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 G. Stopping, Standing, and Parking › Section 545.304. Moving the Vehicle of Another; Unlawful Parking

Sec. 545.304.  MOVING THE VEHICLE OF ANOTHER;  UNLAWFUL PARKING.  A person may not move a vehicle that is not lawfully under the person's control:
(1)  into an area where a vehicle is prohibited under Section 545.302;  or
(2)  away from a curb a distance that is unlawful under Section 545.303.
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 545.3051. Removal of Personal Property From Roadway or Right-of-Way

Sec. 545.3051.  REMOVAL OF PERSONAL PROPERTY FROM ROADWAY OR RIGHT-OF-WAY.  (a)  In this section:
(1)  "Authority" means:
(A)  a metropolitan rapid transit authority operating under Chapter 451;  or
(B)  a regional transportation authority operating under Chapter 452.
(1-a)  "Fire department" has the meaning assigned by Section 419.021, Government Code.
(2)  "Law enforcement agency" means:
(A)  the department;
(B)  the police department of a municipality;
(C)  the sheriff's office of a county;  or
(D)  a constable's office of a county.
(3)  "Personal property" means:
(A)  a vehicle described by Section 545.305;
(B)  spilled cargo;
(C)  a hazardous material as defined by 49 U.S.C. Section 5102 and its subsequent amendments;
(D)  a hazardous substance as defined by Section 26.263, Water Code; or
(E)  an unattended manufactured home as defined by Section 1201.003, Occupations Code.
(b)  An authority, a fire department, or a law enforcement agency may remove personal property from a roadway or right-of-way if the authority, fire department, or law enforcement agency determines that the property blocks the roadway or endangers public safety.
(c)  Personal property may be removed under this section without the consent of the owner or carrier of the property.
(d)  The owner and any carrier of personal property removed under this section shall reimburse the authority, fire department, or law enforcement agency for any reasonable cost of removal and disposition of the property.
(e)  Notwithstanding any other provision of law, an authority, a fire department, or a law enforcement agency is not liable for:
(1)  any damage to personal property removed from a roadway or right-of-way under this section, unless the removal is carried out recklessly or in a grossly negligent manner; or
(2)  any damage resulting from the failure to exercise the authority granted by this section.
(f)  The governing body of a political subdivision that has a fire department shall develop and implement a policy concerning the fire department consulting with law enforcement agencies regarding removal of personal property from a roadway or right-of-way.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 803, Sec. 1, eff. June 20, 2003.
Amended by:
Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 240 (H.B. 1257), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2021.
Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 253 (S.B. 1413), Sec. 1, eff. May 27, 2023.
Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 253 (S.B. 1413), Sec. 2, eff. May 27, 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 G. Stopping, Standing, and Parking › Section 545.306. Regulation of Towing Companies in Certain Counties

Sec. 545.306.  REGULATION OF TOWING COMPANIES IN CERTAIN COUNTIES.  (a)  The commissioners court of a county with a population of 3.3 million or more shall by ordinance provide for the licensing of or the granting of a permit to a person to remove or store a vehicle authorized by Section 545.305 to be removed in an unincorporated area of the county.  The ordinance must include rules to ensure the protection of the public and the safe and efficient operation of towing and storage services in the county and may not regulate or restrict the use of lighting equipment more than the extent allowed by state and federal law.  The sheriff shall determine the rules included in the ordinance with the review and consent of the commissioners court.
(b)  The commissioners court shall set the fee for the license or permit in an amount that reasonably offsets the costs of enforcing the ordinance.  The commissioners court shall use each license or permit fee to pay salaries and expenses of the sheriff's office for conducting inspections to determine compliance with the ordinance and laws relating to dealers in scrap metal and salvage.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.  Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 669, Sec. 143, eff. Sept. 1, 2001;  Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1034, Sec. 3, 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 G. Stopping, Standing, and Parking › Section 545.3075. Overnight Parking of Commercial Motor Vehicle Near Certain Apartment Complexes

