Criminal Procedure, or a county court judge who follows that procedure under Article 42.111, Code of Criminal Procedure, may not submit a written record to the department, except that if the justice or judge subsequently adjudicates the defendant's guilt, the justice or judge shall submit the record not later than the seventh day after the date on which the justice or judge adjudicates guilt.
(b)  The department may not keep a record for which submission is prohibited by this section.
(c)  The department may receive a record prepared by a department employee from court records.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.  Amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1545, Sec. 73, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Amended by:
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1146 (H.B. 2730), Sec. 17.03, eff. September 1, 2009.
Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 765 (H.B. 4504), Sec. 2.175, eff. January 1, 2025.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle C - Rules of the Road › Chapter 543 - Arrest and Prosecution of Violators › Subchapter C. Records and Information Maintained by Department › Section 543.205. Record Received at Main Office

Sec. 543.205.  RECORD RECEIVED AT MAIN OFFICE.  The department shall receive all records under Section 543.204(a) at its main office.
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 C. Records and Information Maintained by Department › Section 543.206. Violation

Sec. 543.206.  VIOLATION.  A violation by a judicial officer of this subchapter may constitute misconduct in office and may be grounds for removal from the officer's position.
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 544 - Traffic Signs, Signals, and Markings › Section 544.001. Adoption of Sign Manual for State Highways

Sec. 544.001.  ADOPTION OF SIGN MANUAL FOR STATE HIGHWAYS.  The Texas Transportation Commission shall adopt a manual and specifications for a uniform system of traffic-control devices consistent with this chapter that correlates with and to the extent possible conforms to the system approved by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials.
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 544 - Traffic Signs, Signals, and Markings › Section 544.002. Placing and Maintaining Traffic-Control Device

Sec. 544.002.  PLACING AND MAINTAINING TRAFFIC-CONTROL DEVICE.  (a)  To implement this subtitle, the Texas Department of Transportation may place and maintain a traffic-control device on a state highway as provided by the manual and specifications adopted under Section 544.001.  The Texas Department of Transportation may provide for the placement and maintenance of the device under Section 221.002.
(b)  To implement this subtitle or a local traffic ordinance, a local authority may place and maintain a traffic-control device on a highway under the authority's jurisdiction.  The traffic-control device must conform to the manual and specifications adopted under Section 544.001.
(c)  A local authority may not place or maintain a traffic-control device on a highway under the jurisdiction of the Texas Department of Transportation without that department's permission, except as authorized under Section 545.3561.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
Amended by:
Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 216 (H.B. 109), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2011.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle C - Rules of the Road › Chapter 544 - Traffic Signs, Signals, and Markings › Section 544.003. Authority to Designate Through Highway and Stop and Yield Intersections

Sec. 544.003.  AUTHORITY TO DESIGNATE THROUGH HIGHWAY AND STOP AND YIELD INTERSECTIONS.  (a)  The Texas Transportation Commission may:
(1)  designate a state or county highway as a through highway and place a stop or yield sign at a specified entrance;  or
(2)  designate an intersection on a state or county highway as a stop intersection or a yield intersection and place a sign at one or more entrances to the intersection.
(b)  A local authority may:
(1)  designate a highway under its jurisdiction as a through highway and place a stop or yield sign at a specified entrance;  or
(2)  designate an intersection on a highway under its jurisdiction as a stop intersection or a yield intersection and place a sign at one or more entrances to the intersection.
(c)  The stop or yield sign indicating the preferential right-of-way must:
(1)  conform to the manual and specifications adopted under Section 544.001;  and
(2)  be located:
(A)  as near as practicable to the nearest line of the crosswalk;  or
(B)  in the absence of a crosswalk, at the nearest line of the roadway.
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 544 - Traffic Signs, Signals, and Markings › Section 544.004. Compliance With Traffic-Control Device

