reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
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 545.065. State and Local Regulation of Limited-Access or Controlled-Access Highways

Sec. 545.065.  STATE AND LOCAL REGULATION OF LIMITED-ACCESS OR CONTROLLED-ACCESS HIGHWAYS.  (a)  The Texas Transportation Commission by resolution or order recorded in its minutes may prohibit the use of a limited-access or controlled-access highway under the jurisdiction of the commission by a parade, funeral procession, pedestrian, bicycle, electric bicycle, motorcycle equipped with a motor that has an engine piston displacement of 250 cubic centimeters or less, or nonmotorized traffic.
(b)  If the commission adopts a rule under Subsection (a), the commission shall erect and maintain official traffic-control devices on the portions of the limited-access or controlled-access highway to which the rule applies.
(c)  A local authority by ordinance may prohibit the use of a limited-access or controlled-access roadway under the jurisdiction of the authority by a parade, funeral procession, pedestrian, bicycle, electric bicycle, motorcycle equipped with a motor that has an engine piston displacement of 250 cubic centimeters or less, or nonmotorized traffic.
(d)  If a local authority adopts an ordinance under Subsection (c), the authority shall erect and maintain official traffic-control devices on the portions of the limited-access or controlled-access roadway to which the ordinance applies.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.  Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1085, Sec. 7, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
Amended by:
Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 882 (H.B. 3171), Sec. 2.05, 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 545.0651. Restriction on Use of Highway

Sec. 545.0651.   RESTRICTION ON USE OF HIGHWAY.  (a)  In this section:
(1)  "Commission" means the Texas Transportation Commission.
(1-a)  "Department" means the Texas Department of Transportation.
(2)  "Highway" means a public highway that:
(A)  is in the designated state highway system;
(B)  is designated a controlled access facility;  and
(C)  has a minimum of three travel lanes, excluding access or frontage roads, in each direction of traffic that may be part of a single roadway or may be separate roadways that are constructed as an upper and lower deck.
(b)  The commission by order may restrict, by class of vehicle, through traffic to two or more designated lanes of a highway.  If the lanes to be restricted by the commission are located within a municipality, the commission shall consult with the municipality before adopting an order under this section.  A municipality by ordinance may restrict, by class of vehicle, through traffic to two or more designated lanes of a highway in the municipality.
(c)  An order or ordinance under Subsection (b) must allow a restricted vehicle to use any lane of the highway to pass another vehicle and to enter and exit the highway.
(d)  Before adopting an ordinance, a municipality shall submit to the department a description of the proposed restriction.  The municipality may not enforce the restrictions unless the department's executive director or the executive director's designee has approved the restrictions.
(e)  Department approval under Subsection (d) must:
(1)  be based on a traffic study performed by the department to evaluate the effect of the proposed restriction;  and
(2)  to the greatest extent practicable, ensure a systems approach to preclude the designation of inconsistent lane restrictions among adjacent municipalities.
(f)  The department's executive director or the executive director's designee may suspend or rescind approval of any restrictions approved under Subsection (d) for one or more of the following reasons:
(1)  a change in pavement conditions;
(2)  a change in traffic conditions;
(3)  a geometric change in roadway configuration;
(4)  construction or maintenance activity;  or
(5)  emergency or incident management.
(g)  The department shall erect and maintain official traffic control devices necessary to implement and enforce an order adopted or an ordinance adopted and approved under this section.  A restriction approved under this section may not be enforced until the appropriate traffic control devices are in place.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 384, Sec. 1, eff. May 28, 1997.  Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1049, Sec. 9, eff. June 20, 2003.
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 545.0652. County Restriction on Use of Highway

Sec. 545.0652.  COUNTY RESTRICTION ON USE OF HIGHWAY.  (a)  In this section:
(1)  "Department" means the Texas Department of Transportation.
(2)  "Highway" means a public roadway that:
(A)  is in the designated state highway system;
(B)  is designated a controlled access facility;  and
(C)  has a minimum of three travel lanes, excluding access or frontage roads, in each direction of traffic.
(b)  A county commissioners court by order may restrict, by class of vehicle, through traffic to two or more designated lanes of a highway located in the county and outside the jurisdiction of a municipality.
(c)  An order under Subsection (b) must allow a restricted vehicle to use any lane of the highway to pass another vehicle and to enter and exit the highway.
(d)  Before issuing an order under this section, the commissioners court shall submit to the department a description of the proposed restriction.  The commissioners court may not enforce the restrictions unless:
(1)  the department's executive director or the executive director's designee has approved the restrictions;  and
(2)  the appropriate traffic-control devices are in place.
(e)  Department approval under Subsection (d) must to the greatest extent practicable ensure a systems approach to preclude the designation of inconsistent lane restrictions among adjacent counties or municipalities.
(f)  The department's executive director or the executive director's designee may suspend or rescind approval under this section for one or more of the following reasons:
(1)  a change in pavement conditions;
(2)  a change in traffic conditions;
(3)  a geometric change in roadway configuration;
(4)  construction or maintenance activity;  or
(5)  emergency or incident management.
(g)  The department shall erect and maintain official traffic-control devices necessary to implement and enforce an order issued and approved under this section.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 846, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
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 545.0653. Restriction on Use of Highway in Maintenance or Construction Work Zone