Sec. 545.3075.  OVERNIGHT PARKING OF COMMERCIAL MOTOR VEHICLE NEAR CERTAIN APARTMENT COMPLEXES.  (a)  In this section:
(1)  "Apartment complex" means two or more dwellings in one or more buildings that are owned by the same owner, located on the same lot or tract, and managed by the same owner, agent, or management company.
(2)  "Commercial motor vehicle" has the meaning assigned by Section 545.307.
(b)  This section applies only to the unincorporated area of a county with a population of more than 3.3 million.
(c)  The owner or manager of an apartment complex may make a request to the county  in which the apartment complex is located for the posting of official signs prohibiting the parking of a commercial motor vehicle in a public right-of-way adjacent to the complex after 10 p.m. and before 6 a.m.  A request under this subsection must be signed and in writing.
(d)  A county receiving a request under Subsection (c) may post one or more signs as requested or as the county determines to be necessary.
(e)  A sign posted under Subsection (d) must:
(1)  be posted in the public right-of-way:
(A)  not more than 10 feet from the property line of the apartment complex; and
(B)  facing the roadway; and
(2)  include:
(A)  a statement, in letters at least two inches in height, that parking of a commercial motor vehicle is prohibited from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. in the public right-of-way or portion of the public right-of-way; and
(B)  arrows clearly indicating the area of the public right-of-way subject to the parking restriction.
(f)  This section does not apply to a vehicle owned by a commercial establishment that is parked in the public right-of-way adjacent to the property where the establishment is located.
(g)  This section does not apply to public rights-of-way that are part of the state highway system.
Added by Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 913 (H.B. 3286), Sec. 1, 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 G. Stopping, Standing, and Parking › Section 545.308. Presumption

Sec. 545.308.  PRESUMPTION.  The governing body of a local authority, by ordinance, order, or other official action, may provide that in a prosecution for an offense under this subchapter involving the stopping, standing, or parking of an unattended motor vehicle it is presumed that the registered owner of the vehicle is the person who stopped, stood, or parked the vehicle at the time and place the offense occurred.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1080, Sec. 2, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle C - Rules of the Road › Chapter 545 - Operation and Movement of Vehicles › Subchapter H. Speed Restrictions › Section 545.351. Maximum Speed Requirement

Sec. 545.351.  MAXIMUM SPEED REQUIREMENT.  (a)  An operator may not drive at a speed greater than is reasonable and prudent under the circumstances then existing.
(b)  An operator:
(1)  may not drive a vehicle at a speed greater than is reasonable and prudent under the conditions and having regard for actual and potential hazards then existing;  and
(2)  shall control the speed of the vehicle as necessary to avoid colliding with another person or vehicle that is on or entering the highway in compliance with law and the duty of each person to use due care.
(c)  An operator shall, consistent with Subsections (a) and (b), drive at an appropriate reduced speed if:
(1)  the operator is approaching and crossing an intersection or railroad grade crossing;
(2)  the operator is approaching and going around a curve;
(3)  the operator is approaching a hill crest;
(4)  the operator is traveling on a narrow or winding roadway;  and
(5)  a special hazard exists with regard to traffic, including pedestrians, or weather or highway conditions.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.  Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 30.109, 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 H. Speed Restrictions › Section 545.3531. Authority of District Engineer to Temporarily Lower Speed Limit at Highway Maintenance Activity Site

Sec. 545.3531.  AUTHORITY OF DISTRICT ENGINEER TO TEMPORARILY LOWER SPEED LIMIT AT HIGHWAY MAINTENANCE ACTIVITY SITE.  (a)  A district engineer of the Texas Department of Transportation may temporarily lower a prima facie speed limit for a highway or part of a highway in a district if the district engineer determines that the prima facie speed limit for the highway or part of highway is unreasonable or unsafe because of highway maintenance activities at the site.
(b)  A district engineer may temporarily lower a prima facie speed limit under this section without the approval of or permission from the Texas Transportation Commission.
(c)  A temporary speed limit established under this section:
(1)  is a prima facie prudent and reasonable speed limit enforceable in the same manner as other prima facie speed limits established under other provisions of this subchapter; and
(2)  supersedes any other established speed limit that would permit a person to operate a motor vehicle at a higher rate of speed.
(d)  After a district engineer temporarily lowers a speed limit under this section, the Texas Department of Transportation shall:
(1)  place and maintain at the maintenance activity site temporary speed limit signs that conform to the manual and specifications adopted under Section 544.001;
(2)  temporarily conceal all other signs on the highway or part of a highway affected by the maintenance activity that give notice of a speed limit that would permit a person to operate a motor vehicle at a higher rate of speed; and
(3)  remove all temporary speed limit signs placed under Subdivision (1) and concealments of other signs placed under Subdivision (2) when the temporary speed limit expires under Subsection (f).
(e)  A temporary speed limit established under this section is effective when the Texas Department of Transportation, as required under Subsection (d), places temporary speed limit signs and conceals other signs that would permit a person to operate a motor vehicle at a higher rate of speed.
(f)  A temporary speed limit established under this section:
(1)  is effective until the earlier of:
(A)  the 45th day after the date the limit becomes effective; or
(B)  the date on which the district engineer determines that the maintenance activity has been completed and all equipment has been removed from the maintenance activity site; and
(2)  may not be extended unless established by the Texas Transportation Commission under Section 545.353.
Added by Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 712 (H.B. 3282), Sec. 1, eff. June 15, 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 H. Speed Restrictions › Section 545.3535. Authority of Texas Transportation Commission to Alter Speed Limits on Certain Roads

