Unit 1: Texas Driver Responsibilities— Knowing Texas Traffic Laws Review
Review topics covered in Unit One:

Student Guide

1.1 Who May Operate a Motor Vehicle in Texas
1.1.1 1.1.2 1.1.3 1.1.4 1.1.5 Types of Texas Drivers Licenses Texas Licensing Requirements Suspensions and Revocations Vehicle Inspection and Registration Safety Responsibility

Class C Licenses permit driving non-commercial vehicles such as cars, pickup trucks, SUVs, and vans. The minimum age to qualify for a Class C License is 18 years of age. A driver who is 16-years-old and has completed an approved driver education course also qualifies for a Class C License. An instruction permit allows unlicensed drivers to legally practice driving with a licensed driver in the front seat. The licensed driver must be at least 21 years of age and been driving for at least one year. To apply for an instruction permit you must be at least 18 years of age or be a 15-year-old who has passed an approved driver license education course. A Provisional License is issued to someone under the age of 18 who does not have an instruction permit. It is a probationary license and must be renewed and must be renewed when the person turns 18 years of age. When applying for a license, you will need to provide or do the following: • • • • • • • • • Bring personal information. Bring your identification documents. Bring other information the DPS requires. Pass an exam that tests your knowledge of road signs, traffic signals, and the rules of the road. Take and pass a vision test. Take proof of liability insurance for the vehicle you will use for the driving test. If you are applying for a Class C license, you may drive a car, van, pickup truck, or SUV. The vehicle must have a current inspection certificate. If you need corrective lenses, you must wear them.

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If you have an instruction permit, you must have a licensed driver age 21 or older in the front seat with you. The date your license expires will be printed on the front of the license. If you change your name or address, you must report it to the DPS within 30 days. Driving without a valid driver license is against the law. The first conviction can result in fines up to $200. Additional violations can result in increased fines and jail time. Keep in mind that operating a motor vehicle is a privilege, not a right. If this privilege is abused, your driver license may be suspended or revoked.

A suspension is the temporary loss of a driver license for a specific period of time. Driving privileges will be reinstated at the end of the suspension period. A revocation is the loss of a driver license for an indefinite period of time. If a license is revoked, driving privileges will not be reinstated until certain requirements have been met. The following offenses result in an automatic suspension of driving privileges: • • • • • Driving while intoxicated Failing to stop and to help the injured after a collision Causing the death or serious injury of anyone while you are driving Driving with an invalid driver license Possessing a false driver license

The Department of Public Safety has the authority to suspend or revoke a driver license for: • • • • Repeated traffic law violations Habitual reckless driving or too many collisions Causing a serious collision while operating a motor vehicle Fleeing or attempting to flee from a police officer

Driving with a suspended license can result in fines of up to $200, jail time, and an extended period of suspension. An Essential Need driver license is a special license issued to drivers whose licenses have been suspended. To qualify, you must prove there is an essential need to drive. Owners and operators of motor vehicles in Texas must meet state registration requirements. Nonresidents and operators must register their vehicles after 30 days of establishing residency or obtaining gainful employment. A Texas vehicle inspection certificate, verification of the vehicle identification number, and evidence of financial responsibility is required for registration. New Texas residents must register every vehicle owned before applying for a Texas driver license. Registrations are done at the county tax assessor-collector office in the county the person resides in.

All motor vehicles registered in Texas must be inspected annually. You will be required to produce proof of financial responsibility with either a policy or insurance card. The certificate of inspection must be displayed on the vehicle. All owners and/or operators of vehicles in Texas must have a required minimum amount of liability insurance. Minimums are a 25/50/25 insurance policy. To avoid a traffic citation, you must provide proof of financial responsibility when: applying for a driver license, registering a motor vehicle, obtaining a motor vehicle inspection certificate, or you are involved in a collision. If a driver is convicted of operating a motor vehicle without evidence of financial responsibility, the driver may be given a fine from $175 to $350. Their license can also be suspended. A mandatory license suspension exists for the uninsured driver if there is a collision resulting in a death, serious injury, or more than $1,000 in property damage.