Sec. 545.0653.  RESTRICTION ON USE OF HIGHWAY IN MAINTENANCE OR CONSTRUCTION WORK ZONE.  (a)  In this section:
(1)  "Commercial motor vehicle" has the meaning assigned by Section 548.001.
(2)  "Construction or maintenance work zone" has the meaning assigned by Section 472.022.
(3)  "Department" means the Texas Department of Transportation.
(4)  "Executive director" means the executive director of the department.
(b)  The executive director or the executive director's designee may restrict a commercial motor vehicle to a specific lane of traffic in a construction or maintenance work zone for a highway that is part of the state highway system if the executive director or the executive director's designee determines that, based on a traffic study performed by the department to evaluate the effect of the restriction, the restriction is necessary to improve safety.
(c)  The department shall erect and maintain official traffic control devices necessary to implement and enforce a lane restriction imposed under this section. A lane restriction may not be enforced until the appropriate traffic control devices are in place.
(d)  The executive director or the executive director's designee may rescind a lane restriction imposed under this section at any time that the executive director or the executive director's designee determines that the restriction is no longer necessary to improve safety.
(e)  A lane restriction imposed under this section expires when the lane that is subject to the restriction is no longer in a construction or maintenance work zone.
(f)  The department shall remove traffic control devices erected under this section if the lane restriction is rescinded under Subsection (d) or expires under Subsection (e).
Added by Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 578 (H.B. 3225), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2015.
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 545.066. Passing a School Bus; Offense

Sec. 545.066.  PASSING A SCHOOL BUS;  OFFENSE.  (a)  An operator on a highway, when approaching from either direction a school bus stopped on the highway to receive or discharge a student:
(1)  shall stop before reaching the school bus when the bus is operating a visual signal as required by Section 547.701;  and
(2)  may not proceed until:
(A)  the school bus resumes motion;
(B)  the operator is signaled by the bus driver to proceed;  or
(C)  the visual signal is no longer actuated.
(b)  An operator on a highway having separate roadways is not required to stop:
(1)  for a school bus that is on a different roadway;  or
(2)  if on a controlled-access highway, for a school bus that is stopped:
(A)  in a loading zone that is a part of or adjacent to the highway;  and
(B)  where pedestrians are not permitted to cross the roadway.
(c)  An offense under this section is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not less than $500 or more than $1,250, except that the offense is:
(1)  a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not less than $1,000 or more than $2,000 if the person is convicted of a second or subsequent offense under this section committed within five years of the date on which the most recent preceding offense was committed;
(2)  a Class A misdemeanor if the person causes serious bodily injury to another; or
(3)  a state jail felony if the person has been previously convicted under Subdivision (2).
(d)  The court may order that the driver's license of a person convicted of a second or subsequent offense under this section be suspended for not longer than six months beginning on the date of conviction.  In this subsection, "driver's license" has the meaning assigned by Chapter 521.
(e)  If a person does not pay the previously assessed fine or costs on a conviction under this section, or is determined by the court to have insufficient resources or income to pay a fine or costs on a conviction under this section, the court may order the person to perform community service.  The court shall set the number of hours of service under this subsection.
(f)  For the purposes of this section:
(1)  a highway is considered to have separate roadways only if the highway has roadways separated by an intervening space on which operation of vehicles is not permitted, a physical barrier, or a clearly indicated dividing section constructed to impede vehicular traffic;  and
(2)  a highway is not considered to have separate roadways if the highway has roadways separated only by a left turn lane.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.  Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1438, Sec. 9, eff. Sept. 1, 1997;  Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1325, Sec. 19.06(a), eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Amended by:
Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 661 (H.B. 1174), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2013.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle C - Rules of the Road › Chapter 545 - Operation and Movement of Vehicles › Subchapter C. Turning and Signals for Stopping and Turning › Section 545.101. Turning at Intersection