Sec. 544.004.  COMPLIANCE WITH TRAFFIC-CONTROL DEVICE.  (a)  The operator of a vehicle or streetcar shall comply with an applicable official traffic-control device placed as provided by this subtitle unless the person is:
(1)  otherwise directed by a traffic officer, police officer, or escort flagger; or
(2)  operating an authorized emergency vehicle and is subject to exceptions under this subtitle.
(b)  A provision of this subtitle requiring an official traffic-control device may not be enforced against an alleged violator if at the time and place of the alleged violation the device is not in proper position and sufficiently legible to an ordinarily observant person.  A provision of this subtitle that does not require an official traffic-control device is effective regardless of whether a device is in place.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
Amended by:
Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1129 (H.B. 2620), Sec. 3, eff. September 1, 2019.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle C - Rules of the Road › Chapter 544 - Traffic Signs, Signals, and Markings › Section 544.005. Interference With Traffic-Control Device or Railroad Sign or Signal

Sec. 544.005.  INTERFERENCE WITH TRAFFIC-CONTROL DEVICE OR RAILROAD SIGN OR SIGNAL.  A person may not, without lawful authority, alter, injure, knock down, or remove or attempt to alter, injure, knock down, or remove:
(1)  an official traffic-control device or railroad sign or signal;
(2)  an inscription, shield, or insignia on an official traffic-control device or railroad sign or signal;  or
(3)  another part of an official traffic-control device or railroad 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 544 - Traffic Signs, Signals, and Markings › Section 544.0055. Traffic-Control Signal Preemption Device; Offense

Sec. 544.0055.  TRAFFIC-CONTROL SIGNAL PREEMPTION DEVICE; OFFENSE.  (a)  In this section, "traffic-control signal preemption device" means a device designed, intended, or used to interfere with or alter the operation of a traffic-control signal.
(b)  Except as provided by Subsection (e), a person commits an offense if the person uses, sells, offers for sale, purchases, or possesses for use or sale a traffic-control signal preemption device.
(c)  The possession of a traffic-control signal preemption device creates the presumption that the person possessed the device for use or sale.
(d)  An offense under this section is a Class C misdemeanor.
(e)  This section does not apply to:
(1)  a person who provides fire-fighting, law enforcement, ambulance, medical, or other emergency services in the course of providing those services;
(2)  a manufacturer, wholesaler, or retailer of traffic-control signal preemption devices in the course of manufacturing, selling, providing, or transporting a traffic-control signal preemption device to a person described by Subdivision (1); or
(3)  a transit vehicle operated by an authority under Chapter 451 or 452 or a transit department under Chapter 453.
Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 244 (H.B. 364), Sec. 1, eff. May 30, 2005.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle C - Rules of the Road › Chapter 544 - Traffic Signs, Signals, and Markings › Section 544.006. Display of Unauthorized Signs, Signals, or Markings

Sec. 544.006.  DISPLAY OF UNAUTHORIZED SIGNS, SIGNALS, OR MARKINGS.  (a)  A person may not place, maintain, or display on or in view of a highway an unauthorized sign, signal, marking, or device that:
(1)  imitates or resembles an official traffic-control device or railroad sign or signal;
(2)  attempts to direct the movement of traffic;  or
(3)  hides from view or hinders the effectiveness of an official traffic-control device or railroad sign or signal.
(b)  A person may not place or maintain on a highway, and a public authority may not permit on a highway, a traffic sign or signal bearing commercial advertising.
(c)  A person may not place or maintain a flashing light or flashing electric sign within 1,000 feet of an intersection except under a permit issued by the Texas Transportation Commission.
(d)  This section does not prohibit a person from placing on private property adjacent to a highway a sign that gives useful directional information and that cannot be mistaken for an official sign.
(e)  A sign, signal, light, or marking prohibited under this section is a public nuisance.  The authority with jurisdiction over the highway may remove that sign, signal, light, or marking without notice.
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 544 - Traffic Signs, Signals, and Markings › Section 544.0075. Certain Traffic-Actuated Electric Traffic-Control Signals

