Texas Vehicle Laws

Texas vehicle laws keep you legal and safe on the road. Whether you're new to Texas or need a refresher, this guide covers everything from registration to traffic rules. Understanding these regulations is crucial for all drivers operating vehicles in the Lone Star State.

These laws change regularly as the state adapts to new safety concerns and transportation needs. Staying current protects you from costly fines and keeps other drivers safe. Violations can result in penalties ranging from minor fines to license suspension or even criminal charges.

The Texas Department of Public Safety and the Department of Motor Vehicles work together to enforce these regulations. Local law enforcement agencies also play a key role in ensuring compliance on roads throughout the state.

Registration and Title Laws

You have 30 days to register your vehicle after moving to Texas. This countdown starts when you establish residency - getting a job, enrolling kids in school, registering to vote, or purchasing property. The state considers these activities as establishing domicile with intent to remain permanently.

You'll need your valid driver's license or state ID, out-of-state title or lienholder paperwork, and proof of insurance meeting Texas minimums. Don't forget to get your vehicle inspected if required and bring payment for all fees and taxes. Processing times vary by county, so plan accordingly during busy periods.

Missing this 30-day deadline results in penalty fees that increase the longer you wait. Some counties offer online pre-registration to speed up the process when you visit in person.

Title Transfers

When buying or selling a vehicle, the title must be transferred within 30 days of the sale date. This applies to all private party sales, though dealerships typically handle the paperwork for new car purchases.

Sellers must sign the title correctly and provide a bill of sale with the purchase price, date, and both parties' information. You're legally required to disclose any major problems or damage to the buyer, including flood damage, accidents, or mechanical issues. Remove your license plates before handing over the vehicle, as they stay with you, not the car.

Buyers have 30 days to apply for a new title at their local county tax office. Get the vehicle inspected, register it with proper insurance, and pay all required fees and taxes. The title transfer process protects both parties and creates an official record of ownership change.

Special Vehicle Categories

Insurance Requirements

Texas requires all drivers to carry minimum liability insurance before operating any vehicle on public roads. Getting caught without it means big trouble, including immediate vehicle impoundment in some cases.

The state's financial responsibility law exists to ensure drivers can pay for damages they cause in accidents. Even if you're not at fault, having proper insurance protects you from uninsured drivers and provides legal compliance.

Minimum Coverage Amounts

Recommended Additional Coverage

Smart drivers carry more than the minimum required by law. Medical costs and vehicle repairs from serious accidents often exceed basic coverage limits, leaving you personally responsible for the difference.

Uninsured motorist coverage protects you from drivers without insurance, which represents about 14% of Texas drivers. Personal injury protection covers medical bills regardless of who caused the accident. Comprehensive and collision coverage protects your vehicle from damage due to theft, weather, vandalism, and accidents.

Consider your vehicle's value, your savings, and your family's needs when choosing coverage levels. Higher limits cost more monthly but provide crucial protection during major accidents.

Proof of Insurance

Keep proof of insurance with you always. This can be a physical insurance card or electronic proof on your phone. Many drivers use digital insurance apps for convenience.

Police can verify your coverage through the TexasSure system. Fake or expired insurance cards result in serious penalties.

Traffic Laws and Regulations

Right-of-Way Rules

At intersections, the first vehicle to stop goes first at 4-way stops. If multiple vehicles arrive simultaneously, the vehicle on the right goes first. Left turns must yield to oncoming traffic unless you have a green arrow.

Emergency vehicles with lights and sirens always have the right-of-way over all other traffic. You must pull over and stop to let them pass.

Pedestrians have the right-of-way at marked crosswalks, and drivers must stop for pedestrians already in crosswalks. However, pedestrians can't suddenly dart into traffic where drivers can't see them.

Common Violations and Fines

Speeding tickets range from $25 to $500 or more, depending on how fast you were going and where. Running a red light costs $75 to $350. Driving without insurance hits you with $350 to $1,000 in fines plus license suspension. Texting while driving can cost up to $500.

Vehicle Safety Regulations

Seat Belt Laws

Everyone in the vehicle must wear a seat belt. No exceptions for any seating position.

Violations cost the driver or front passenger up to $200. Passengers 17 or older face fines up to $25. An unsecured child can cost you up to $250.