Sec. 545.101.  TURNING AT INTERSECTION.  (a)  To make a right turn at an intersection, an operator shall make both the approach and the turn as closely as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway.
(b)  To make a left turn at an intersection, an operator shall:
(1)  approach the intersection in the extreme left-hand lane lawfully available to a vehicle moving in the direction of the vehicle;  and
(2)  after entering the intersection, turn left, leaving the intersection so as to arrive in a lane lawfully available to traffic moving in the direction of the vehicle on the roadway being entered.
(c)  On a street or roadway designated for two-way traffic, the operator turning left shall, to the extent practicable, turn in the portion of the intersection to the left of the center of the intersection.
(d)  To turn left, an operator who is approaching an intersection having a roadway designated for one-way traffic and for which signs are posted from a roadway designated for one-way traffic and for which signs are posted shall make the turn as closely as practicable to the left-hand curb or edge of the roadway.
(e)  The Texas Transportation Commission or a local authority, with respect to a highway in its jurisdiction, may:
(1)  authorize the placement of an official traffic-control device in or adjacent to an intersection;  and
(2)  require a course different from that specified in this section for movement by vehicles turning at an 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 545 - Operation and Movement of Vehicles › Subchapter C. Turning and Signals for Stopping and Turning › Section 545.102. Turning on Curve or Crest of Grade

Sec. 545.102.  TURNING ON CURVE OR CREST OF GRADE.  An operator may not turn the vehicle to move in the opposite direction when approaching a curve or the crest of a grade if the vehicle is not visible to the operator of another vehicle approaching from either direction within 500 feet.
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 C. Turning and Signals for Stopping and Turning › Section 545.103. Safely Turning

Sec. 545.103.  SAFELY TURNING.  An operator may not turn the vehicle to enter a private road or driveway, otherwise turn the vehicle from a direct course, or move right or left on a roadway unless movement can be made safely.
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 C. Turning and Signals for Stopping and Turning › Section 545.104. Signaling Turns; Use of Turn Signals

Sec. 545.104.  SIGNALING TURNS;  USE OF TURN SIGNALS.  (a)  An operator shall use the signal authorized by Section 545.106 to indicate an intention to turn, change lanes, or start from a parked position.
(b)  An operator intending to turn a vehicle right or left shall signal continuously for not less than the last 100 feet of movement of the vehicle before the turn.
(c)  An operator may not light the signals on only one side of the vehicle on a parked or disabled vehicle or use the signals as a courtesy or "do pass" signal to the operator of another vehicle approaching from the rear.
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 C. Turning and Signals for Stopping and Turning › Section 545.105. Signaling Stops

Sec. 545.105.  SIGNALING STOPS.  An operator may not stop or suddenly decrease the speed of the vehicle without first giving a stop signal as provided by this subchapter to the operator of a vehicle immediately to the rear when there is an opportunity to give the 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 545 - Operation and Movement of Vehicles › Subchapter C. Turning and Signals for Stopping and Turning › Section 545.106. Signals by Hand and Arm or by Signal Lamp

Sec. 545.106.  SIGNALS BY HAND AND ARM OR BY SIGNAL LAMP.  (a)  Except as provided by Subsection (b), an operator required to give a stop or turn signal shall do so by:
(1)  using the hand and arm;  or
(2)  lighting signal lamps approved by the department.
(b)  A motor vehicle in use on a highway shall be equipped with signal lamps, and the required signal shall be given by lighting the lamps, if:
(1)  the distance from the center of the top of the steering post to the left outside limit of the body, cab, or load of the motor vehicle is more than two feet;  or
(2)  the distance from the center of the top of the steering post to the rear limit of the body or load, including the body or load of a combination of vehicles, is more than 14 feet.
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 C. Turning and Signals for Stopping and Turning › Section 545.107. Method of Giving Hand and Arm Signals

Sec. 545.107.  METHOD OF GIVING HAND AND ARM SIGNALS.  An operator who is permitted to give a hand and arm signal shall give the signal from the left side of the vehicle as follows:
(1)  to make a left turn signal, extend hand and arm horizontally;
(2)  to make a right turn signal, extend hand and arm upward, except that a bicycle operator may signal from the right side of the vehicle with the hand and arm extended horizontally;  and
(3)  to stop or decrease speed, extend hand and arm downward.
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 D. Right-of-Way › Section 545.152. Vehicle Turning Left

Sec. 545.152.  VEHICLE TURNING LEFT.  To turn left at an intersection or into an alley or private road or driveway, an operator shall yield the right-of-way to a vehicle that is approaching from the opposite direction and that is in the intersection or in such proximity to the intersection as to be an immediate hazard.
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 D. Right-of-Way › Section 545.153. Vehicle Entering Stop or Yield Intersection

