What "Texas traffic law" actually covers
Texas's vehicle code regulates speed, right-of-way, signaling, lane use, parking, equipment, insurance, alcohol, and the documents you must carry while driving. Most of the questions on the Texas permit exam come from a few sections of that code — speed and right-of-way alone account for nearly a third of the test. The TX DPS publishes a free PDF handbook that summarizes the relevant sections in plain language; this page condenses the parts that show up on the knowledge test.
Speed limits at a glance
In Texas, expect 75 mph on rural Interstates, 70 mph on urban Interstates, 25 mph in residential areas, and 20 mph in marked school zones when children are present. The basic speed law overrides every posted limit: you must drive at a speed that is reasonable for the weather, traffic, road, and visibility — even if that means going well below the posted number in fog or heavy rain.
For a deeper read on this topic across all 50 states, see our right-of-way, speed limits, and alcohol and drugs articles.
Right-of-way essentials
At a four-way stop the first vehicle to arrive proceeds first; if two arrive together, the one on the right goes. At an uncontrolled intersection, yield to any vehicle already in the intersection and to the vehicle on your right when arrivals are simultaneous. Pedestrians in any marked or unmarked crosswalk always have right-of-way in Texas, and emergency vehicles with lights and siren require you to pull to the right and stop.
Alcohol, drugs, and implied consent
The legal BAC limit in Texas is 0.08% for drivers 21 and older, 0.02% for drivers under 21, and 0.04% for any driver operating a commercial vehicle. By accepting a Texas driver license or permit you give implied consent to chemical testing — refusing the breath, blood or urine test triggers an automatic license suspension separate from any DUI conviction.
Phones, seat belts, and child seats
Handheld phone use while driving is legal but discouraged in Texas. Texting while driving is illegal for all drivers regardless of age. Seat belts are required for primary enforcement for all front-seat occupants. Children must be in an approved restraint until they meet the Texas height-and-weight thresholds — currently required for children under 8 or under 4'9".
Quick facts about Texas
- Capital: Austin
- Minimum permit age: 15
- Current permit fee: $16
- Supervised hold period: 6 months
- Adult BAC limit: 0.08% · Under-21 BAC: 0.02%
- Default speed limits: 75 mph rural Interstate, 70 mph urban Interstate, 25 mph residential, 20 mph school zone
- Handheld phone use: permitted but texting still illegal
- Vision standard: 20/40 acuity in at least one eye, corrected or uncorrected
- Reinstatement fee after suspension: $100
- Official source: TX DPS
Other Texas guides on PermitPrep
Each link below opens a dedicated Texas page. Every guide is built from the same official TX DPS handbook so the rules stay consistent across topics.
- Texas Permit Practice Test — Practice test for Texas drivers.
- Texas Driving Permit Guide — Permit guide for Texas drivers.
- Texas Road Signs Test — Signs test for Texas drivers.
- Texas Right-of-Way Rules — Right of way for Texas drivers.
- Texas Speed Limits Explained — Speed limits for Texas drivers.
- Texas DUI Laws — DUI laws for Texas drivers.
- Texas Cell Phone Laws — Cell phone laws for Texas drivers.
- Texas Parking Rules — Parking for Texas drivers.
Ready to test what you have learned? Take the free Texas permit practice test — 20 randomized questions, instant grading, full explanations.