Sec. 545.3535.  AUTHORITY OF TEXAS TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION TO ALTER SPEED LIMITS ON CERTAIN ROADS.  (a)  The commissioners court of a county by resolution may request the Texas Transportation Commission to determine and declare a reasonable and safe prima facie speed limit that is lower than a speed limit established by Section 545.352 on any part of a farm-to-market or a ranch-to-market road of the highway system that is located in that county and is without improved shoulders.
(b)  The commission shall give consideration to local public opinion and may determine and declare a lower speed limit on any part of the road without an engineering and traffic investigation, but the commission must use sound and generally accepted traffic engineering practices in determining and declaring the lower speed limit.
(c)  The commission by rule shall establish standards for determining lower speed limits within a set range.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1171, Sec. 1.45, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.  Amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1346, Sec. 2, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle C - Rules of the Road › Chapter 545 - Operation and Movement of Vehicles › Subchapter H. Speed Restrictions › Section 545.354. Authority of Regional Tollway Authorities to Alter Speed Limits on Turnpike Projects

Sec. 545.354.  AUTHORITY OF REGIONAL TOLLWAY AUTHORITIES TO ALTER SPEED LIMITS ON TURNPIKE PROJECTS.  (a)  (1) In this section, "authority" means a regional tollway authority governed by Chapter 366.
(2)  If an authority determines from the results of an engineering and traffic investigation that a prima facie speed limit described in this subchapter is unreasonable or unsafe on a part of a turnpike constructed and maintained by the authority, the authority by order recorded in its minutes shall determine and declare a reasonable and safe prima facie speed limit for vehicles or classes of vehicles on the turnpike.
(b)  In determining whether a prima facie speed limit on a part of a turnpike constructed and maintained by the authority is reasonable or safe, the authority shall consider the width and condition of the pavement, the usual traffic on the turnpike, and other circumstances.
(c)  A prima facie speed limit that is declared by the authority in accordance with this section is effective when the authority erects signs giving notice of the new limit.  A new limit that is adopted for a turnpike project constructed and maintained by the authority in accordance with this section is effective at all times or at other times as determined.
(d)  The authority's power to alter prima facie speed limits is effective and exclusive on any part of a turnpike project constructed and maintained by the authority inside and outside the limits of a municipality, including a home-rule municipality.
(e)  The authority may not:
(1)  alter the general rule established by Section 545.351(a); or
(2)  establish a speed limit of more than 75 miles per hour.
(f)  The authority, in conducting the engineering and traffic investigation specified by Subsection (a), shall follow the procedure for establishing speed zones adopted by the Texas Department of Transportation.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.  Amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 576, Sec. 3, eff. Sept. 1, 1999;  Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 920, Sec. 18, eff. June 14, 2001;  Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 312, Sec. 74, 75, eff. June 18, 2003;  Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1325, Sec. 15.71, 15.72, eff. June 21, 2003.
Amended by:
Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 265 (H.B. 1353), Sec. 4, 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 H. Speed Restrictions › Section 545.355. Authority of County Commissioners Court to Alter Speed Limits

