Traffic Law

Level I 2022-2023 Traffic Law • 8-1

Traffic Law

Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................... 4

PART 1 TRANSPORTATION CODE .................................................................... 4

A. Title 1 – General Provisions .................................................................................. 4

B. Title 6 – Roadways ............................................................................................... 4

C. Title 7 – Vehicles and Traffic ................................................................................. 4

1. Subtitle A ....................................................................................................... 4

2. Subtitle B ....................................................................................................... 5

3. Subtitle C ....................................................................................................... 5

4. Subtitle D ....................................................................................................... 7

5. Subtitle E ....................................................................................................... 7

6. Subtitle F ....................................................................................................... 8

7. Subtitle G ....................................................................................................... 8

8. Subtitle H ....................................................................................................... 8

9. Subtitle I ......................................................................................................... 8

10. Subtitle J ........................................................................................................ 9

11. Subtitle K ....................................................................................................... 9

PART 2 CITATION REQUIREMENTS ................................................................ 10

A. Peace Officer’s Authority to Issue Citations ........................................................ 10

B. Information on Citations ...................................................................................... 11

1. Racial Profiling Information .......................................................................... 11

2. Driving Safety Course Information ............................................................... 11

3. Failure to Maintain Financial Responsibility.................................................. 12

4. Address Obligation for Juveniles and Their Parents ..................................... 13

5. Notice of Contract with DPS or DMV ............................................................ 13

6. Commercial Drivers .....................................................................................

7. Fam

ily and Domestic Violence Admonishment ............................................ 14

8. Appearance Date ......................................................................................... 14

9. Alternatives to Payment ............................................................................... 14

C. General Citation Information ............................................................................... 14

PART 3 CULPABLE MENTAL STATE ............................................................... 16

PART 4 PENALTIES ........................................................................................... 17

A. General Penalties ............................................................................................... 17

B. Specific Penalties ............................................................................................... 17

C. Prior Convictions ................................................................................................. 17

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D. Construction or Maintenance Work Zones .......................................................... 17

E. Crash Resulting from Failure to Yield Right-of-Way ............................................ 18

PART 5 COMMONLY COMMITTED TRAFFIC OFFENSES ............................... 18

A. Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles (Subtitle A) ............................... 18

1. Operation of Vehicle Without Registration .................................................... 18

2. Operation of Vehicle Without Registration Insignia ....................................... 18

a. Compliance Dismissal ......................................................................................... 19

b. Penalty ................................................................................................................ 19

3. Expired Registration Insignia ....................................................................... 19

a. Compliance Dismissal ......................................................................................... 19

b. Penalty ................................................................................................................ 19

4. Wrong, Fictitious, Altered, or Obscured Insignia .......................................... 19

a. Compliance Dismissal ......................................................................................... 19

b. Penalty ................................................................................................................ 19

5. Operation of Vehicle Without License Plates ................................................ 20

a. Compliance Dismissal ......................................................................................... 20

b. Penalty ................................................................................................................ 20

6. Wrong, Fictitious, Altered, or Obscured License Plate ................................. 20

a. Compliance Dismissal ......................................................................................... 21

b. Penalty ................................................................................................................ 21

7. Deceptively Similar Registration Insignia and License Plate ........................ 21

B. Driver’s Licenses (Subtitle B) .............................................................................. 21

1. Failure to Carry and Exhibit .......................................................................... 21

a. Defense to Prosecution ....................................................................................... 22

b. Penalty ................................................................................................................ 22

2. Expired Driver’s License .............................................................................. 22

a. Compliance Dismissal ......................................................................................... 22

b. Penalty ................................................................................................................ 22

3. Driving While License Invalid ....................................................................... 22

C. Speeding (Subtitle C) .......................................................................................... 23

D. Safety Belts and Child Safety Seats (Subtitle C) ................................................. 23

1. Defenses to Prosecution .............................................................................. 23

2. Penalty ......................................................................................................... 24

3. Fines Remitted to State................................................................................ 24

E. Passing a School Bus (Subtitle C) ...................................................................... 24

1. Penalty ......................................................................................................... 25

a. Fine Range .......................................................................................................... 25

b. Driver’s License Suspension ............................................................................... 25

