Traffic Violations in Texas

Traffic violations in Texas can result in fines, points on your driving record, increased insurance rates, and even license suspension. Understanding Texas traffic laws can help you avoid penalties and protect your rights, whether it’s a minor infraction or a serious offense.

Common Traffic Violations in Texas

Texas, like all states, has traffic laws designed to keep roads safe and ensure the smooth flow of traffic. 

Unfortunately, violations of these laws are common and can result in penalties ranging from fines to license suspension. 

Some of the most frequently encountered traffic violations in the Lone Star State include:

Speeding: 

Exceeding the posted speed limit is a widespread issue and a major contributor to accidents. Speed limits are set based on road conditions and traffic patterns, and exceeding them reduces a driver’s reaction time and increases the severity of potential collisions.

Running a Red Light or Stop Sign: 

Failing to stop at a red light or stop sign is a serious offense that disrupts traffic flow and can cause devastating accidents. Drivers must come to a complete stop at red lights and stop signs and proceed only when it is safe to do so.

Reckless Driving: 

This encompasses a range of dangerous driving behaviors, such as excessive speeding, weaving in and out of traffic, tailgating, and ignoring traffic signals. Reckless driving demonstrates a disregard for the safety of others and can result in severe consequences.

Driving Without Insurance: 

Texas law mandates that all drivers carry a minimum liability insurance to cover damages or injuries caused in an accident. Driving without insurance is a financial risk, resulting in fines, license suspension, and even jail time.

Failure to Yield: 

This includes failing to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, yielding to other vehicles when required by law, and yielding to emergency vehicles. Failure to yield can cause accidents and delays and demonstrates a lack of courtesy and respect for others on the road.

Driving Without a Valid License: 

Operating a vehicle without a valid Texas driver’s license is illegal. To obtain a license, drivers must pass a written and driving test and meet certain age and residency requirements. Driving without a license can result in fines, suspension, and even jail time.

Distracted Driving: 

This includes any activity that takes a driver’s attention away from the road, such as texting, talking on the phone, eating, or grooming. Texting while driving is prohibited statewide, and other forms of distracted driving can also result in citations and accidents.

Remember, traffic laws are in place to protect everyone on the road. By obeying these laws and practicing safe driving habits, you can help prevent accidents and ensure a safe and enjoyable driving experience for yourself and others.

Fines for Traffic Violations in Texas

Texas imposes varying fines depending on the severity of the violation. Below is a general overview of some common penalties:

For a full list of fines and penalties, visit the Texas Department of Public Safety.

Statute of Limitations for Traffic Violations in Texas

The statute of limitations for traffic violations in Texas varies depending on whether the offense is classified as a minor infraction or a more serious misdemeanor. Typically:

• Minor Violations (e.g., speeding, running a stop sign): Two years from the violation date.
• Serious Violations (e.g., reckless driving, hit-and-run): Three years or longer, depending on the severity of the offense.

If a traffic ticket is not addressed within the statute of limitations, the state may lose the ability to enforce the penalty. However, unpaid tickets can still lead to additional consequences, such as arrest warrants.

Don’t let an unpaid ticket escalate into a warrant. Contact DeHoyos Accident Attorneys today for a free consultation.

How Traffic Violations Affect Your Driving Record in Texas

Texas employs a point system to monitor traffic violations, and accumulating too many points can lead to additional consequences for drivers. These can include surcharges on your license and even suspension.

Point System

2 points: Assigned for minor moving violations.

3 points: Given for violations that result in an accident.

6 points: This threshold triggers surcharges of $100 annually, with an additional $25 for each point beyond six.

Point Duration and Removal

Points stay on your driving record for three years. However, there are ways to mitigate their impact:

Defensive Driving Course: 

Completing an approved defensive driving course can often remove points from your record.

Other Impacts of Traffic Violations

In addition to the point system, traffic violations can have other repercussions:

Increased Insurance Premiums: Insurance companies often raise rates for drivers with traffic violations on their records.

Employment Consequences: Certain jobs that require driving may be impacted by a poor driving record.

Overall, maintaining a clean driving record is crucial in Texas. Avoiding traffic violations helps you avoid surcharges, license suspension, and other negative consequences.

Defending Against a Traffic Violation Ticket in Texas

If you receive a traffic ticket in Texas, you have several options:

1. Pay the Fine – This is the simplest option, resulting in points added to your record.
2. Contest the Ticket – You can challenge the ticket in court with the help of a traffic attorney.
3. Take a Defensive Driving Course – In some cases, completing a state-approved course can help reduce or dismiss the ticket.
4. Request Deferred Adjudication – This allows drivers to avoid conviction if they meet certain conditions.