Sec. 545.355.  AUTHORITY OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COURT TO ALTER SPEED LIMITS.  (a)  The commissioners court of a county, for a county road or highway outside the limits of the right-of-way of an officially designated or marked highway or road of the state highway system and outside a municipality, has the same authority to increase prima facie speed limits from the results of an engineering and traffic investigation as the Texas Transportation Commission on an officially designated or marked highway of the state highway system.
(b)  The commissioners court of a county may declare a lower speed limit of not less than:
(1)  30 miles per hour on a county road or highway to which this section applies, if the commissioners court determines that the prima facie speed limit on the road or highway is unreasonable or unsafe; or
(2)  20 miles per hour:
(A)  in a residence district, unless the roadway has been designated as a major thoroughfare by a city planning commission; or
(B)  on a county road or highway to which this section applies that is located within 500 feet of an elementary, secondary, or open-enrollment charter school or an institution of higher education, if approved under Section 545.357.
(c)  The commissioners court may not modify the rule established by Section 545.351(a) or establish a speed limit of more than 70 miles per hour.
(d)  The commissioners court may modify a prima facie speed limit in accordance with this section only by an order entered on its records.
(e)  The commissioners court of a county with a population of more than 2.8 million may establish from the results of an engineering and traffic investigation a speed limit of not more than 75 miles per hour on any part of a highway of that county that is a limited-access or controlled-access highway, regardless of the location of the part of the highway.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.  Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 58, Sec. 1, eff. May 9, 1997;  Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 833, Sec. 1, eff. June 18, 1997;  Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 852, Sec. 1, eff. June 20, 2003.
Amended by:
Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 265 (H.B. 1353), Sec. 5, eff. September 1, 2011.
Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 936 (H.B. 1607), Sec. 1, eff. June 14, 2013.
Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1313 (H.B. 3871), Sec. 1, 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 H. Speed Restrictions › Section 545.358. Authority of Commanding Officer of United States Military Reservation to Alter Speed Limits

Sec. 545.358.  AUTHORITY OF COMMANDING OFFICER OF UNITED STATES MILITARY RESERVATION TO ALTER SPEED LIMITS.  The commanding officer of a United States military reservation, for a highway or part of a highway in the military reservation, including a highway of the state highway system, has the same authority by order to alter prima facie speed limits from the results of an engineering and traffic investigation as the Texas Transportation Commission for an officially designated or marked highway of the state highway system.  A commanding officer may not modify the rule established by Section 545.351(a) or establish a speed limit of more than 75 miles per hour.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
Amended by:
Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 265 (H.B. 1353), Sec. 7, 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 H. Speed Restrictions › Section 545.359. Conflicting Designated Speed Limits

Sec. 545.359.  CONFLICTING DESIGNATED SPEED LIMITS.  An order of the Texas Transportation Commission declaring a speed limit on a part of a designated or marked route of the state highway system made under Section 545.353 or 545.362 supersedes any conflicting designated speed established under Sections 545.356 and 545.358.
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 H. Speed Restrictions › Section 545.360. Duty of Texas Transportation Commission and State Board of Education to Provide Information and Assistance

Sec. 545.360.  DUTY OF TEXAS TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION AND STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION TO PROVIDE INFORMATION AND ASSISTANCE.  The chairman of the Texas Transportation Commission and the chairman of the State Board of Education shall provide assistance and information relevant to consideration of speed limits to commissioners courts, municipal governing bodies, and other interested persons.
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 H. Speed Restrictions › Section 545.361. Special Speed Limitations

Sec. 545.361.  SPECIAL SPEED LIMITATIONS.  (a)  An operator of a moped or a motorcycle equipped with a motor that has an engine piston displacement of 250 cubic centimeters or less may not drive at a speed of more than 35 miles per hour during the time specified by Section 547.302(a) unless the motorcycle or moped is equipped with a headlamp or lamps that reveal a person or vehicle 300 feet ahead.
(b)  An operator of a vehicle equipped with solid rubber or cushion tires may not drive at a speed of more than 10 miles per hour.
(c)  An operator driving over a bridge or other elevated structure that is a part of a highway may not drive at a speed of more than the maximum speed that can be maintained with safety to the bridge or structure, when signs are posted as provided by this section.
(d)  An operator of self-propelled machinery designed or adapted for applying plant food materials or agricultural chemicals and not designed or adapted for the sole purpose of transporting the materials or chemicals may not drive at a speed of more than 30 miles per hour unless the machinery is registered under Chapter 502.
(e)  The Texas Transportation Commission, for a state highway, the Texas Turnpike Authority, for any part of a turnpike constructed and maintained by the authority, and a local authority for a highway under the jurisdiction of the local authority, may investigate a bridge or other elevated structure that is a part of a highway.  If after conducting the investigation the commission, turnpike authority, or local authority finds that the structure cannot safely withstand vehicles traveling at a speed otherwise permissible under this subtitle, the commission, turnpike authority, or local authority shall:
(1)  determine and declare the maximum speed of vehicles that the structure can safely withstand;  and
(2)  post and maintain signs before each end of the structure stating the maximum speed.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
Amended by:
Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 882 (H.B. 3171), Sec. 2.06, 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 H. Speed Restrictions › Section 545.3625. Confidentiality of Violation Information: Fuel Conservation Speed Limit