Sec. 545.153.  VEHICLE ENTERING STOP OR YIELD INTERSECTION.  (a)  Preferential right-of-way at an intersection may be indicated by a stop sign or yield sign as authorized in Section 544.003.
(b)  Unless directed to proceed by a police officer or official traffic-control device, an operator approaching an intersection on a roadway controlled by a stop sign, after stopping as required by Section 544.010, shall yield the right-of-way to a vehicle that has entered the intersection from another highway or that is approaching so closely as to be an immediate hazard to the operator's movement in or across the intersection.
(c)  An operator approaching an intersection on a roadway controlled by a yield sign shall:
(1)  slow to a speed that is reasonable under the existing conditions;  and
(2)  yield the right-of-way to a vehicle in the intersection or approaching on another highway so closely as to be an immediate hazard to the operator's movement in or across the intersection.
(d)  If an operator is required by Subsection (c) to yield and is involved in a collision with a vehicle in an intersection after the operator drove past a yield sign without stopping, the collision is prima facie evidence that the operator failed to yield the right-of-way.
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 D. Right-of-Way › Section 545.154. Vehicle Entering or Leaving Limited-Access or Controlled-Access Highway

Sec. 545.154.  VEHICLE ENTERING OR LEAVING LIMITED-ACCESS OR CONTROLLED-ACCESS HIGHWAY.  An operator on an access or feeder road of a limited-access or controlled-access highway shall yield the right-of-way to a vehicle entering or about to enter the access or feeder road from the highway or leaving or about to leave the access or feeder road to enter 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 545 - Operation and Movement of Vehicles › Subchapter D. Right-of-Way › Section 545.155. Vehicle Entering Highway From Private Road or Driveway

Sec. 545.155.  VEHICLE ENTERING HIGHWAY FROM PRIVATE ROAD OR DRIVEWAY.  An operator about to enter or cross a highway from an alley, building, or private road or driveway shall yield the right-of-way to a vehicle approaching on the highway to be entered.
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 D. Right-of-Way › Section 545.156. Vehicle Approached by Authorized Emergency Vehicle

Sec. 545.156.  VEHICLE APPROACHED BY AUTHORIZED EMERGENCY VEHICLE.  (a)  This section applies only to:
(1)  an authorized emergency vehicle using audible and visual signals that meet the requirements of Sections 547.305 and 547.702;
(2)  a medical examiner vehicle, as defined by Section 547.751, lawfully using a visual signal in accordance with that section;
(3)  a vehicle operated by a justice of the peace for a purpose described by Section 547.752 and lawfully using a visual signal in accordance with that section; and
(4)  a police vehicle lawfully using only an audible or visual signal.
(a-1)  On the immediate approach of a vehicle described by Subsection (a), an operator, unless otherwise directed by a police officer, shall:
(1)  yield the right-of-way;
(2)  immediately drive to a position parallel to and as close as possible to the right-hand edge or curb of the roadway clear of any intersection; and
(3)  stop and remain standing until the authorized emergency vehicle has passed.
(b)  This section does not exempt the operator of a vehicle described by Subsection (a) from the duty to drive with due regard for the safety of all persons using the highway.
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. 3, eff. September 1, 2019.
Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 727 (H.B. 2616), 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 E. Streetcars › Section 545.201. Passing Streetcar to Left

Sec. 545.201.  PASSING STREETCAR TO LEFT.  (a)  An operator may not pass to the left or drive on the left side of a streetcar moving in the same direction, even if the streetcar is temporarily at rest, unless the operator:
(1)  is directed to do so by a police officer;
(2)  is on a one-way street;  or
(3)  is on a street on which the location of the tracks prevents compliance with this section.
(b)  An operator when lawfully passing to the left of a streetcar that has stopped to receive or discharge a passenger:
(1)  shall reduce speed;
(2)  may proceed only on exercising due caution for pedestrians;  and
(3)  shall accord a pedestrian the right-of-way as required 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 545 - Operation and Movement of Vehicles › Subchapter E. Streetcars › Section 545.202. Passing Streetcar to Right

Sec. 545.202.  PASSING STREETCAR TO RIGHT.  (a)  An operator passing to the right of a streetcar stopped or about to stop to receive or discharge a passenger shall:
(1)  stop the vehicle at least five feet to the rear of the nearest running board or door of the streetcar;  and
(2)  remain standing until all passengers have entered the streetcar or, on leaving, have reached a place of safety.
(b)  An operator is not required to stop before passing a streetcar to the right if a safety zone has been established and may proceed past the streetcar at a reasonable speed and with due caution for the safety of pedestrians.
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 E. Streetcars › Section 545.203. Driving on Streetcar Tracks