Sec. 544.0075.  CERTAIN TRAFFIC-ACTUATED ELECTRIC TRAFFIC-CONTROL SIGNALS.  (a)  This section applies only to a traffic-actuated electric traffic-control signal that consists of a traffic-control signal for which the intervals vary according to the demands of vehicular traffic as registered by a detector and that is installed and operating at an intersection.
(b)  In addition to any other type of vehicle the presence of which the detector for the traffic-actuated electric traffic-control signal may register, the detector for a traffic-actuated electric traffic-control device to which this section applies must be capable of registering the presence of a motorcycle or moped.
Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 219 (H.B. 1279), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2007.
Amended by:
Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 882 (H.B. 3171), Sec. 2.04, eff. September 1, 2019.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle C - Rules of the Road › Chapter 544 - Traffic Signs, Signals, and Markings › Section 544.008. Flashing Signals

Sec. 544.008.  FLASHING SIGNALS.  (a)  The operator of a vehicle facing a flashing red signal shall stop at a clearly marked stop line.  In the absence of a stop line, the operator shall stop before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection.  In the absence of a crosswalk, the operator shall stop at the place nearest the intersecting roadway where the operator has a view of approaching traffic on the intersecting roadway.  The right to proceed is subject to the rules applicable after stopping at a stop sign.
(b)  The operator of a vehicle facing a flashing yellow signal may proceed through an intersection or past the signal only with caution.
(c)  This section does not apply at a railroad crossing.
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 544 - Traffic Signs, Signals, and Markings › Section 544.009. Lane-Direction-Control Signals

Sec. 544.009.  LANE-DIRECTION-CONTROL SIGNALS.  If a lane-direction-control signal is placed over an individual lane of a highway, a vehicle may travel in a lane over which a green signal is shown but may not enter or travel in a lane over which a red signal is shown.
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 544 - Traffic Signs, Signals, and Markings › Section 544.010. Stop Signs and Yield Signs

Sec. 544.010.  STOP SIGNS AND YIELD SIGNS.  (a)  Unless directed to proceed by a police officer or traffic-control signal, the operator of a vehicle or streetcar approaching an intersection with a stop sign shall stop as provided by Subsection (c).
(b)  If safety requires, the operator of a vehicle approaching a yield sign shall stop as provided by Subsection (c).
(c)  An operator required to stop by this section shall stop at a clearly marked stop line.  In the absence of a clearly marked stop line, the operator shall stop before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection.  In the absence of a clearly marked stop line or crosswalk, the operator shall stop at the place nearest the intersecting roadway where the operator has a view of approaching traffic on the intersecting roadway.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
Amended by:
Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 535 (H.B. 3558), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2023.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle C - Rules of the Road › Chapter 544 - Traffic Signs, Signals, and Markings › Section 544.011. Lane Use Signs

Sec. 544.011.  LANE USE SIGNS.  If, on a highway having more than one lane with vehicles traveling in the same direction, the Texas Department of Transportation or a local authority places a sign that directs slower traffic to travel in a lane other than the farthest left lane, the sign must read "left lane for passing only."
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 628, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.  Amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 62, Sec. 17.08, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle C - Rules of the Road › Chapter 544 - Traffic Signs, Signals, and Markings › Section 544.013. Changeable Message Sign System

Sec. 544.013.  CHANGEABLE MESSAGE SIGN SYSTEM.  (a)  In this section, "changeable message sign" means a sign that conforms to the manual and specifications adopted under Section 544.001.  The term includes a dynamic message sign.
(b)  The Texas Department of Transportation in cooperation with local governments shall actively manage a system of changeable message signs located on highways under the jurisdiction of the department to mitigate traffic congestion by providing current information to the traveling public, including information about traffic incidents, weather conditions, road construction, and alternative routes when applicable.
Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1345 (S.B. 1420), Sec. 53, eff. September 1, 2011.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle C - Rules of the Road › Chapter 545 - Operation and Movement of Vehicles › Subchapter A. General Provisions › Section 545.001. Definitions