Sec. 545.3625.  CONFIDENTIALITY OF VIOLATION INFORMATION:  FUEL CONSERVATION SPEED LIMIT.  (a)  If a person violates a maximum prima facie speed limit imposed under Section 545.362, as that law existed immediately before December 8, 1995, and the person was not traveling at a speed, as alleged in the citation, if not contested by the person, or, if contested by the person, as alleged in the complaint and found by the court, that is greater than the maximum prima facie speed limit for the location that has been established under this chapter, other than under Section 545.362, information in the custody of the department concerning the violation is confidential.
(b)  The department may not release the information to any person or to another state governmental entity.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 30.112(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 H. Speed Restrictions › Section 545.363. Minimum Speed Regulations

Sec. 545.363.  MINIMUM SPEED REGULATIONS.  (a)  An operator may not drive so slowly as to impede the normal and reasonable movement of traffic, except when reduced speed is necessary for safe operation or in compliance with law.
(b)  When the Texas Transportation Commission, the Texas Turnpike Authority, the commissioners court of a county, or the governing body of a municipality, within the jurisdiction of each, as applicable, as specified in Sections 545.353 to 545.357, determines from the results of an engineering and traffic investigation that slow speeds on a part of a highway consistently impede the normal and reasonable movement of traffic, the commission, authority, county commissioners court, or governing body may determine and declare a minimum speed limit on the highway.
(c)  If appropriate signs are erected giving notice of a minimum speed limit adopted under this section, an operator may not drive a vehicle more slowly than that limit except as necessary for safe operation or in compliance with law.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle C - Rules of the Road › Chapter 545 - Operation and Movement of Vehicles › Subchapter H. Speed Restrictions › Section 545.364. Speed Limit Signs After Construction or Maintenance Work Zone

Sec. 545.364.  SPEED LIMIT SIGNS AFTER CONSTRUCTION OR MAINTENANCE WORK ZONE.  (a) In this section, "construction or maintenance work zone" has the meaning assigned by Section 472.022.
(b)  An entity that sets a lower speed limit on a road or highway in the state highway system for a construction or maintenance work zone shall place or require to be placed a sign at the end of the zone that indicates the speed limit after the zone ends.
Added by Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 154 (H.B. 339), Sec. 1, 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 H. Speed Restrictions › Section 545.365. Speed Limit Exception for Emergencies; Municipal Regulation

Sec. 545.365.  SPEED LIMIT EXCEPTION FOR EMERGENCIES;  MUNICIPAL REGULATION.  (a)  The regulation of the speed of a vehicle under this subchapter does not apply to:
(1)  an authorized emergency vehicle responding to a call;
(2)  a police patrol;  or
(3)  a physician or ambulance responding to an emergency call.
(b)  A municipality by ordinance may regulate the speed of:
(1)  an ambulance;
(2)  an emergency medical services vehicle;  or
(3)  an authorized vehicle operated by a blood or tissue bank.
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 I. Miscellaneous Rules › Section 545.401. Reckless Driving; Offense

Sec. 545.401.  RECKLESS DRIVING;  OFFENSE.  (a)  A person commits an offense if the person drives a vehicle in wilful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property.
(b)  An offense under this section is a misdemeanor punishable by:
(1)  a fine not to exceed $200;
(2)  confinement in county jail for not more than 30 days;  or
(3)  both the fine and the confinement.
(c)  Notwithstanding Section 542.001, this section applies to:
(1)  a private access way or parking area provided for a client or patron by a business, other than a private residential property or the property of a garage or parking lot for which a charge is made for the storing or parking of motor vehicles;  and
(2)  a highway or other public place.
(d)  Notwithstanding Section 542.004, this section applies to a person, a team, or motor vehicles and other equipment engaged in work on a highway surface.
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 I. Miscellaneous Rules › Section 545.402. Moving a Parked Vehicle

Sec. 545.402.  MOVING A PARKED VEHICLE.  An operator may not begin movement of a stopped, standing, or parked vehicle unless the 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 I. Miscellaneous Rules › Section 545.403. Driving Through Safety Zone

Sec. 545.403.  DRIVING THROUGH SAFETY ZONE.  An operator may not drive through or in a safety zone.
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 I. Miscellaneous Rules › Section 545.404. Unattended Motor Vehicle