Sec. 545.203.  DRIVING ON STREETCAR TRACKS.  (a)  An operator on a streetcar track in front of a streetcar shall move the operator's vehicle off the track as soon as possible after a signal from the operator of the streetcar.
(b)  An operator may not drive on or cross a streetcar track in an intersection in front of a streetcar crossing the intersection.
(c)  An operator who is passing a streetcar may not turn in front of the streetcar so as to interfere with or impede its movement.
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 E. Streetcars › Section 545.204. Streetcar Approached by Authorized Emergency Vehicle

Sec. 545.204.  STREETCAR APPROACHED BY AUTHORIZED EMERGENCY VEHICLE.  (a)  On the immediate approach of an authorized emergency vehicle using audible and visual signals that meet the requirements of Sections 547.305 and 547.702, or of a police vehicle lawfully using only an audible signal, the operator of a streetcar shall immediately stop the streetcar clear of any intersection and remain there until the authorized emergency vehicle has passed, unless otherwise directed by a police officer.
(b)  This section does not exempt the operator of an authorized emergency vehicle from the duty to drive with due regard for the safety of all persons using 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 545 - Operation and Movement of Vehicles › Subchapter E. Streetcars › Section 545.205. Crossing Fire Hose

Sec. 545.205.  CROSSING FIRE HOSE.  An operator of a streetcar may not, without the consent of the fire department official in command, drive over an unprotected hose of a fire department when the hose is on a streetcar track and intended for use at a fire or alarm of fire.
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 E. Streetcars › Section 545.206. Obstruction of Operator's View or Driving Mechanism

Sec. 545.206.  OBSTRUCTION OF OPERATOR'S VIEW OR DRIVING MECHANISM.  A passenger in a streetcar may not ride in a position that interferes with the operator's view ahead or to the side or with control over the driving mechanism of the streetcar.
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 F. Special Stops and Speed Restrictions › Section 545.251. Obedience to Signal Indicating Approach of Train or Other On-Track Equipment

Sec. 545.251.  OBEDIENCE TO SIGNAL INDICATING APPROACH OF TRAIN OR OTHER ON-TRACK EQUIPMENT.  (a)  An operator approaching a railroad grade crossing shall stop not closer than 15 feet or farther than 50 feet from the nearest rail if:
(1)  a clearly visible railroad signal warns of the approach of a railroad train or other on-track equipment;
(2)  a crossing gate is lowered, or a flagger warns of the approach or passage of a train or other on-track equipment;
(3)  a railroad engine or other on-track equipment approaching within approximately 1,500 feet of the highway crossing emits a signal audible from that distance and the engine or other equipment is an immediate hazard because of its speed or proximity to the crossing;
(4)  an approaching railroad train or other on-track equipment is plainly visible to the operator and is in hazardous proximity to the crossing; or
(5)  the operator is required to stop by:
(A)  other law;
(B)  a rule adopted under a statute;
(C)  an official traffic-control device; or
(D)  a traffic-control signal.
(b)  An operator of a vehicle required by Subsection (a) to stop shall remain stopped until permitted to proceed and it is safe to proceed.
(c)  An operator of a vehicle who approaches a railroad grade crossing equipped with railroad crossbuck signs without automatic, electric, or mechanical signal devices, crossing gates, or a flagger warning of the approach or passage of a train or other on-track equipment shall yield the right-of-way to a train or other on-track equipment in hazardous proximity to the crossing, and proceed at a speed that is reasonable for the existing conditions.  If required for safety, the operator shall stop at a clearly marked stop line before the grade crossing or, if no stop line exists, not closer than 15 feet or farther than 50 feet from the nearest rail.
(d)  An operator commits an offense if the operator drives around, under, or through a crossing gate or a barrier at a railroad crossing while the gate or barrier is closed, being closed, or being opened.
(e)  In a prosecution under this section, proof that at the time of the offense a train or other on-track equipment was in hazardous proximity to the crossing and that the train or other equipment was plainly visible to the operator is prima facie evidence that it was not safe for the operator to proceed.
(f)  An offense under this section is punishable by a fine of not less than $50 or more than $200.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.  Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 30.107(a), eff. Sept. 1, 1997;  Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1097, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
Amended by:
Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 128 (H.B. 1759), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2021.
Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 128 (H.B. 1759), Sec. 3, eff. September 1, 2021.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle C - Rules of the Road › Chapter 545 - Operation and Movement of Vehicles › Subchapter F. Special Stops and Speed Restrictions › Section 545.252. All Vehicles to Stop at Certain Railroad Grade Crossings

