4 Texas Traffic Laws That You Might Not Be Aware Of
There are a lot of rules when it comes to driving on Texas roads. Antyime you get behind the wheel you're taking on a lot of responsibility. Not just for yourself, but for any passengers you have in the vehicle with you and the other drivers on the road too.
Drivers in Tyler, Longview, and Gilmer, Texas, are faced with so many rules it's hard to know about them all. Some of them are common sense rules and some of them are bizarre and you've never ever heard of.
Most drivers in Texas know that you're breaking the law when you speed, text and drive (although many do it all the time), not wearing your seatbelt or obeying traffic control devices. Then there are those laws that are on the books that some Texans aren't familiar with, for instance, passengers are not permitted to occupy a trailer while in motion for example.
There's a good chance that everyone has unintentionally broken one of these laws at a time or two. As long as these strange laws remain on the books, you can technically still be cited for breaking the law, but there's a good chance the officer involved will only give you a warning unless it warrants a citation.
Let's take a look at four of these laws that could still get you a citation in Texas:
- Vehicles in Texas must have windshield wipers
A motor vehicle shall be equipped with a device that is operated or controlled by the operator of the vehicle and that cleans moisture from the windshield. The device shall be maintained in good working condition. - Transfer the title immediately when you sell or you could still receive traffic citations after the sale
Vehicles are required to be titled in the buyer's name within 30 days from the date of sale. Failing to properly transfer a vehicle into the buyer's name could result in the seller being held responsible for tickets, toll violations, or even crimes committed with the vehicle. - You cannot open the car door while operating the vehicle
You could receive a fine of $150, if, for any reason you open your car door while the engine is running, even while at a complete stop. - Passengers may not ride in a trailer while in motion
It's just common sense really. There's no safety restraint system on a trailer. So while your trailer is loaded with all your belongings while moving, just strap them down and don't have your buddy holding on to the refrigerator! I'm pretty sure it's not an exception, but it is often overlooked - participants riding on trailers/floats during special occasions and holiday parades downtown.
Knowing these four things could save you from having to pay a fine for not knowing the law in Texas.
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