1.2 Right-of-Way 1.2.1 Right-of-way 1.2.2 Right-of-way at Uncontrolled Intersections 1.2.3 Giving the Right-of-way to Emergency Vehicles
It is your responsibility to know when you must yield to other drivers. Remember, rightof-way is something given—not taken. Before moving forward, let’s review some of the basic rules covered in this section. Let’s begin with yielding at controlled intersections. • • You must obey all signs and signals at an intersection. When turning left, you must yield the right-of-way to any vehicles coming straight through from the other direction. You may turn only when it is safe to do so after there is no danger from oncoming vehicles. Obey all railroad signals and markings.

Now, let’s review safe driving practices at uncontrolled intersections. Remember, they can be very dangerous areas. • • • • When driving on a single or two-lane road that intersects with a four-lane road, you must yield to the driver of the vehicle on the four-lane road. If you are driving on an unpaved road that intersects with a paved road, you must yield the right-of-way to vehicles traveling on the paved road. When approaching an uncontrolled intersection, yield to any vehicle that has entered the intersection to your right or is approaching the intersection from your right. Take the right-of-way cautiously. When entering or crossing a road, street, or highway from a private road, alley, or driveway, stop, then yield the right-of-way to all approaching vehicles and pedestrians.

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When approaching a "T" intersection, stop and then yield the right-of-way to the vehicles crossing on the through street. When you are on a feeder road, yield the right-of-way to cars entering or leaving the main road. Always yield to vehicles that are already in the lane you are moving into.

You will find yourself in driving conditions where you must yield the right-of-way, regardless of signs, etc. For instance: • • • • When you hear a siren or see flashing lights, you must yield to the emergency vehicle. When approaching a school bus with flashing red lights, stop and wait until the bus has started moving or you are signaled by the driver to proceed. If a pedestrian walks into the street or if you see a person carrying a white cane with red tip or bands, yield the right of way. If a vehicle ahead of you stops to let a pedestrian pass, stay in line and wait until the vehicle in front of you goes forward.

1.3 Signaling, Passing, and Turning 1.3.1 Signaling 1.3.2 Passing 1.3.3 Turning 1.3.4 Stopping, Standing, or Parking 1.3.5 Speed and Speed Limits 1.3.6 Following Distance 1.3.7 Winter Driving
Sudden moves from drivers can result in collisions. To avoid this, it is important to always let other drivers know your intentions. Use your signals so they can plan ahead for changes in your driving. When driving, you must ALWAYS SIGNAL before taking these actions: • • • • • Turning Changing lanes Pulling away from a parking space Stopping Slowing down

Passing another vehicle can be one of the most dangerous driving maneuvers. Because of the danger, before you pass, make sure it is safe. To pass safely, you should consider the conditions of the road, the flow of traffic, and the weather conditions. When visibility is limited, you should be patient and wait until it is safe to pass. Always be prepared when turning right or left. Think ahead and move into the proper lane

as soon as possible. Give your turn signal 100 feet before making the turn. Don’t attempt the turn unless you can get into the proper lane about 100 feet before the turn. Instead, drive ahead until you can get into the proper lane. Turn at another intersection. Remember, you can always turn around! Once you reach your destination, you must consider where you are planning to park your vehicle by staying at least 15 feet away from fire hydrants and 20 feet away from a marked crosswalk. Important: it is against the law to leave your car unattended if the engine is running. Remember, there are a number of places you cannot park, stop, or stand a vehicle. Some of these include: • • Within 15 feet of a fire hydrant Within 20 feet of a marked crosswalk

Other parking rules to remember are: • • • • • • • At night, use your parking or hazard lights if you have to park on the side of a highway. If you park uphill with a curb, turn the wheels away from the curb. If you park downhill with a curb, turn the wheels toward the curb. If there is no curb, turn the wheels toward the edge of the road, uphill or downhill. If you are parallel parking, be sure that the wheels are six to eighteen inches from the curb. If you are leaving a parked vehicle on a two-way street, for the greatest safety, you should get out of your vehicle on the curb side. If you are leaving a parking space, it is important that you look back carefully before and while backing away.