F. Cell Phones in a School Zone (Subtitle C) .......................................................... 25

1. Defenses ..................................................................................................... 26

2. Exceptions ................................................................................................... 26

3. Penalty ......................................................................................................... 26

G. Inspection Requirements (Subtitle C) .................................................................. 27

H. Financial Responsibility (Subtitle D) .................................................................... 27

1. Exceptions ................................................................................................... 28

2. Defense ....................................................................................................... 28

3. Dismissal ..................................................................................................... 28

4. Penalty ......................................................................................................... 29

I. Motorcycle Protective Headgear (Subtitle G) ......................................................

1. Exceptions ................................................................................................... 29

2. Penalty ......................................................................................................... 30

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J. Privileged (Handicapped) Parking (Subtitle H) .................................................... 30

1. Dismissal ..................................................................................................... 30

2. Penalty ......................................................................................................... 31

PART 6 QUOTAS ................................................................................................ 33

APPENDIX A: PASSENGER RESTRAINT LAWS ............................................. 34

APPENDIX B: COMPLIANCE DISMISSALS AND DEFENSES TO

PROSECUTION ................................................................................................... 36

ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS ............................................................................... 39

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INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this chapter is twofold. First, it is important for court clerks to have a fundamental

understanding of “traffic law.” Although the United States is a common law country, most traffic

codes in this country have developed into lengthy codes that must address everything from running

a red light to the weight of commercial motor vehicles. This chapter will provide clerks with an

overview of some of the traffic laws commonly handled by municipal courts and provide guidance

to where specific laws or regulations may be found in the code. Second, the chapter will provide

an overview of certain collateral issues intertwined with the traffic law. These include statutes

concerning arrest and appearance, culpability, and criminal penalties. All of these areas have been

discussed in prior chapters. It may be useful to review those chapters for deeper understanding.

This chapter will not rehash these topics; rather, it will demonstrate where these issues fit in with

the traffic law.

Finally, it is important to note that this chapter is not a comprehensive study of the entire

Transportation Code. Clerks should always consult the actual Transportation Code or the city’s

legal advisor for practical application and day-to-day job functions. Additionally, it would be

helpful to have both the “Green Book” and “The Brick” available when reviewing this chapter.

These publications may provide greater detail on areas referenced below.

PART 1

TRANSPORTATION CODE

The Transportation Code is broadly organized into titles. Each title is divided into subtitles, which

in turn are further broken down into chapters, subchapters, and sections. Within the Transportation

Code, three primary titles−General Provisions, Roadways, and Vehicles and Traffic−contain the

majority of information on traffic offenses commonly encountered in municipal court. Brief

descriptions are included in Part 1.

A. Title 1 – General Provisions

Title 1, General Provisions, contains general information on the Transportation Code’s purpose

and construction. Section 1.002 provides that Chapter 311 of the Government Code (the Code

Construction Act) applies to the construction of the Transportation Code except where expressly

stated otherwise.

B. Title 6 – Roadways

Title 6, Roadways, contains information on toll roads, bridges, ferries, turnpikes, and state

highways. More specifically for municipal courts, Subtitle Z, Miscellaneous Roadway Provisions,

contains the definition for a construction or maintenance work zone. Sec. 472.022(e)(2), T.C.

C. Title 7 – Vehicles and Traffic

The bulk of Texas traffic laws are contained in Title 7, Vehicles and Traffic. It is divided into the

following 11 subtitles.

1. Subtitle A

Subtitle A, Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles, contains rules on how vehicles are

registered, sold, and tagged. Most of this subtitle is dedicated to special registration rules, but the

offenses regarding driving an unregistered or improperly registered vehicle and driving a vehicle

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without or with improper license plates are contained in Chapters 502, Registration of Vehicles,

and 504, License Plates, respectively.

2. Subtitle B

Subtitle B, Driver’s Licenses and Personal Identification Cards, regulates driver’s license

requirements, records, applications, examinations, restrictions, expirations, suspensions, and fees.

Most of the provisions are administrative and do not affect the daily operation of municipal courts,

but courts receive many questions about the effect a conviction may have on a driver’s license.

This subtitle does contain common offenses such as failure to carry a driver’s license, driving

without a license, or driving while license invalid. The laws pertaining to driver’s licenses are

found in Chapter 521; laws for commercial driver’s licenses are found in Chapter 522.

