Top 5 Texas Traffic Laws to Protect Your Driver's License

Have you ever been pulled over in Texas and found yourself thinking, “Wait — that was illegal?” You’re not alone. Many drivers assume they know all the rules, but Texas traffic laws have specific requirements that even experienced drivers sometimes miss.

Getting a ticket isn’t just annoying — it can put points on your license, raise your insurance rates, and even lead to a license suspension if repeated too often. That’s why knowing the top Texas traffic laws isn’t just about obeying signs — it’s about protecting your driving privileges, your wallet, and your peace of mind.

In this blog, we’ll break down the Top 5 Texas Traffic Laws That Could Save Your License, complete with real examples, local city tips, and expert defensive driving advice. We’ll even include a step‑by‑step guide to dismissing a ticket and a quick safety checklist at the end.

Let’s get started and keep you driving safely and legally across Texas roads.

Why Knowing Texas Traffic Laws Matters

Driving in Texas is more than just steering and shifting. The rules you follow (or break) affect not only your current trip, but your long‑term driving record.

Imagine this: You’re on I‑10 near Houston and thought you were safe going a little over the speed limit. A patrol car catches you, and suddenly you’re looking at a speeding ticket, 2 or more points on your license, and a higher insurance bill — all because you didn’t know a specific law.

These laws, enforced by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and outlined in the Texas Transportation Code, are what officers, courts, and judges use every day. But the good news? Once you understand them, you can avoid fines, stay ticket‑free, and protect your license for years to come.

Law #1 – Move Over / Slow Down Law

What It Means

In Texas, when you see an emergency, tow, utility, or maintenance vehicle with flashing lights, you must either move over to the next lane or slow down at least 20 mph* below the posted limit if you can’t move safely. This helps protect first responders and roadside workers from crashes.

Updated Fines & Penalties (2025)

According to official TxDOT updates, failing to follow the Move Over Law can result in fines up to $2,000 and points added to your driver’s license.

Local Example (Houston)

In Houston, where highways like I‑45 and the Gulf Freeway are busy almost all day, failing to move over has become one of the top reasons locals get pulled over — especially during afternoon traffic.

Tip: Always scan for flashing lights and adjust early — it’s safer and will keep your record clean.

Law #2 – Speeding & Minimum/Maximum Speed Rules

Updated Texas Speed Limits

Texas doesn’t just have general speed limits — it also regulates minimum speeds on certain highways. You can’t drive so slowly that you impede traffic without a valid reason.

Typical limits are:

• Urban interstate: 70 mph

• Rural interstate: 75–80 mph

• City streets: 30–45 mph

• School zones: 20 mph

What Happens If You Break It

Speeding tickets usually bring:

• Fines from $200 – $500+

• 2–4 points on your license

• Higher insurance premiums

Repeat offenses can lead to a suspension if you accumulate too many points.

Defensive Driving Tip

Completing a Texas defensive driving course online can often help dismiss a speeding ticket or prevent points from affecting your record — but only if the court allows it.

City Tip (Dallas): Many Dallas drivers get tickets near school zones because they don’t slow down on weekdays. Always watch for reduced speed signs!

Law #3 – School Bus Stop Arm Rule

What the Law Requires

When a school bus flashes red lights and extends its stop arm, all vehicles in both directions must stop until the lights stop flashing. This applies even on divided roads unless there’s a physical barrier.

Example Scenario

A driver on a 2‑lane road in Austin failed to stop for a bus picking up students and received a fine of nearly $1,250 plus points on the license.

Safety & License Impact

Not only is this dangerous, it’s one of the more costly traffic violations in Texas because it puts children at risk.

Law #4 – Distracted Driving & Cell Phone Use

Current Texas Rules

Texas law prohibits texting while driving and limits handheld phone use if it distracts you from driving safely.

Key points:

• Texting or typing is illegal and ticketable

• Hands‑free or voice commands are safest

• Food, makeup, and screens are distractions too

Staying Safe

Lock your phone in a console or glove box before driving. Even holding your phone at a red light while inching forward could lead to a fine.

City Tip (San Antonio): Distracted driving tickets spike during morning rush hours — avoid multi‑tasking behind the wheel.

Law #5 – Seat Belt & Child Safety Laws

Updated Texas Rules

Every occupant must wear a seat belt. Children under 8 years old must be secured in a child safety seat unless they are taller than 4’9”.