Sec. 545.001.  DEFINITIONS.  In this chapter:
(1)  "On-track equipment" means any car, rolling stock, equipment, or other device that, alone or coupled to another device, is operated on a railroad track.
(2)  "Pass" or "passing" used in reference to a vehicle means:
(A)  to:
(i)  overtake and proceed past another vehicle moving in the same direction as the passing vehicle; and
(ii)  return to the original lane of travel; or
(B)  to attempt the maneuver described by Paragraph (A).
(3)  "School bus" includes a multifunction school activity bus.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
Amended by:
Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 923 (H.B. 3190), Sec. 3, eff. September 1, 2007.
Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 128 (H.B. 1759), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2021.
Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 593 (H.B. 3126), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2023.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle C - Rules of the Road › Chapter 545 - Operation and Movement of Vehicles › Subchapter A. General Provisions › Section 545.002. Operator

Sec. 545.002.  OPERATOR.  In this chapter, a reference to an operator includes a reference to the vehicle operated by the operator if the reference imposes a duty or provides a limitation on the movement or other operation of that 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 545 - Operation and Movement of Vehicles › Subchapter B. Driving on Right Side of Roadway and Passing › Section 545.051. Driving on Right Side of Roadway

Sec. 545.051.  DRIVING ON RIGHT SIDE OF ROADWAY.  (a)  An operator on a roadway of sufficient width shall drive on the right half of the roadway, unless:
(1)  the operator is passing another vehicle;
(2)  an obstruction necessitates moving the vehicle left of the center of the roadway and the operator yields the right-of-way to a vehicle that:
(A)  is moving in the proper direction on the unobstructed portion of the roadway;  and
(B)  is an immediate hazard;
(3)  the operator is on a roadway divided into three marked lanes for traffic;  or
(4)  the operator is on a roadway restricted to one-way traffic.
(b)  An operator of a vehicle on a roadway moving more slowly than the normal speed of other vehicles at the time and place under the existing conditions shall drive in the right-hand lane available for vehicles, or as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway, unless the operator is:
(1)  passing another vehicle;  or
(2)  preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into a private road or driveway.
(c)  An operator on a roadway having four or more lanes for moving vehicles and providing for two-way movement of vehicles may not drive left of the center line of the roadway except:
(1)  as authorized by an official traffic-control device designating a specified lane to the left side of the center of the roadway for use by a vehicle not otherwise permitted to use the lane;
(2)  under the conditions described by Subsection (a)(2);  or
(3)  in crossing the center line to make a left turn into or out of an alley, private road, or driveway.
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 545 - Operation and Movement of Vehicles › Subchapter B. Driving on Right Side of Roadway and Passing › Section 545.052. Driving Past Vehicle Moving in Opposite Direction

Sec. 545.052.  DRIVING PAST VEHICLE MOVING IN OPPOSITE DIRECTION.  An operator moving in the opposite direction of the movement of another operator shall:
(1)  move to or remain to the right;  and
(2)  on a roadway wide enough for not more than one line of vehicle movement in each direction, give the other operator:
(A)  at least one-half of the main traveled portion of the roadway;  or
(B)  if complying with Paragraph (A) is not possible, as much of the roadway as possible.
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 545 - Operation and Movement of Vehicles › Subchapter B. Driving on Right Side of Roadway and Passing › Section 545.053. Passing to the Left; Return; Being Passed

