Key Differences to Driving in Texas
May 25th, 2010
- All drivers and passengers are required by law to wear safety belts.
- State approved car seats must be used for children 8 years of age and under unless that child is taller than 4’9″.
- Texas does not have a slow, middle, and fast lane on highways, so be prepared for vehicles passing on both sides.
- Vehicles will weave in and out of traffic and rarely use indicators
- Be extremely vigilant until you are used to the levels of traffic on the highways.
- Most main roads near schools and hospitals have speed restrictions during certain times of the day. Be sure to obey these.
- You must pay careful attention when driving near a yellow school bus. When the bus stops at a pick up or drop off, the driver will put out a stop sign with red lights flashing at the back. You must stop your vehicle behind the bus, whichever lane you are in, and wait until the moves on. Vehicles on the opposite side of the road must also stop unless separated by a median.
- Stop signed are used instead of roundabouts. Most junctions will either have traffic lights or 4-way intersections which all show a stop sign. The first driver to approach the junction has the right of way. If two vehicles arrive at the same time, the vehicle to the right takes precedence. If you come to an intersection at which no one else is, you must still obey the stop sign.
- If you reach a junction and the traffic lights are out, everyone reverts to operating as a 4-way stop system.
- Traffic fines double if you commit an offence where there are construction workers present.
- It is permissible at most junctions (unless there is notice to the contrary) to turn right at red traffic lights if the way is clear, but you must stop and observe before doing so.