Contact the Houston personal injury lawyers at DeHoyos Accident Attorneys for more legal assistance with traffic-related offenses.

What to Do If a Traffic Violation Leads to an Accident

Some traffic violations result in serious accidents. You may be entitled to compensation if you were injured in a crash caused by another driver’s negligence. DeHoyos Accident Attorneys handles cases involving:

Car accidents: 

These are the most common type of traffic accidents and can range from minor fender-benders to major collisions, resulting in severe injuries or death.

Motorcycle accidents: 

Motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable to serious injuries in accidents due to their lack of protection.

18-wheeler accidents: 

Due to their sheer size and weight, accidents involving large trucks can be devastating.

Rideshare accidents: 

With the rise of ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft, accidents involving these vehicles have become increasingly common.

If you’ve been injured in an accident caused by another driver’s traffic violation, seeking legal representation as soon as possible is essential. An experienced attorney with a background in Traffic Violations in Texas can investigate the accident, gather evidence, and negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

What to do after a Traffic Violation in Texas

If you’ve received a traffic ticket in Texas, it’s essential to understand your options and take appropriate action. Depending on the severity of the offense, the consequences of a traffic violation can range from paying a fine to license suspension or even jail time.

1. Understanding the Traffic Ticket

Carefully read your traffic ticket. It will contain important information, including:

• The specific traffic law you allegedly violated
• The date, time, and location of the alleged violation
• The officer’s name and badge number
• The fine amount
• The court information

2. Options for Handling the Ticket

You generally have a few options for handling a traffic ticket in Texas:

Pay the Fine: 

This option is pleading guilty to the offense. It’s the simplest and quickest way to resolve the ticket, but it will result in a conviction on your driving record and could lead to increased insurance premiums.

Contest the Ticket: 

You can contest the ticket in court if you believe you are not guilty of the offense. This involves pleading not guilty and appearing in court on the specified date. Consider hiring an attorney to represent you.

Defensive Driving Course: 

Sometimes, you may be eligible to take a defensive driving course to dismiss the ticket. This option is typically available for minor offenses and first-time offenders.

3. Appearing in Court

If you contest the ticket, you must appear in court on the specified date. Be prepared to present your case and any evidence you may have. The judge will hear both sides and make a decision.

4. Hiring an Attorney

Consider hiring an attorney if you face serious charges or have a complex case. A Traffic Violations attorney in Texas can help you understand your rights, navigate the legal process, and get the charges reduced or dismissed.

Consequences of a Traffic Conviction

A traffic conviction can have several consequences, including:

Fines and Court Costs: 

You must pay the acceptable amount listed on the ticket and any additional court costs.

Points on Your Driving Record: 

Points will be added to your driving record, which could lead to increased insurance premiums and potential license suspension.

Increased Insurance Premiums: 

Your insurance company may raise your rates due to the conviction.

License Suspension: 

Your license could be suspended if you accumulate too many points on your driving record.

Jail Time: 

For serious offenses, such as DUI or reckless driving, you could face jail time.

Contact the Houston Car Accident Lawyers at DeHoyos Accident Attorneys for Help Today!

Traffic violations in Texas can have long-term consequences, from fines and increased insurance rates to license suspension. If a traffic violation leads to an accident or legal trouble, you don’t have to face it alone. Contact DeHoyos Accident Attorneys today for expert legal guidance.

5 FAQs of Traffic Violations in Texas

1. What are the most common traffic violations in Texas?

Common traffic violations in Texas include speeding, running red lights, failing to stop at stop signs, driving under the influence (DUI), driving without insurance, and distracted driving (e.g., texting while driving).

2. What are the penalties for traffic violations in Texas?

Traffic violations in Texas vary depending on the severity of the offense and the driver’s history. Penalties can include fines, points on your driving record, license suspension, and even jail time for serious offenses like DUI.

3. How do traffic violations affect my insurance rates?

Traffic violations, especially moving violations like speeding or running a red light, can increase insurance premiums. Insurance companies view drivers with violations as riskier, which results in higher rates.

4. What should I do if I get a traffic ticket in Texas?

You have a few options if you get a traffic ticket in Texas. You can pay the fine, which may be an admission of guilt depending on the violation. You can also contest the ticket in court, which may require hiring an attorney. Sometimes, you may be eligible for a defensive driving course to dismiss the ticket.

5. How can I avoid traffic violations in Texas?

The best way to avoid traffic violations in Texas is to follow all traffic laws, including obeying speed limits, stopping at stop signs and red lights, and avoiding distractions while driving. Always wear your seatbelt and never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.