Sec. 545.053.  PASSING TO THE LEFT;  RETURN;  BEING PASSED.  (a)  An operator passing another vehicle:
(1)  shall pass to the left of the other vehicle at a safe distance;  and
(2)  may not move back to the right side of the roadway until safely clear of the passed vehicle.
(b)  An operator being passed by another vehicle:
(1)  shall, on audible signal, move or remain to the right in favor of the passing vehicle;  and
(2)  may not accelerate until completely passed by the passing vehicle.
(c)  Subsection (b) does not apply when passing to the right is permitted.
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 545 - Operation and Movement of Vehicles › Subchapter B. Driving on Right Side of Roadway and Passing › Section 545.054. Passing to the Left: Safe Distance

Sec. 545.054.  PASSING TO THE LEFT:  SAFE DISTANCE.  (a)  An operator may not drive on the left side of the center of the roadway in passing another vehicle unless:
(1)  driving on the left side of the center of the roadway is authorized by this subtitle;  and
(2)  the left side is clearly visible and free of approaching traffic for a distance sufficient to permit passing without interfering with the operation of the passed vehicle or a vehicle approaching from the opposite direction.
(b)  An operator passing another vehicle shall return to an authorized lane of travel:
(1)  before coming within 200 feet of an approaching vehicle, if a lane authorized for vehicles approaching from the opposite direction is used in passing;  or otherwise
(2)  as soon as practicable.
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 545 - Operation and Movement of Vehicles › Subchapter B. Driving on Right Side of Roadway and Passing › Section 545.055. Passing to the Left: Passing Zones

Sec. 545.055.  PASSING TO THE LEFT:  PASSING ZONES.  (a)  An operator shall obey the directions of a sign or marking in Subsection (c) or (d) if the sign or marking is in place and clearly visible to an ordinarily observant person.
(b)  An operator may not drive on the left side of the roadway in a no-passing zone or on the left side of any pavement striping designed to mark a no-passing zone.  This subsection does not prohibit a driver from crossing pavement striping, or the center line in a no-passing zone marked by signs only, to make a left turn into or out of an alley or private road or driveway.
(c)  The Texas Transportation Commission, on a state highway under the jurisdiction of the commission, may:
(1)  determine those portions of the highway where passing or driving to the left of the roadway would be especially hazardous;  and
(2)  show the beginning and end of each no-passing zone by appropriate signs or markings on the roadway.
(d)  A local authority, on a highway under the jurisdiction of the local authority, may:
(1)  determine those portions of the highway where passing or driving to the left of the roadway would be especially hazardous;  and
(2)  show the beginning and end of each no-passing zone by appropriate signs or markings on the roadway.
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 545 - Operation and Movement of Vehicles › Subchapter B. Driving on Right Side of Roadway and Passing › Section 545.056. Driving to Left of Center of Roadway: Limitations Other Than Passing

Sec. 545.056.  DRIVING TO LEFT OF CENTER OF ROADWAY:  LIMITATIONS OTHER THAN PASSING.  (a)  An operator may not drive to the left side of the roadway if the operator is:
(1)  approaching within 100 feet of an intersection or railroad grade crossing in a municipality;
(2)  approaching within 100 feet of an intersection or railroad grade crossing outside a municipality and the intersection or crossing is shown by a sign or marking in accordance with Section 545.055;
(3)  approaching within 100 feet of a bridge, viaduct, or tunnel;  or
(4)  awaiting access to a ferry operated by the Texas Transportation Commission.
(b)  The limitations in Subsection (a) do not apply:
(1)  on a one-way roadway;  or
(2)  to an operator turning left into or from an alley or private road or driveway.
(c)  The Texas Transportation Commission shall post signs along the approach to a ferry operated by the commission notifying operators that passing is prohibited if there is a standing line of vehicles awaiting access to the ferry.
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 545 - Operation and Movement of Vehicles › Subchapter B. Driving on Right Side of Roadway and Passing › Section 545.057. Passing to the Right