Sec. 545.252.  ALL VEHICLES TO STOP AT CERTAIN RAILROAD GRADE CROSSINGS.  (a)  The Texas Department of Transportation or a local authority, with respect to a highway in its jurisdiction, may:
(1)  designate a railroad grade crossing as particularly dangerous;  and
(2)  erect a stop sign or other official traffic-control device at the grade crossing.
(b)  An operator approaching a stop sign or other official traffic-control device that requires a stop and that is erected under Subsection (a) shall stop not closer than 15 feet or farther than 50 feet from the nearest rail of the railroad and may proceed only with due care.
(c)  The costs of installing and maintaining a mechanically operated grade crossing safety device, gate, sign, or signal erected under this section shall be apportioned and paid on the same percentage ratio and in the same proportionate amounts by this state and all participating political subdivisions of this state as costs are apportioned and paid between the state and the United States.
(d)  An offense under this section is punishable by a fine of not less than $50 or more than $200.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.  Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 30.107(b), eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle C - Rules of the Road › Chapter 545 - Operation and Movement of Vehicles › Subchapter F. Special Stops and Speed Restrictions › Section 545.253. Buses to Stop at All Railroad Grade Crossings

Sec. 545.253.  BUSES TO STOP AT ALL RAILROAD GRADE CROSSINGS.  (a)  Except as provided by Subsection (c), the operator of a motor bus carrying passengers for hire, before crossing a railroad grade crossing:
(1)  shall stop the vehicle not closer than 15 feet or farther than 50 feet from the nearest rail of the railroad;
(2)  while stopped, shall listen and look in both directions along the track for an approaching train or other on-track equipment and signals indicating the approach of a train or other on-track equipment; and
(3)  may not proceed until it is safe to do so.
(b)  After stopping as required by Subsection (a), an operator described by Subsection (a) shall proceed without manually shifting gears while crossing the track.
(c)  A vehicle is not required to stop at the crossing if a police officer or a traffic-control signal directs traffic to proceed.
(d)  This section does not apply at a railway grade crossing in a business or residence district.
(e)  An offense under this section is punishable by a fine of not less than $50 or more than $200.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.  Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 30.107(c), eff. Sept. 1, 1997;  Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1061, Sec. 15, eff. Sept. 1, 1997;  Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1438, Sec. 10, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
Amended by:
Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 128 (H.B. 1759), Sec. 4, eff. September 1, 2021.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle C - Rules of the Road › Chapter 545 - Operation and Movement of Vehicles › Subchapter F. Special Stops and Speed Restrictions › Section 545.2535. School Buses to Stop at All Railroad Grade Crossings

Sec. 545.2535.  SCHOOL BUSES TO STOP AT ALL RAILROAD GRADE CROSSINGS.  (a)  Except as provided by Subsection (c), the operator of a school bus, before crossing a track at a railroad grade crossing:
(1)  shall stop the vehicle not closer than 15 feet or farther than 50 feet from the track;
(2)  while stopped, shall listen and look in both directions along the track for an approaching train or other on-track equipment and signals indicating the approach of a train or other on-track equipment; and
(3)  may not proceed until it is safe to do so.
(b)  After stopping as required by Subsection (a), the operator may proceed in a gear that permits the vehicle to complete the crossing without a change of gears.  The operator may not shift gears while crossing the track.
(c)  An operator is not required to stop at:
(1)  an abandoned railroad grade crossing that is marked with a sign reading "tracks out of service";  or
(2)  an industrial or spur line railroad grade crossing that is marked with a sign reading "exempt."
(d)  A sign under Subsection (c) may be erected only by or with the consent of the appropriate state or local governmental official.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1061, Sec. 16, eff. Sept. 1, 1997;  Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1438, Sec. 11, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
Amended by:
Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 128 (H.B. 1759), Sec. 5, eff. September 1, 2021.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle C - Rules of the Road › Chapter 545 - Operation and Movement of Vehicles › Subchapter F. Special Stops and Speed Restrictions › Section 545.254. Vehicles Carrying Explosive Substances or Flammable Liquids

