Most drivers in Texas, and every other state, will at some point get pulled over and ticketed for some kind of traffic violation. An awareness of the most common driving and traffic violations in Texas can help you avoid making these mistakes and being hit with an expensive fine or other legal driving issue.
Cell Phone Usage
Cities all over Texas have recently been implementing a range of new laws and ordinances restricting the use of cell phones while driving. Some places have banned texting alone, while others have put restrictions on all mobile device usage while you are behind the wheel. These laws are continually evolving in an effort to keep distracted driving to a minimum, which means you could be breaking the law without fully understanding the violation of which you are guilty. The only way to be sure of avoiding a cell phone usage traffic violation in Texas is to put the phone away until you've stopped driving.
Driving While under the Influence
No matter how strict the laws and serious the consequences, driving while under the influence or intoxicated remains one of the most common traffic violations. In the state of Texas, obtaining a driver’s license serves as consent to undergo a Breathalyzer test. This means that, if you are pulled over and the officer suspects you may be intoxicated, you can refuse neither a field sobriety nor Breathalyzer test to prove you are within the legal safe limits.
Speeding
Pay attention to posted speed limits. Speeding is an extremely common traffic violation in Texas, and repeated speed related tickets could eventually cost you the privilege of a driver’s license. Texas is one of the top five states where drivers are most likely to get a speeding ticket, so it is even more important to make sure you see and obey all posted speed limit signs.
“Click It or Ticket”
Texas takes its child restraint and seatbelt laws seriously, and advertises that clearly through the “Click it or Ticket” advertising campaign. While some states allow backseat adult passengers to go without a seatbelt, Texas has implemented a law that states every passenger, regardless of age or placement in the vehicle, has to wear a seatbelt while the car is being operated. The recent change in this law has increased the commonality of seatbelt tickets given out.
Traffic Light Violations
The use of all-day traffic light cameras has made running red lights and other traffic light violations much more common in Texas compared to states that do not use the traffic camera technology. Even if there isn't a police officer around to catch you running the red light, the camera will capture your license plate number and a ticket will be mailed to the address on record.
The five most common traffic violations in Texas all have one important shared trait. Each can be avoided by attentive and safe driving habits.
*Image courtesy of freedigitalphotos.net