Sec. 545.057.  PASSING TO THE RIGHT.  (a)  An operator may pass to the right of another vehicle only if conditions permit safely passing to the right and:
(1)  the vehicle being passed is making or about to make a left turn;  and
(2)  the operator is:
(A)  on a highway having unobstructed pavement not occupied by parked vehicles and sufficient width for two or more lines of moving vehicles in each direction;  or
(B)  on a one-way street or on a roadway having traffic restricted to one direction of movement and the roadway is free from obstructions and wide enough for two or more lines of moving vehicles.
(b)  An operator may not pass to the right by leaving the main traveled portion of a roadway except as provided by Section 545.058.
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 545 - Operation and Movement of Vehicles › Subchapter B. Driving on Right Side of Roadway and Passing › Section 545.058. Driving on Improved Shoulder

Sec. 545.058.  DRIVING ON IMPROVED SHOULDER.  (a)  An operator may drive on an improved shoulder to the right of the main traveled portion of a roadway if that operation is necessary and may be done safely, but only:
(1)  to stop, stand, or park;
(2)  to accelerate before entering the main traveled lane of traffic;
(3)  to decelerate before making a right turn;
(4)  to pass another vehicle that is slowing or stopped on the main traveled portion of the highway, disabled, or preparing to make a left turn;
(5)  to allow another vehicle traveling faster to pass;
(6)  as permitted or required by an official traffic-control device;  or
(7)  to avoid a collision.
(b)  An operator may drive on an improved shoulder to the left of the main traveled portion of a divided or limited-access or controlled-access highway if that operation may be done safely, but only:
(1)  to slow or stop when the vehicle is disabled and traffic or other circumstances prohibit the safe movement of the vehicle to the shoulder to the right of the main traveled portion of the roadway;
(2)  as permitted or required by an official traffic-control device;  or
(3)  to avoid a collision.
(c)  A limitation in this section on driving on an improved shoulder does not apply to:
(1)  an authorized emergency vehicle responding to a call;
(2)  a police patrol;
(3)  a bicycle; or
(4)  a slow-moving vehicle, as defined by Section 547.001.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
Amended by:
Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 860 (H.B. 2837), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2019.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle C - Rules of the Road › Chapter 545 - Operation and Movement of Vehicles › Subchapter B. Driving on Right Side of Roadway and Passing › Section 545.059. One-Way Roadways and Rotary Traffic Islands

Sec. 545.059.  ONE-WAY ROADWAYS AND ROTARY TRAFFIC ISLANDS.  (a)  The Texas Transportation Commission may designate a highway or separate roadway under the jurisdiction of the commission for one-way traffic and shall erect appropriate signs giving notice of the designation.
(b)  On a roadway that is designated and on which signs are erected for one-way traffic, an operator shall drive only in the direction indicated.
(c)  An operator moving around a rotary traffic island shall drive only to the right of the island.
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 545 - Operation and Movement of Vehicles › Subchapter B. Driving on Right Side of Roadway and Passing › Section 545.060. Driving on Roadway Laned for Traffic

Sec. 545.060.  DRIVING ON ROADWAY LANED FOR TRAFFIC.  (a)  An operator on a roadway divided into two or more clearly marked lanes for traffic:
(1)  shall drive as nearly as practical entirely within a single lane;  and
(2)  may not move from the lane unless that movement can be made safely.
(b)  If a roadway is divided into three lanes and provides for two-way movement of traffic, an operator on the roadway may not drive in the center lane except:
(1)  if passing another vehicle and the center lane is clear of traffic within a safe distance;
(2)  in preparing to make a left turn;  or
(3)  where the center lane is designated by an official traffic-control device for movement in the direction in which the operator is moving.
(c)  Without regard to the center of the roadway, an official traffic-control device may be erected directing slow-moving traffic to use a designated lane or designating lanes to be used by traffic moving in a particular direction.
(d)  Official traffic-control devices prohibiting the changing of lanes on sections of roadway may be installed.
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 545 - Operation and Movement of Vehicles › Subchapter B. Driving on Right Side of Roadway and Passing › Section 545.0605. Operation of Motorcycles on Roadway Laned for Traffic