Sec. 545.404.  UNATTENDED MOTOR VEHICLE.  (a)  Except as provided by Subsection (b), an operator may not leave a vehicle unattended without:
(1)  stopping the engine;
(2)  locking the ignition;
(3)  removing the key from the ignition;
(4)  setting the parking brake effectively; and
(5)  if standing on a grade, turning the front wheels to the curb or side of the highway.
(b)  The requirements of Subsections (a)(1), (2), and (3) do not apply to an operator who starts the engine of a vehicle by using a remote starter or other similar device that:
(1)  remotely starts the vehicle's engine without placing the key in the ignition; and
(2)  requires the key to be placed in the ignition or physically present in the vehicle before the vehicle can be operated.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
Amended by:
Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1066 (H.B. 2194), Sec. 1, eff. June 19, 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 I. Miscellaneous Rules › Section 545.405. Driving on Mountain Highway

Sec. 545.405.  DRIVING ON MOUNTAIN HIGHWAY.  An operator moving through a defile or canyon or on a mountain highway shall:
(1)  hold the vehicle under control and as near the right-hand edge of the highway as possible;  and
(2)  on approaching a curve that obstructs the view of the highway for 200 feet, give warning with the horn of the motor 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 I. Miscellaneous Rules › Section 545.406. Coasting

Sec. 545.406.  COASTING.  (a)  An operator moving on a downgrade may not coast with the gears or transmission of the vehicle in neutral.
(b)  An operator of a truck, tractor, or bus moving on a downgrade may not coast with the clutch disengaged.
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 I. Miscellaneous Rules › Section 545.407. Following or Obstructing Fire Apparatus or Ambulance

Sec. 545.407.  FOLLOWING OR OBSTRUCTING FIRE APPARATUS OR AMBULANCE.  (a)  An operator, unless on official business, may not follow closer than 500 feet a fire apparatus responding to a fire alarm or drive into or park the vehicle in the block where the fire apparatus has stopped to answer a fire alarm.
(b)  An operator may not:
(1)  follow closer than 500 feet an ambulance that is flashing red lights unless the operator is on official business;  or
(2)  drive or park the vehicle where an ambulance has been summoned for an emergency call in a manner intended to interfere with the arrival or departure of the ambulance.
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 I. Miscellaneous Rules › Section 545.408. Crossing Fire Hose

Sec. 545.408.  CROSSING FIRE HOSE.  An operator may not, without the consent of the fire department official in command, drive over an unprotected hose of a fire department if the hose is on a street or private driveway and is 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 I. Miscellaneous Rules › Section 545.409. Drawbars and Trailer Hitches; Saddle-Mount Towing

Sec. 545.409.  DRAWBARS AND TRAILER HITCHES;  SADDLE-MOUNT TOWING.  (a)  The drawbar or other connection between a vehicle drawing another vehicle and the drawn vehicle:
(1)  must be strong enough to pull all weight drawn;  and
(2)  may not exceed 15 feet between the vehicles except for a connection between two vehicles transporting poles, pipe, machinery, or other objects of structural nature that cannot readily be dismembered.
(b)  An operator drawing another vehicle and using a chain, rope, or cable to connect the vehicles shall display on the connection a white flag or cloth not less than 12 inches square.
(c)  A motor vehicle may not draw more than three motor vehicles attached to it by the triple saddle-mount method.  In this subsection, "triple saddle-mount method" means the mounting of the front wheels of trailing vehicles on the bed of another vehicle while leaving the rear wheels only of the trailing vehicles in contact with 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 I. Miscellaneous Rules › Section 545.410. Towing Safety Chains