Some roads may have different posted limits. You must obey all speed limit signs. A posted speed limit of 55 mph means you may drive 55 mph only under favorable conditions. When choosing your driving speed, consider the condition of the weather, traffic, road, vehicle, and driver. Safety may require you to drive slower than the speed limit.

1.4

Defensive Driving 1.4.1 Defensive Driving 1.4.2 Sharing the Road with Bicycles, Motorcycles, Trucks 1.4.3 Night Driving 1.4.4 Freeway Driving 1.4.5 Vehicle Breakdowns

To be a defensive driver, you must protect yourself and others from dangerous and unexpected driving situations that could cause a collision. To avoid accidents, stay alert and look for trouble spots developing around you. Have an escape plan if the other driver does the wrong thing! Remember, you must always follow the rules-of-the-road and obey all traffic laws whether you are sharing the road with a bicycle, motorcycle, truck, bus, other large vehicle, or another car. Be sure to give bicycle and motorcycle riders ample space and be prepared to yield to them in all situations. If you are sharing the road with a large truck, be patient and be sure to be cautious. Remember, you must drive slower at night. The distance which you can see ahead is less. Never drive when you become drowsy. Get out of the car and walk around. You must turn on your headlights 30 minutes after sunset and leave them on until 30 minutes before sunrise. Do not use the freeway if you cannot or do not wish to drive at or above the minimum speed limits. Always know your entrance, direction, and exit before entering the freeway. When entering the freeway, speed up to safely merge into traffic. Yield to the vehicles already on the road. Once you are on the freeway, be sure to choose the proper lane. Stay in the middle of your lane. Always signal before changing lanes. When you leave the freeway, be in the proper lane well in advance of the exit. When driving on the freeway, a vehicle breakdown can be inconvenient and dangerous. To avoid a breakdown, always keep your vehicle in top mechanical condition. If you should experience a breakdown, try to get the vehicle off the pavement. Even a car with a flat tire or a blowout can be driven off the road slowly. If you can’t get the car off the pavement, get everyone out of the vehicle and off the road. Turn on your emergency warning lights (commonly referred to as hazards).

1.5 Aggressive Driving and Road Rage 1.5.1 Aggressive Driving and Road Rage 1.5.2 Emergency Situations 1.5.3 What to Do if Involved in a Collision or Stopped by the Police 1.5.4 If You Are Stopped by the Police 1.5.5 Safety Belts 1.5.6 Transporting Cargo and Materials, Safety Chains, Towing 1.5.7 Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Aggressive driving leads to hundreds of deaths and injuries across the United States every year. While there isn’t much you can do for other drivers who may be aggressive, there are few things that you can do to avoid driving aggressively and placing yourself at risk.

Avoid the dangers of aggressive driving and road rage by driving friendly, controlling your behavior by planning in advance, allowing extra time, relaxing rather than being angry when there are delays, using your signal, and avoiding tailgating and confronting other drivers. If you encounter an aggressive driver, report the incident to the local authorities. Remember to think before you act in all driving situations, especially emergency situations. Some emergency situations you must be prepared for include a flat tire or blowout, running off the pavement, a vehicle skid caused by driving too fast on slippery roads, brake failure, and if you are involved in a collision. If you have a flat tire or blowout: • • • Steer firmly Take your foot off the gas Brake cautiously

If you run off the pavement: • • Steer straight Slow down before returning to the pavement

If your vehicle starts to skid: • • • • Do not hit the brakes Take your foot off the accelerator Steer in the direction of the skid Recover control and gently straighten your wheels

