Texas speed limits and key traffic laws

By the end of this topic you can

• You can state the Texas speed limits that apply where no sign is posted.
• You can choose a safe following distance.
• You can respond correctly to a stopped school bus.
• You can apply the Slow Down or Move Over law.
• You can say where passing on the left is not allowed.

What you need to know and understand

• Where no sign is posted: 30 mph in an urban district, 15 mph in an alley, 70 mph on numbered state and US highways outside urban districts, and 60 mph on other rural roads.
• Many limited-access highways are posted at 75 mph or more, up to 85 mph; always obey the sign.
• You must never drive faster than is safe for conditions, even below the limit.
• The DL-7 recommends at least 2 seconds of following distance at 30 mph or less and 4 seconds above 30 mph in good conditions.
• Stop for a school bus with flashing red lights from either direction, unless you are oncoming on a road with a barrier or unpaved median.
• Fines for passing a stopped school bus run from $500 to $1,250.
• Fines double in work zones when workers are present.

Speed and space

Speed limits are the most you may drive in ideal conditions. Rain, fog, traffic and darkness all call for less. The DL-7 gives rough stopping distances of about 63 feet at 20 mph, 164 feet at 40 mph and 303 feet at 60 mph, which shows how quickly distance grows with speed. Your field of vision also narrows as you go faster.

Pick a fixed point ahead. When the car in front passes it, count. If you reach it before your count is up, drop back. Four seconds is the best habit for beginners.

Slow Down or Move Over

When you approach a stopped emergency vehicle, tow truck, TxDOT vehicle, utility vehicle or similar vehicle with its lights on, you must do one of two things:

• On a road with two or more lanes in your direction, leave the lane next to it if you can do so safely
• Otherwise, slow to 20 mph below the posted limit, or to 5 mph where the limit is under 25 mph

Passing rules

Street racing on a public road is an offense that brings an automatic license suspension on conviction. Our Texas permit practice test has more questions on these rules.

• Do not pass on the left within 100 feet of an intersection, railroad crossing, bridge, viaduct or tunnel
• Do not pass on a hill or curve where you cannot see far enough ahead, or where signs or solid lines forbid it
• On a two-lane road, be back in your lane before an oncoming vehicle comes within 200 feet
• Pass on the right only where the road allows it, such as two or more lanes each way, and never by leaving the pavement
• When someone passes you, keep right and do not speed up

Common mistakes

• Treating the posted limit as a target in bad weather. Drive at a speed that is safe for conditions.
• Tailgating in heavy traffic. Keep at least 4 seconds above 30 mph as a learner.
• Driving past a stopped school bus on a road with only a center turn lane. That is not a divided road, so you must stop.
• Not moving over for a tow truck or highway maintenance vehicle. The law covers them too.

Test yourself: Texas speed limits and key traffic laws

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• Texas Road Test at a Driving School
• Texas Permit Test
• Texas Permit Practice Test