Sec. 545.410.  TOWING SAFETY CHAINS.  (a)  An operator of a passenger car or light truck may not draw a trailer, semitrailer, house trailer, or another motor vehicle unless safety chains of a type approved by the department are attached in a manner approved by the department from the trailer, semitrailer, house trailer, or drawn motor vehicle to the drawing vehicle.  This subsection does not apply to the drawing of a trailer or semitrailer used for agricultural purposes.
(b)  The department shall adopt rules prescribing the type of safety chains required to be used according to the weight of the trailer, semitrailer, house trailer, or motor vehicle being drawn.  The rules shall:
(1)  require safety chains to be strong enough to maintain the connection between the trailer, semitrailer, house trailer, or drawn motor vehicle and the drawing vehicle;  and
(2)  show the proper method to attach safety chains between the trailer, semitrailer, house trailer, or drawn motor vehicle and the drawing vehicle.
(c)  Subsection (b) does not apply to trailers, semitrailers, or house trailers that are equipped with safety chains installed by the original manufacturer before the effective date of the rules.
(d)  This section does not apply to a trailer, semitrailer, house trailer, or drawn motor vehicle that is operated in compliance with the federal motor carrier safety regulations.
(e)  In this section, "safety chains" means flexible tension members connected from the front of a drawn vehicle to the rear of the drawing vehicle to maintain connection between the vehicles if the primary connecting system fails.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.  Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 30.113(a), eff. Sept. 1, 1997;  Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1357, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle C - Rules of the Road › Chapter 545 - Operation and Movement of Vehicles › Subchapter I. Miscellaneous Rules › Section 545.411. Use of Rest Area: Offense

Sec. 545.411.  USE OF REST AREA:  OFFENSE.  (a)  A person commits an offense if the person remains at a rest area for longer than 24 hours or erects a tent, shelter, booth, or structure at the rest area and the person:
(1)  has notice while conducting the activity that the activity is prohibited;  or
(2)  receives notice that the activity is prohibited but does not depart or remove the structure within eight hours after receiving notice.
(b)  For purposes of this section, a person:
(1)  has notice if a sign stating the prohibited activity and penalty is posted on the premises;  or
(2)  receives notice if a peace officer orally communicates to the person the prohibited activity and penalty for the offense.
(c)  It is an exception to Subsection (a) if a nonprofit organization erects a temporary structure at a rest area to provide food services, food, or beverages to travelers and the Texas Department of Transportation:
(1)  finds that the services would constitute a public service for the benefit of the traveling public;  and
(2)  issues a permit to the organization.
(d)  In this section, "rest area" means public real property designated as a rest area, comfort station, picnic area, roadside park, or scenic overlook by the Texas Department of Transportation.
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 I. Miscellaneous Rules › Section 545.4121. Dismissal; Obtaining Child Passenger Safety Seat System

Sec. 545.4121.  DISMISSAL; OBTAINING CHILD PASSENGER SAFETY SEAT SYSTEM.  (a)  This section applies to an offense committed under Section 545.412.
(b)  It is a defense to prosecution of an offense to which this section applies that the defendant provides to the court evidence satisfactory to the court that:
(1)  at the time of the offense:
(A)  the defendant was not arrested or issued a citation for violation of any other offense;
(B)  the defendant did not possess a child passenger safety seat system in the vehicle; and
(C)  the vehicle the defendant was operating was not involved in a collision; and
(2)  subsequent to the time of the offense, the  defendant obtained an appropriate child passenger safety seat system for each child required to be secured in a child passenger safety seat system under Section 545.412(a).
Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 913 (H.B. 183), Sec. 3, eff. September 1, 2005.
Amended by:
Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1391 (H.B. 1294), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2013.
Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1391 (H.B. 1294), Sec. 3, eff. September 1, 2013.
Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 709 (H.B. 2190), Sec. 35, 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 I. Miscellaneous Rules › Section 545.414. Riding in Open Beds; Offense

Sec. 545.414.  RIDING IN OPEN BEDS;  OFFENSE.  (a)  A person commits an offense if the person operates an open-bed pickup truck or an open flatbed truck or draws an open flatbed trailer when a child younger than 18 years of age is occupying the bed of the truck or trailer.
(b)  An offense under this section is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not less than $25 or more than $200.
(c)  It is a defense to prosecution under this section that the person was:
(1)  operating or towing the vehicle in a parade or in an emergency;
(2)  operating the vehicle to transport farmworkers from one field to another field on a farm-to-market road, ranch-to-market road, or county road outside a municipality;
(3)  operating the vehicle on a beach;
(4)  operating a vehicle that is the only vehicle owned or operated by the members of a household;  or
(5)  operating the vehicle in a hayride permitted by the governing body of or a law enforcement agency of each county or municipality in which the hayride will occur.
(d)  Compliance or noncompliance with Subsection (a) is not admissible evidence in a civil trial.
(e)  In this section, "household" has the meaning assigned by Section 71.005, Family Code.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.  Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 79, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle C - Rules of the Road › Chapter 545 - Operation and Movement of Vehicles › Subchapter I. Miscellaneous Rules › Section 545.4145. Riding in or on Boat or Personal Watercraft Drawn by Vehicle; Offense