Sec. 545.254.  VEHICLES CARRYING EXPLOSIVE SUBSTANCES OR FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS.  (a)  Before crossing a railroad grade crossing, an operator of a vehicle that has an explosive substance or flammable liquid as the vehicle's principal cargo and that is moving at a speed of more than 20 miles per hour:
(1)  shall reduce the speed of the vehicle to 20 miles per hour or less before coming within 200 feet of the nearest rail of the railroad;
(2)  shall listen and look in both directions along the track for an approaching train or other on-track equipment and for signals indicating the approach of a train or other on-track equipment; and
(3)  may not proceed until the operator determines that the course is clear.
(b)  The operator of a vehicle that has an explosive substance or flammable liquid as the vehicle's principal cargo, before crossing a railroad grade crossing on a highway in a municipality:
(1)  shall stop the vehicle not closer than 15 feet or farther than 50 feet from the nearest rail of the railroad;
(2)  while stopped, shall listen and look in both directions along the track for an approaching train or other on-track equipment and for signals indicating the approach of a train or other on-track equipment; and
(3)  may not proceed until the operator determines that the course is clear.
(c)  Subsections (a) and (b) do not apply:
(1)  if a police officer, crossing flagger, or traffic-control signal directs traffic to proceed;
(2)  where a railroad flashing signal is installed and does not indicate an approaching train or other on-track equipment;
(3)  to an abandoned or exempted grade crossing that is clearly marked by or with the consent of the state, if the markings can be read from the operator's location;
(4)  at a streetcar crossing in a business or residential district of a municipality; or
(5)  to a railroad track used exclusively for industrial switching purposes in a business district.
(d)  This section does not exempt the operator from compliance with Section 545.251 or 545.252.
(e)  An offense under this section is punishable by a fine of not less than $50 or more than $200.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.  Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 30.107(d), eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
Amended by:
Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 128 (H.B. 1759), Sec. 6, eff. September 1, 2021.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle C - Rules of the Road › Chapter 545 - Operation and Movement of Vehicles › Subchapter F. Special Stops and Speed Restrictions › Section 545.255. Moving Heavy Equipment at Railroad Grade Crossings

Sec. 545.255.  MOVING HEAVY EQUIPMENT AT RAILROAD GRADE CROSSINGS.  (a)  This section applies only to:
(1)  a crawler-type tractor, steam shovel, derrick, or roller;  and
(2)  any other equipment or structure with:
(A)  a normal operating speed of 10 miles per hour or less;  or
(B)  a vertical body or load clearance of less than one-half inch per foot of the distance between two adjacent axles or less than nine inches measured above the level surface of a roadway.
(b)  An operator of a vehicle or equipment may not move on or across a track at a railroad grade crossing unless the operator has given notice to a station agent of the railroad and given the railroad reasonable time to provide proper protection at the crossing.
(c)  To move a vehicle or equipment on or across a track at a railroad grade crossing, the operator:
(1)  shall stop the vehicle or equipment not closer than 15 feet or farther than 50 feet from the nearest rail of the railroad;
(2)  while stopped, shall listen and look in both directions along the track for an approaching train or other on-track equipment and for signals indicating the approach of a train or other on-track equipment; and
(3)  may not proceed until it is safe to cross the track.
(d)  An operator of a vehicle or equipment may not cross a railroad grade crossing when warning of the immediate approach of a railroad car, train, or other on-track equipment is given by automatic signal, crossing gates, a flagger, or otherwise.  If a flagger is provided by the railroad, the operator shall move the vehicle or equipment over the crossing at the flagger's direction.
(e)  An offense under this section is punishable by a fine of not less than $50 or more than $200.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.  Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 30.107(e), eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
Amended by:
Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 128 (H.B. 1759), Sec. 7, eff. September 1, 2021.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle C - Rules of the Road › Chapter 545 - Operation and Movement of Vehicles › Subchapter F. Special Stops and Speed Restrictions › Section 545.2555. Report and Investigation of Certain Railroad Crossing Violations