3. Subtitle C

Subtitle C, Rules of the Road, is by far the portion of the code most often encountered by municipal

courts. Subtitle C is divided into chapters, from Chapter 541 through 600. (Note: Chapters 554 to

599 are reserved and do not contain any laws or rules at this time.)

• Chapter 541, Definitions, contains the meaning of some of the more commonly used

terms in the Transportation Code.

• Chapter 542, General Provisions, provides rules for when traffic laws apply and for

the authority of local governments to regulate traffic. Sec. 542.202, T.C. This chapter

also contains a general offense provision providing that a person commits an offense if

the person performs an act prohibited or fails to perform an act required by Subtitle C.

Sec. 542.301, T.C. Section 542.401 contains a general penalty, providing that a

misdemeanor for which no other penalty is provided in Subtitle C is punishable by a

fine of $1 to $200. In addition, this chapter includes information on the traffic fine court

costs (Secs. 542.403 and 542.4031); for what purposes traffic fines must be used by the

city (Sec. 542.402(a)); and the excess fines law (Sec. 542.402(b)).

• Chapter 543, Arrest and Prosecution of Violators, contains laws regarding when arrests

may be made on traffic offenses, written notices to appear, the violation of promise to

appear offense, and traffic conviction reporting requirements. The chapter provides that

each judge and clerk of a municipal court shall maintain records in all traffic cases and

report to the Department of Public Safety (DPS) all traffic convictions and bond

forfeitures on traffic violations (Secs. 543.201 and 543.203).

• Chapter 544, Traffic Signs, Signals, and Markings, includes signal and light definitions,

authority for placing traffic control devices upon the public thoroughfares, and familiar

offenses, such as disobeying a red light, a stop, or a yield sign.

• Chapter 545, Operation and Movement of Vehicles, contains the bulk of traffic

offenses, including speed restrictions, turning movements, lane usage, right of way

rules, and special stops. Parking regulations (Secs. 545.301 - 545.350) are also found

in Chapter 545, as well as many other traffic laws, including passing a school bus (Sec.

545.066); safety belt offenses (Sec. 545.413); child safety seat laws (Sec. 545.412);

children riding in the back of an open vehicle bed (Sec. 545.414); novice driver

restrictions (Sec. 545.424); and use of cell phones in a school zone and the state texting

law (Secs. 545.425, 545.4251, 545.4252).

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• Chapter 546, Operation of Authorized Emergency Vehicles and Certain Other Vehicles,

sets out guidelines about when emergency vehicles may speed or disregard traffic

regulations.

• Chapter 547, Vehicle Equipment, contains numerous regulations regarding necessary

equipment on vehicles. It outlines safety, lighting, and other vehicle equipment, and

includes laws on window tinting; mufflers; brakes; stop lamps; headlamps; and

taillights. If an offense or a question arises about equipment found on a vehicle, it will

most likely be found in Chapter 547. It is an offense in Texas to operate or, as an owner,

to knowingly permit someone to operate a vehicle that is unsafe or fails to comply with

the vehicle regulations of Chapter 547. Sec. 547.004, T.C.

• Chapter 548, Compulsory Inspection of Vehicles, provides the rules for inspection of

vehicles and equipment.

• Chapter 550, Accidents and Accident Reports, explains how accident reports should be

made, recorded, and distributed. There are a few offenses that may be filed in municipal

court involving the duty of a motor vehicle operator to notify the owner or to provide

information upon striking an unattended vehicle, striking a fixture or highway

landscaping, or causing a collision that results in damage in an amount less than $200.

• Chapter 551, Operation of Bicycles and Mopeds, Golf Carts, and Other Low-Powered

Vehicles, provides that bicycle riders must obey all traffic laws applicable to a vehicle

operator. In addition, there are provisions about the way a bicycle should be ridden and

safety equipment that must be on a bicycle. This chapter also contains laws regulating

mopeds, mini motorbikes, electric personal assistive mobility devices, neighborhood

electric vehicles, motor assisted scooters, electric bicycles, golf carts, and package

delivery vehicles.

• Chapter 551A, Off-Highway Vehicles, regulates “off-highway” vehicles, including all-

terrain vehicles, recreational off-highway vehicles, sand rails, and utility vehicles

(Note: although similar, UTVs are not golf carts).