If your brakes fail: • • Shift into a lower gear Gently use your parking brake

If you are involved in a collision: If you are involved in a collision while driving, you must stop immediately. Give the other driver your name, address, vehicle registration number, and the name of your insurance company. You must also: • • You must stop immediately Give the other driver your name, address, vehicle registration number, and the name of your insurance company

Texas law requires that all occupants of a vehicle wear a safety belt. Children under the age of eight or shorter than four feet, nine inches must be secured in a child passenger safety seat. Texas state law requires that drivers follow certain rules concerning cargo and loose materials that might fall off of trucks, cars, or trailers. Cars produce carbon monoxide, a deadly gas, so you should always make sure that you’re getting plenty of fresh air.

1.6 The Dangers and Effects of Alcohol and Drugs 1.6.1 The Dangers of Alcohol and Drugs 1.6.2 The Effects of Alcohol and Drugs 1.6.3 Alcohol 1.6.4 Marijuana 1.6.5 Stimulants, Tranquilizers, and Sedatives 1.6.6 Over-the-counter and Prescription Medication 1.6.13 Alcohol-related Laws
Each year, alcohol and drug use are involved in over half of all traffic collisions nationwide. The number one killer of teenagers is driving under the influence. Remember, alcohol, marijuana, stimulants, tranquilizers, and even some over-the-counter and prescription medications can affect the mental and physical skills needed to drive safely. Heavy amphetamine use will keep drivers awake and active for long stretches of time. But, it will also make them less coordinated, more edgy, and four times more likely to be involved in a vehicle crash. Tranquilizers and sedatives can make drivers sleepy or overlysedated, which can be extremely dangerous. Coffee cannot make a drunken person more sober, just more alert. Always read labels when taking medication and be especially careful with antihistamines, cold prescriptions, and other medications that relax or promote sleep. If you are taking a prescription, ask your doctor if it is safe for you to drive. Now let’s review some alcohol-related laws. It is illegal to consume an alcoholic beverage while operating a motor vehicle. The maximum fine for driving and drinking alcohol is $500. It is also illegal to drive with a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of .08% or higher. As part of the Implied Consent Law, if you refuse a test to check the amount of alcohol in your body, your driver license may be suspended for 180 days.

If convicted of driving while intoxicated (DWI), the penalties can vary based on the offense. For example, if a person is over the age of 21, their first offense can result in a fine up to $2,000, possible jail time, and a driver license suspension. For a second DWI offense, the fine is up to $4,000, the jail sentence can be up to one year, and the license is also suspended. On the third or higher DWI offense, the fine will be up to $10,000, the jail sentence can be between two and 10 years and the license can be suspended for up to two years. A person charged with DWI who has a minor in the car less than 15 years old receives a fine up to $10,000 and up to two years in jail. If you run over and kill someone while driving under the influence, you may be charged with intoxication manslaughter. This punishment includes a $10,000 fine and a jail sentence up to 20 years. Texas has a zero tolerance policy for minors who commit offenses under two parts of the law - the non-driving alcohol-related laws and the laws relating to minors who drive under the influence of alcohol. This means a minor driver can be convicted of DUI by a Minor if there is any detectable amount of alcohol in his system. It is a criminal offense. A minor is not required to meet the BAC limits to be considered intoxicated. Someone who buys, provides, or sells alcohol to a minor can be fined up to $4,000 and receive a sentence of one year in jail.