Child Safety Requirements

Vehicle Inspections

Most vehicles need annual safety inspections. Some counties also require emissions testing.

The safety inspection covers brakes and steering, lights and electrical systems, mirrors and windshield wipers, tires and wheels, exhaust system, and horn and warning devices.

Harris, Fort Bend, Brazoria, Montgomery, Galveston, Dallas, Tarrant, Denton, and Collin counties require emissions testing in addition to safety inspections.

Inspections must be completed within 90 days of registration renewal. Vehicles that fail must be repaired before they can legally operate on public roads.

Driver Education and Licensing

Drivers under 25 must complete a state-approved driver education course and pass written and driving tests. They must also hold a learner's permit for the required period.

Drivers 25 and older may skip the driver education course but must still pass written and driving tests. You'll need to show proof of identity and residency.

Defensive Driving Benefits

Taking a defensive driving course can dismiss certain traffic tickets and reduce insurance premiums by about 10% for three years. The course also removes points from your license and improves your driving skills.

Distracted Driving Laws

Texas prohibits texting while driving for all drivers and using handheld phones in school zones. Drivers under 18 cannot use any device while driving.

First-time offenders face fines up to $99. Repeat offenses cost up to $200. If your device use causes an accident, fines can reach $4,000.

Enforcement and Penalties

Texas takes drunk driving seriously. Penalties increase dramatically with each offense.

Enhanced penalties apply if your blood alcohol content is 0.15 or higher, you have a child passenger under 15, or you cause serious injury or death.

Texas has zero tolerance for drivers under 21. Any detectable alcohol results in immediate license suspension.

Point System

Texas assigns points for traffic violations. Speeding 10% over the limit gets you 2 points. Speeding 25% over the limit, following too closely, running red lights, and reckless driving each add 3 points.

Six points in three years triggers a warning letter and possible surcharge. Multiple violations can lead to license suspension.

License Suspension Reasons

Your license can be suspended for accumulating too many points, DWI convictions or test refusals, driving without insurance, failing to pay traffic fines, or drug-related offenses even if they don't involve driving.

Getting your license back requires paying all fines and fees, completing required courses, showing proof of insurance through an SR-22 form, and potentially retaking driving tests.

Vehicle Equipment Requirements

Mandatory Equipment

Your vehicle must have working equipment including:

• Headlights, taillights, and brake lights
• Turn signals (unless manufactured before 1960)
• Horn audible from 200 feet away
• Mirrors providing clear rear view
• Functional windshield wipers
• Proper tires with adequate tread depth

Prohibited Modifications

Illegal modifications include tinted windshields except for the top 5 inches, excessively loud exhaust systems, and lights that flash or display wrong colors. License plate covers that obscure numbers are prohibited, as are modifications that raise your vehicle beyond legal limits.

Special Circumstances

Riders under 21 must wear DOT-approved helmets. All riders need eye protection if their motorcycle doesn't have a windshield. Motorcycles must run headlights during daylight hours.

Lane splitting remains illegal in Texas.

Commercial Vehicle Requirements

Commercial drivers need a Commercial Driver's License, DOT medical certification, and additional insurance coverage. Commercial vehicles require regular inspections and drivers must comply with hours of service regulations.

Teen Driver Restrictions

Provisional license holders under 18 cannot drive between midnight and 5 AM except for work or emergencies. They cannot use any wireless device while driving or have more than one non-family passenger under 21.

Before You Start Driving in Texas

Texas vehicle laws protect everyone on the road through comprehensive regulations covering registration, insurance, safety, and responsible driving. Register your vehicle within 30 days of moving to Texas and maintain minimum insurance coverage at all times. Follow speed limits and traffic signs, wear seat belts, secure children properly, and get annual vehicle inspections on schedule.

Never drink and drive. The consequences are severe and potentially life-changing, affecting your finances, freedom, and future opportunities. Texas enforcement is strict and penalties increase dramatically with repeat offenses.

Stay informed about law changes through the Texas Department of Public Safety and Department of Motor Vehicles websites. Both agencies provide updated information about new regulations and requirements. When in doubt, contact your local law enforcement or DMV office for clarification.

Following these laws isn't just about avoiding tickets and fines. It's about keeping yourself, your passengers, and other road users safe while contributing to an efficient transportation system that serves all Texans. Responsible drivers help make Texas roads safer for everyone.