Sec. 545.2555.  REPORT AND INVESTIGATION OF CERTAIN RAILROAD CROSSING VIOLATIONS.  (a)  A person who on site observes a violation of Section 545.251, 545.252, 545.253, 545.254, or 545.255 may file a report of the violation if the person:
(1)  is an on-engine employee of a railroad;  and
(2)  observes the violation while on a moving engine.
(b)  A report under this section must:
(1)  be made:
(A)  on a form approved by the department;  and
(B)  not later than 72 hours after the violation;
(2)  be filed with:
(A)  an office of the department located in the county in which the violation occurred;
(B)  the sheriff of the county in which the violation occurred, if the violation occurred in the unincorporated area of the county;  or
(C)  the police department of a municipality, if the violation occurred in the municipality;  and
(3)  contain, in addition, to any other required information:
(A)  the date, time, and location of the violation;
(B)  the license plate number and a description of the vehicle involved in the violation;
(C)  a description of the operator of the vehicle involved in the violation;  and
(D)  the name, address, and telephone number of the person filing the report.
(c)  A peace officer may:
(1)  before the seventh day after the date a report under this section is filed, initiate an investigation of the alleged violation;  and
(2)  request the owner of the reported vehicle, as shown by the vehicle registration records of the Texas Department of Transportation, to disclose the name and address of the individual operating that vehicle at the time of the violation alleged in the report.
(d)  Unless the owner of the reported vehicle believes that to provide the peace officer with the name and address of the individual operating the vehicle at the time of the violation alleged would incriminate the owner, the owner shall, to the best of the owner's ability, disclose that individual's name and address.
(e)  An investigating peace officer who has probable cause to believe that a charge against an individual for a violation of Section 545.251, 545.252, 545.253, 545.254, or 545.255 is justified may:
(1)  prepare a written notice to appear in court that complies with Sections 543.003, 543.006, and 543.007;  and
(2)  deliver the notice to the individual named in the notice in person or by certified mail.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 30.108(a), eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle C - Rules of the Road › Chapter 545 - Operation and Movement of Vehicles › Subchapter F. Special Stops and Speed Restrictions › Section 545.256. Emerging From an Alley, Driveway, or Building

Sec. 545.256.  EMERGING FROM AN ALLEY, DRIVEWAY, OR BUILDING.  An operator emerging from an alley, driveway, or building in a business or residence district shall:
(1)  stop the vehicle before moving on a sidewalk or the sidewalk area extending across an alley or driveway;
(2)  yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian to avoid collision;  and
(3)  on entering the roadway, yield the right-of-way to an approaching 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 G. Stopping, Standing, and Parking › Section 545.301. Stopping, Standing, or Parking Outside a Business or Residence District

Sec. 545.301.  STOPPING, STANDING, OR PARKING OUTSIDE A BUSINESS OR RESIDENCE DISTRICT.  (a)  An operator may not stop, park, or leave standing an attended or unattended vehicle on the main traveled part of a highway outside a business or residence district unless:
(1)  stopping, parking, or leaving the vehicle off the main traveled part of the highway is not practicable;
(2)  a width of highway beside the vehicle is unobstructed and open for the passage of other vehicles;  and
(3)  the vehicle is in clear view for at least 200 feet in each direction on the highway.
(b)  This section does not apply to an operator of:
(1)  a vehicle that is disabled while on the paved or main traveled part of a highway if it is impossible to avoid stopping and temporarily leaving the vehicle on the highway;
(2)  a vehicle used exclusively to transport solid, semisolid, or liquid waste operated at the time in connection with the removal or transportation of solid, semisolid, or liquid waste from a location adjacent to the highway; or
(3)  a tow truck, as defined by Section 545.157(e), that is performing towing duties under Chapter 2308, Occupations Code.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
Amended by:
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 782 (S.B. 1093), Sec. 3, eff. September 1, 2009.
Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 229 (H.B. 378), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2011.
Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 6 (S.B. 510), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2013.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle C - Rules of the Road › Chapter 545 - Operation and Movement of Vehicles › Subchapter G. Stopping, Standing, and Parking › Section 545.303. Additional Parking Regulations

Sec. 545.303.  ADDITIONAL PARKING REGULATIONS.  (a)  An operator who stops or parks on a two-way roadway shall do so with the right-hand wheels of the vehicle parallel to and within 18 inches of the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway.
(b)  An operator who stops or parks on a one-way roadway shall stop or park the vehicle parallel to the curb or edge of the roadway in the direction of authorized traffic movement with the right-hand wheels within 18 inches of the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway or the left-hand wheels within 18 inches of the left-hand curb or edge of the roadway.  This subsection does not apply where a local ordinance otherwise regulates stopping or parking on the one-way roadway.
(c)  A local authority by ordinance may permit angle parking on a roadway.  This subsection does not apply to a federal-aid or state highway unless the director of the Texas Department of Transportation determines that the roadway is wide enough to permit angle parking without interfering with the free movement of traffic.
(d)  The Texas Department of Transportation, on a highway under the jurisdiction of that department, may place signs prohibiting or restricting the stopping, standing, or parking of a vehicle on the highway where the director of the Texas Department of Transportation determines that stopping, standing, or parking is dangerous to, or would unduly interfere with, the free movement of traffic on the highway.
(e)  To the extent of any conflict between Subsection (a) or (b) and a municipal ordinance adopted under Section 545.302(g), the ordinance controls.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.  Amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 814, Sec. 2, eff. June 18, 1999.