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.
Authorizes full deployment of AVs without a human operator.
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 Universal helmet law repealed 1997.
6 years
85 and over: renewal every 2 years
79 and over: no electronic or mail renewal
75
75
75
75; 80 or 85 on specified segments
75; 80 or 85 on specified segments
75
0.15
90 days if .08 or greater; 180 days for refusal
Yes
Mandatory for repeat convictions
Yes
yes
7 yrs or under and under 57" tall
8 yrs or older or over 57"
6
30 (10)
16
Midnight - 5 a.m. (secondary enforcement)
No more than 1 under 21 (secondary enforcement)
18 years
15
Primary
7 and under who are over 57"
8 and over
All
Yes, in school crossing zones and on public school property only. Primary law.
Yes, with minor passengers. Primary law.
Drivers under 18. Primary law.
All drivers. Primary law.
Prohibited
n/a
Prohibited
n/a
None
Illegal
None
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 12, 2020
Contact: Adrian Nicholas, 202-580-7934
After-Hours Contact: Pam Shadel Fischer, 980-619-2786
A Texas family has filed a lawsuit against Energy Transfer Partners, a company whose truck driver hit and killed their teenage son while he was distracted by a video on his phone.
Story by Kris Van Cleave
February 13, 2020
The Houston area's Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez is renewing the county's commitment to traffic safety enforcement in 2019. GHSA's Kara Macek underscores the importance of this move.
Story by St. John Barned-Smith
January 15, 2019
A new report from GHSA finds that speeding is involved in nearly one in three traffic deaths each year. Senior Director of Communications and Programs Kara Macek discusses the need for a change in public risk perception around the issue.
Story by Dug Begley
January 15, 2019
The Houston area's Harrison County Sheriff's Office is planning to strengthen its speed and overall traffic enforcement in 2019. GHSA Executive Director Jonathan Adkins speaks to the importance of these efforts.
Story by St. John Barned-Smith and Dug Begley, Jr.
December 28, 2018
Though the emotional and physical tolls of crashes are often discussed, the economic costs can also be staggering. GHSA's Kara Macek discusses.
Story by Dug Begley and St. John Barned-Smith
December 16, 2018
Distracted driving continues to be a critical issue on roads nationwide. GHSA Executive Director Jonathan Adkins speaks to how frequent under-reporting of distraction makes it difficult to assess the issue's severity.
Article by Dug Begley and St. John Barned-Smith
November 25, 2018
Speed is a persistent and yet overlooked traffic safety issue across the country. In this analysis of speeding in Texas, GHSA's Russ Martin speaks to the need for more attention to be paid to this challenge.
Story by Anna Tinsley
July 26, 2018
