Seat Belt Laws: Texas
Type of Law
Primary
Texas
GHSA maintains data on state laws surrounding a number of highway safety issues. Below is information regarding laws in the state of Texas. For more information, consult the State Highway Safety Office.
Texas
Motorcycle Helmet Required?
Helmets required for all riders under 21 as well as those who have not completed a safety course or have no medical insurance (secondarily enforced). Universal helmet law repealed 1997.
Texas
Length of Regular Renewal Cycle
6 years
Texas
Provisions for Mature Drivers
85 and over: renewal every 2 years 79 and over: no electronic or mail renewal
Texas
Rural Interstates: Cars (MPH)
75; 80 or 85 on specified segments
Texas
Rural Interstates: Trucks (MPH)
75; 80 or 85 on specified segments
Texas
Urban Interstates: Cars (MPH)
75
Texas
Urban Interstates: Trucks (MPH)
75
Texas
Other Limited Access Roads: Cars (MPH)
75
Texas
Other Limited Access Roads: Trucks (MPH)
75
Texas
Ignition Interlocks
Mandatory for repeat convictions and first-time offenders with a BAC of greater than .15
Texas
Open container laws
Yes
Texas
Repeat Offender Laws
Yes
Texas
Increased penalty for high BAC
0.15
Texas
Administrative license suspension on first offense
90 days if .08 or greater; 180 days for refusal
Texas
Limited driving privileges during suspension
Yes
Texas
Child Restraint Required
Under 8 yrs or under 57" tall
Texas
Adult Safety Belt Permissible
8 yrs or older or over 57"
Texas
Full Privilege Minimum Age
18 years
Texas
Learner Stage: Minimum Age (Years/Months)
15
Texas
Learner Stage: Minimum Duration (Months)
6
Texas
Learner Stage: Supervised Driving Hours (Night Hours in Parenthesis)
30 (10)
Texas
Intermediate Stage: Minimum Age (Years/Months)
16
Texas
Intermediate Stage: Nighttime Driving Restriction
Midnight - 5 a.m. (secondary enforcement)
Texas
Intermediate Stage: Passenger Restrictions (Except Family, Unless Noted)
No more than 1 under 21 (secondary enforcement)
Texas
Type of Law
Primary
Texas
Who is Covered?
7 and under who are over 57" 8 and over
Texas
In What Seat?
All
Texas
Text Messaging Ban?
All drivers. Primary law.
Texas
Hand-Held Ban?
Yes, in school crossing zones and on public school property only. Primary law.
Texas
All Cell Phone Ban? School Bus Drivers
Yes, with minor passengers. Primary law.
Texas
All Cell Phone Ban? Novice Drivers
Drivers under 18. Primary law.
Texas
Speed Cameras: State Law
Prohibited
Texas
Speed Cameras: Where Permitted
n/a
Texas
Red Light Cameras: State Law
Prohibited
Texas
Red Light Cameras: Where Permitted
n/a
Texas
DUID Zero Tolerance or Per se Laws for Some Drugs
None
Texas
Marijuana Possession and Use
Illegal
Texas
Marijuana Impaired Driving
None
Distracted Driving Laws: Texas
Hand-Held Ban?
Yes, in school crossing zones and on public school property only. Primary law.
Speed and Red Light Cameras: Texas
Speed Cameras
Prohibited
Red Light Cameras
Prohibited
Work Zone Traffic Laws: Texas
Violations Affected
All moving vehicle violations
Enhanced Penalties
Double original fine
Workers Must Be Present?
Yes
Signs Must Be Present?
Yes
Drug-Impaired Driving Laws: Texas
DUID Zero Tolerance or Per se Laws for Some Drugs
None
Holiday Sober Ride Sleigh Tour
TxDOT's impaired driving holiday campaign reminds everyone while they are planning for gifts and parties this holiday season, to also make it a priority to plan for a sober ride.