1.7 Traffic Signals, Signs, and Markings 1.7.1 Traffic Signals 1.7.2 Traffic Signs 1.7.3 Categories of Road Signs 1.7.4 Regulatory Signs 1.7.5 Warning Signs 1.7.6 Warning Signs Continued 1.7.7 Warning Signs Continued 1.7.8 Guide Signs 1.7.9 Construction and Maintenance Signs 1.7.10 Railroad Warning Signs 1.7.11 Pavement Markings
Traffic control signals regulate traffic and help provide for the orderly movement of traffic. The colors of signals are standardized. When approaching a steady red light, you must stop your vehicle at the stop line. If you are approaching a steady yellow light and you can safely

stop before entering the nearest crosswalk at the intersection, you must stop. When approaching a green traffic light, look both ways as you go ahead carefully. Remember, a green signal does not guarantee the way is clear. If you are waiting to make a left turn and the light turns green, you may turn only after there is no danger from oncoming vehicles. If a green arrow displays with a red traffic light, you may go ahead carefully in the direction shown by the arrow. Remember, a red flashing light is similar to a stop sign. You must stop, look, and yield before proceeding. If you are approaching a flashing yellow signal light, you must slow down. Finally, don’t forget that you must always stop when a traffic officer instructs you to stop. Any directions they give you must be followed, even if other traffic signs/signals are different. Their directions must be followed in any right-of-way situation. The different categories of road signs include: • • • • • Regulatory Signs Warning Signs Guide Signs Railroad Warning Signs Construction and Maintenance Signs

Regulatory signs tell you what you may or may not do by giving instructions and information. Drivers are required to obey them in the same manner as traffic laws. These signs are usually square or rectangular. The colors used may be red, black, or white. Some regulatory signs have dedicated shapes that will not be used with other signs. Let’s look at some common regulatory signs. • • • • • • • • • • • • • Stop – always octagon; you must stop completely, stop behind the stop line, or before you enter the intersection Yield – always a triangle; slow down, or stop if necessary, yield the right-of-way to traffic Do Not Enter – road is for one-way traffic only, turn right or left Do Not Pass – you are in a no passing zone, never pass One-way – turn in the direction of the arrow School Speed Zone – look for children when yellow light is flashing, and don’t exceed the posted speed Slower Traffic Keep Right – stay in the right lane when driving slowly Emergency Stopping Only – stop only if an emergency, like vehicle failure Form One Line, Left – merge into only one lane of traffic Dual Left Turn – turn left from the left lane only Center Lane Two-Way Turn Sign – the center lane is used for left turns only Road Closed – look for a detour or turn around and go back Information sign that is blank – gives instruction and information

Warning signs alert you to conditions directly ahead. They tell you what to look for, such as road hazards and changes in direction. Sometimes they give you an advanced warning of a regulatory sign coming up. Warning signs are yellow with black and red lettering or symbols. They may be diamond, square, or round. School or school crossing signs may be pentagon shaped. A no passing zone sign will be pennant shaped. Let’s look at some common WARNING signs: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Hazard Sign, diamond shaped, no words – watch for a hazard in or near the roadway Right Curve – slow down for a right curve Right Turn – slow down for a turn to the right Right and Left Curve – slow down for a right and left curve Right and Left Turn – slow down for a right and left turn Winding Road Sign – slow down for a winding road Side Road to the Right – watch for side road traffic to the right Highway Intersection, 1000 FT – watch for a dangerous crossing in 1000 feet Road Narrows – the area narrows, it is not as wide as the other part of the road Solid Object striped sign – don’t sideswipe a solid object or obstruction near the road Watch for Ice on Bridges – slow down, hazardous conditions due to ice Dip – slow down for a low place in the road Bump – slow down for a sharp rise in the road Loose Gravel – don’t hit your breaks suddenly, don’t make sharp turns Soft Shoulder – don’t run off the pavement Pedestrian Crossing – slow down, look for people crossing on foot Exit, 35 MPH – slow your exit speed to 35 mph School Children – watch for children

Guide signs help direct you on roadways. They tell you what road you are on and how to get where you wish to go. They also provide information about parks, historical sites, or available roadside services. Guide signs are usually square or rectangular and color-coded as to their purpose. Now, let’s see a few GUIDE signs. • • Texas Hwy 158, left, right arrow – a route marker for Hwy 158, it runs left and right ahead Loop 270 – you are on a short state highway in a city or urban area