Penalty Highlights:

• Seat belt violation: ~$200 fine

• Child seat violation: ~$250+ fine and possible court costs

Real-Life Consequences

Many serious injuries in crashes are due to seat belts not being worn. A properly used booster or child seat can reduce fatal injury risk by 71% among children.

Compliance Tip

Check your child’s height & weight against the seat manufacturer’s recommendations — not every child fits every seat the same.

Additional Tips to Protect Your License

Knowing these laws is one thing. Applying them consistently keeps your license safe.

3 Tips to Stay Ticket-Free

1. Take a Texas certified defensive driving course online — courts often accept this to dismiss a ticket.

2. Monitor your driving record regularly via Texas DPS.

3. Follow official updates from TxDOT and DPS — laws can change.

If you do get a ticket, don’t panic — many drivers successfully get dismissals using the Texas defensive driving course for ticket dismissal, depending on the violation and court approval.

How to Check Your Driving Record & Points

Your driving record shows:

• Tickets you’ve received

• Points assessed

• Violations from previous years

You can check this via the official Texas DPS website. Knowing your point total helps you decide if you need a defensive driving course to avoid suspension.

Step‑by‑Step Guide: Ticket Dismissal with Defensive Driving

Here’s a simple flow:

1. Get Your Ticket
Read it — does it allow a defensive driving dismissal?

2. Call the Court
Ask if you’re eligible for defensive driving dismissal.

3. Choose a Texas defensive driving course online
Make sure it’s state approved.

4. Complete the Course
Usually 6 hours online. Take notes!

5. Submit Certificate
Provide it to the court before the deadline.

6. Confirm Status
Ensure the ticket is dismissed & points not added.

Local City Tips (Houston, Dallas, Austin)

Houston:

• Drivers often get pulled for not moving over on I‑45.

• Traffic cameras enforce speed and red light violations.

Dallas:

• School zone speed enforcement is strict during morning & afternoon hours.

• Distracted driving tickets spike downtown.

Austin:

• Pedestrian crossing enforcement is heavy near UT & downtown.

• Night speed limits enforced near entertainment districts.

Safety Checklist — Your Quick Guide

✅ Always move over or slow down for flashing lights
✅ Follow posted speed limits & minimum speed rules
✅ Stop entirely for school buses with red lights
✅ Avoid all distractions behind the wheel
✅ Buckle up & ensure children are properly restrained
✅ Consider a defensive driving Texas course online

Keep this checklist in your glove box!

FAQs 

Q1: Can a defensive driving course dismiss a ticket in Texas?
A1: Often yes, if the court allows and the violation is eligible.

Q2: How much is a defensive driving course in Texas?
A2: Typically $25–$90 depending on provider.

Q3: Does defensive driving remove a ticket from my record?
A3: It can keep points off your record if approved by the court.

Q4: How many times can you take a defensive driving course in Texas?
A4: Usually once per 12 months for ticket dismissal.

Q5: What happens if I ignore a speeding ticket?
A5: Points, fines, insurance hikes, and possible suspension.

Q6: Is texting while driving illegal in Texas?
A6: Yes — texting is a primary offense statewide.

Q7: Do all school zones have 20 mph limits?
A7: Only when lights flash or during posted school times.

Q8: Can I check my Texas driving record online?
A8: Yes, via the official Texas DPS website.

Q9: What’s the fine for not wearing a seatbelt?
A9: Up to approximately $200, varying by jurisdiction.

Q10: Do cameras ticket red light violations?
A10: In some cities like Houston and Dallas, yes.

Q11: Does the Move Over Law include TxDOT vehicles?
A11: Yes — all authorized vehicles with flashing lights.

Q12: Are child safety seats mandatory for all kids?
A12: Yes, until age 8 or until they reach 4’9”.

Conclusion

Traffic laws aren’t just lines on a page — they are rules designed to keep you and others safe. Knowing the Top 5 Texas Traffic Laws That Could Save Your License can protect your driving privileges, your finances, and your peace of mind.

If you do find yourself facing a ticket, enrolling in a Texas defensive driving course online or a state of Texas online defensive driving program can make all the difference — not just for dismissals, but for becoming a better, safer driver.

Stay alert, drive smart, and remember — your license is worth protecting.