Sec. 545.4145.  RIDING IN OR ON BOAT OR PERSONAL WATERCRAFT DRAWN BY VEHICLE; OFFENSE.  (a)  A person commits an offense if the person operates a motor vehicle on a highway or street when a child younger than 18 years of age is occupying a boat or personal watercraft being drawn by the motor vehicle.
(b)  It is a defense to prosecution under this section that the person was:
(1)  operating the motor vehicle in a parade or in an emergency; or
(2)  operating the motor vehicle on a beach.
(c)  In this section, "boat" and "personal watercraft" have the meanings assigned by Section 31.003, Parks and Wildlife Code.
Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1172 (H.B. 2981), Sec. 1, 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 I. Miscellaneous Rules › Section 545.415. Backing a Vehicle

Sec. 545.415.  BACKING A VEHICLE.  (a)  An operator may not back the vehicle unless the movement can be made safely and without interference with other traffic.
(b)  An operator may not back the vehicle on a shoulder or roadway of a limited-access or controlled-access 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 I. Miscellaneous Rules › Section 545.416. Riding on Motorcycle or Moped

Sec. 545.416.  RIDING ON MOTORCYCLE OR MOPED.  (a)  An operator of a motorcycle or moped shall ride on the permanent and regular seat attached to the motorcycle or moped.
(b)  An operator may not carry another person on the motorcycle or moped, and a person who is not operating the motorcycle or moped may not ride on the motorcycle or moped, unless the motorcycle or moped is:
(1)  designed to carry more than one person; and
(2)  equipped with footrests and handholds for use by the passenger.
(c)  If the motorcycle or moped is designed to carry more than one person, a passenger may ride only on the permanent and regular seat, if designed for two persons, or on another seat firmly attached to the motorcycle or moped behind or to the side of the operator.
(d)  Except as provided by Subsection (e), an operator may not carry another person on a motorcycle or moped unless the other person is at least five years of age.  An offense under this subsection is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not less than $100 or more than $200.  It is a defense to prosecution under this subsection that the operator was operating the motorcycle or moped in an emergency or for a law enforcement purpose.
(e)  Subsection (d) does not prohibit an operator from carrying on a motorcycle or moped a person younger than five years of age who is seated in a sidecar attached to the motorcycle or moped.
(f)  For purposes of Subsections (c) and (d), an autocycle as defined by Section 501.008 is considered to be a motorcycle.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
Amended by:
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1257 (H.B. 537), Sec. 3, eff. September 1, 2009.
Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1111 (H.B. 3838), Sec. 3, eff. September 1, 2013.
Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 67 (S.B. 449), Sec. 5, eff. May 22, 2015.
Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 882 (H.B. 3171), Sec. 2.07, 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 I. Miscellaneous Rules › Section 545.4165. Operation of Certain Motorcycles

Sec. 545.4165.  OPERATION OF CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES.  A person may not operate a motorcycle described by Section 521.001(a)(6-a)(C)(vii) on a public highway for which the posted speed limit is more than 45 miles per hour, except that the operator may cross an intersection with a public highway that has a posted speed limit of more than 45 miles per hour.
Added by Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1217 (S.B. 1756), Sec. 5, eff. June 19, 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 I. Miscellaneous Rules › Section 545.417. Obstruction of Operator's View or Driving Mechanism

Sec. 545.417.  OBSTRUCTION OF OPERATOR'S VIEW OR DRIVING MECHANISM.  (a)  An operator may not drive a vehicle when it is loaded so that, or when the front seat has a number of persons, exceeding three, so that:
(1)  the view of the operator to the front or sides of the vehicle is obstructed;  or
(2)  there is interference with the operator's control over the driving mechanism of the vehicle.
(b)  A passenger in a vehicle may not ride in a position that interferes with the operator's view to the front or sides or control over the driving mechanism of the 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 I. Miscellaneous Rules › Section 545.418. Opening Vehicle Doors

Sec. 545.418.  OPENING VEHICLE DOORS.  A person may not:
(1)  open the door of a motor vehicle on the side available to moving traffic, unless the door may be opened in reasonable safety without interfering with the movement of other traffic;  or
(2)  leave a door on the side of a vehicle next to moving traffic open for longer than is necessary to load or unload a passenger.
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 I. Miscellaneous Rules › Section 545.419. Riding in House Trailer

Sec. 545.419.  RIDING IN HOUSE TRAILER.  A person may not occupy a house trailer while it is being moved.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.