Railroad warning signs let you know that you are near a railroad crossing and sometimes when a train is approaching. Here are a couple of signs to review: • • Railroad Crossing – you are close to a railroad crossing; slow down, look for a train, be ready to stop Railroad Crossing, blank – advance warning of a train, look out for a train

Construction signs alert drivers of road repairs or construction, detours, road closings, and dangerous conditions near work areas. Most construction signs are diamond-shaped. The shape of construction signs is similar to warning signs. The background color of construction signs is always orange and the letters and symbols are black. In addition to signs, barricades, drums, cones, flashing panels, and flag persons are also used to alert drivers. Let’s see what CONSTRUCTION signs can look like. • • • Road Construction Ahead – watch for machinery and workers Detour – follow the marked temporary route End Construction – you can return to normal safe highway speed after this sign

Pavement markings are used to warn and direct drivers and to regulate traffic. The following are some key things to keep in mind about pavement markings: • • • • When driving, you should keep to the right of the yellow center line on roadways. If the lines dividing the road are solid—or if there is a solid yellow line on your side of the center stripe—you may not pass other vehicles. If you are turning left from a three lane, one-way street, you should turn from the left lane. On multiple lane highways, slow drivers should drive in the right hand lane. And when stopping at intersections, remember to stop before the stop lines or crosswalk.

1.8 Managing Risk 1.8.1 Managing Risk 1.8.2 Assessing Risk 1.8.3 Reducing Risk 1.8.4 Fatigue and Safety 1.8.5 Speeding 1.8.6 Safety Belts 1.8.7 Distracted Driving
There are many everyday driving issues that elevate your risk while driving. Let’s look at some examples. Traveling many miles per day in congested and low-visibility traffic conditions definitely raises your risk level while driving. So does exceeding the speed limit. Driving after drinking is another sure way to increase your chances of collision. Being inattentive or distracted also increases your risk. Driving when tired, sick, or medicated causes impairment which adds to risk. Driving at night and driving too fast for conditions are two more ways to increase your chance of a crash. Here are some guidelines that can help you assess risk more accurately: First, consider the probability of a dangerous event developing. Second, consider the consequences of your decision. Third, prepare to take action to manage the situation.

Driving is a dangerous, complex task that demands your full time and attention. Risk is lowest when you handle one task at a time. When driving, adjust your speed and position so you can handle one danger at a time. Resist distractions like talking on a cell phone, text messaging, lighting a cigarette, loading a CD, or having a conversation with your passengers. Actions of all roadway users including pedestrians, animals, bicyclists, and other drivers impact your level of risk as a driver. It’s essential that you remain alert to conditions or objects that can increase levels of risk. Conduct a thorough visual search. Search 30 seconds ahead of your path of travel for objects or conditions that could become a threat. Have a plan. Identify an alternate path of travel 15 seconds ahead, and the level of traction available in case of an emergency. Drowsy driving is now recognized as one of the leading causes of traffic crashes. It’s no wonder that drowsy driving is so dangerous: Fatigue has many of the same dangerous effects as drinking alcohol. Other ways to avoid risk when driving are to: avoid driving when you are experiencing an illness, maintain proper speed, always wear your safety belt, and do not text message. Avoid multi-tasking when driving. Eating, drinking, grooming – they’re all very dangerous to do when you’re behind the wheel! Always travel at a safe speed. Drive at a speed not greater than or less than what is safe. Make reasonable decisions about traffic, the road surface, and weather conditions that might increase risk or compromise your safety while driving. Based on your speed, maintain enough space in front of your car to allow you to stop without hitting another vehicle or object. NEVER drive faster than the posted speed limit or suggested warning sign. Research has found that lap/shoulder seat belts, when used, reduce the risk of fatal injury to front-seat passenger car occupants by 45 percent and the risk of moderate-to-critical injury by 50 percent. Injury and death associated with traffic-related crashes are two of our largest societal problems. Drivers depend on each other to obey the rules.