Sec. 545.0605.  OPERATION OF MOTORCYCLES ON ROADWAY LANED FOR TRAFFIC.  (a)  The operator of a motorcycle:
(1)  is entitled to full use of a lane and, except as otherwise provided by Subdivision (2), a motor vehicle may not be driven in a manner that deprives a motorcycle of the full use of a lane;
(2)  may operate the motorcycle two abreast in a single lane with another motorcycle; and
(3)  may not;
(A)  operate the motorcycle more than two abreast in a single lane with other motorcycles;
(B)  operate the motorcycle between lanes of traffic moving in the same direction; or
(C)  pass a motor vehicle while in the same lane as the vehicle being passed.
(b)  Subsection (a)(3) does not apply to a police officer in the performance of the officer's official duties.
Added by Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 756 (H.B. 4122), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2023.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle C - Rules of the Road › Chapter 545 - Operation and Movement of Vehicles › Subchapter B. Driving on Right Side of Roadway and Passing › Section 545.061. Driving on Multiple-Lane Roadway

Sec. 545.061.  DRIVING ON MULTIPLE-LANE ROADWAY.  On a roadway divided into three or more lanes and providing for one-way movement of traffic, an operator entering a lane of traffic from a lane to the right shall yield the right-of-way to a vehicle entering the same lane of traffic from a lane to the left.
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 545 - Operation and Movement of Vehicles › Subchapter B. Driving on Right Side of Roadway and Passing › Section 545.062. Following Distance

Sec. 545.062.  FOLLOWING DISTANCE.  (a)  An operator shall, if following another vehicle, maintain an assured clear distance between the two vehicles so that, considering the speed of the vehicles, traffic, and the conditions of the highway, the operator can safely stop without colliding with the preceding vehicle or veering into another vehicle, object, or person on or near the highway.
(b)  An operator of a truck or of a motor vehicle drawing another vehicle who is on a roadway outside a business or residential district and who is following another truck or motor vehicle drawing another vehicle shall, if conditions permit, leave sufficient space between the vehicles so that a vehicle passing the operator can safely enter and occupy the space.  This subsection does not prohibit a truck or a motor vehicle drawing another vehicle from passing another vehicle.
(c)  An operator on a roadway outside a business or residential district driving in a caravan of other vehicles or a motorcade shall allow sufficient space between the operator and the vehicle preceding the operator so that another vehicle can safely enter and occupy the space.  This subsection does not apply to a funeral procession.
(d)  An operator of a vehicle equipped with a connected braking system that is following another vehicle equipped with that system may be assisted by the system to maintain an assured clear distance or sufficient space as required by this section.  In this subsection, "connected braking system" means a system by which the braking of one vehicle is electronically coordinated with the braking system of a following vehicle.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
Amended by:
Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 19 (H.B. 1791), Sec. 1, eff. May 18, 2017.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle C - Rules of the Road › Chapter 545 - Operation and Movement of Vehicles › Subchapter B. Driving on Right Side of Roadway and Passing › Section 545.063. Driving on Divided Highway

Sec. 545.063.  DRIVING ON DIVIDED HIGHWAY.  (a)  On a highway having two or more roadways separated by a space, physical barrier, or clearly indicated dividing section constructed to impede vehicular traffic, an operator shall drive on the right roadway unless directed or permitted to use another roadway by an official traffic-control device or police officer.
(b)  An operator may not drive over, across, or in a dividing space, physical barrier, or section constructed to impede vehicular traffic except:
(1)  through an opening in the physical barrier or dividing section or space;  or
(2)  at a crossover or intersection established by a public authority.
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 545 - Operation and Movement of Vehicles › Subchapter B. Driving on Right Side of Roadway and Passing › Section 545.064. Restricted Access

Sec. 545.064.  RESTRICTED ACCESS.  An operator may not drive on or from a limited-access or controlled-access roadway except at an entrance or exit that is established by a public authority.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.