• Chapter 552, Pedestrians, includes restrictions about when and where pedestrians may

walk, including the use of sidewalks; crossing at signal lights; “jay walking;” and

solicitation by pedestrians.

• Chapter 552A, Devices Subject to Pedestrian Laws, regulating automated personal

delivery devices and motorized mobility devices, when operated in pedestrian rights-

of-way.

• Chapter 553, Enactment and Enforcement of Certain Traffic Laws in Certain

Municipalities, deals with the authority of cities to erect traffic signs.

• Chapter 600, Miscellaneous Provisions, provides requirements for dropping material

on a highway; the authority for peace officers to require a driver to produce

identification anytime within 250 feet of a Mexican border checkpoint; and the

authority for school-crossing guards to direct traffic if they complete certain training

requirements.

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All of the offenses and provisions in Subtitle C are

considered Rules of the Road. There is much

confusion about the term “Rules of the Road” and the

term “moving violations.” Remember that Rules of

the Road refers to anything contained in Subtitle C

(Chapters 541 to 600) of the Transportation Code,

and is important for purposes of specific court costs

and an adult’s right to take a driving safety course.

The term moving violation is defined in Section

15.89 of Title 37 of the Texas Administrative Code

as an act committed in connection with the operation of a motor vehicle on a public street or

highway, which constitutes a hazard to traffic and is prohibited by state law or city ordinance.

Violations are identified as moving violations by the DPS in Table B of Section 15.89.

Although most Rules of the Road offenses are considered moving violations, the two are not the

same. Not every Rules of the Road offense is a moving violation and not every moving violation

is in Subtitle C. For example, the offense of driving while intoxicated, located in the Penal Code,

is a moving violation, as is the offense of driving while license invalid, which is located in Chapter

521 of the Transportation Code. Both of these are outside of Subtitle C. It is important for clerks

to keep these two terms separate and know the import of each term.

Practice Note

The tabs in Fine-Only Crimes, also known as

“The Green Book,” are a great way to quickly

reference Rules of the Road offenses. Flip to the

Rules of the Road tab to see every offense

included in Chapters 541-600. The editor’s notes

behind that tab include important information

pertaining to Rules of the Road offenses,

including references to relevant statutes located

elsewhere in the law.

4. Subtitle D

Subtitle D, Motor Vehicle Safety Responsibility, contains only Chapter 601, which provides that

motor vehicle operators must maintain insurance or have some other type of financial

responsibility in the event that they cause a collision. This requirement is aimed at protecting other

drivers from bearing the cost of injuries or damages when a collision is not their fault. Section

601.191 provides for the offense of failure to maintain financial responsibility.

5. Subtitle E

Subtitle E, Vehicle Size and Weight, regulates the size and weight of vehicles; provides special

provisions for oversize and overweight vehicles; transit permits; and the size of a transport vehicle

(including vehicles transporting concrete, milk, timber, power poles, or pipe). These laws are quite

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technical and complicated, providing tiered fines, requiring a percentage of fines collected to be

remitted to the State, and limitations on what fine-only offenses can be heard in municipal courts.

6. Subtitle F

Subtitle F, Commercial Motor Vehicles, pertains to commercial motor vehicles and motor carriers.

This subtitle contains commercial motor vehicle safety standards in Chapter 644, which regulate

the trucking industry and ensure that federal highway safety regulations are followed by

commercial drivers. When cases are filed under this subtitle, the authority to do so comes from

Chapter 644 and such cases can only be filed by certified officers under Section 644.101.

7. Subtitle G

Subtitle G, Protective Headgear for Motorcycle Operators and Passengers, regulates motorcycles

and autocycles. This chapter defines an offense for not wearing protective headgear while

operating a motorcycle in Section 661.003. Other portions of this subtitle include motorcycle

operating training and safety, sale of motorcycles without serial numbers, and standards for electric

bicycles.

8. Subtitle H

Subtitle H, Parking, Towing, and Storage of Vehicles, provides authority for cities to regulate

parking and storage of vehicles. It contains laws regarding disabled parking placards (Sec.

681.002); space designation (Sec. 681.009); privileged (handicapped) parking violations (Sec.

681.011); and exemptions from parking meter fees for vehicles sporting certain specialty plates or

disabled veteran plates. Also found in Subtitle H is authority for certain cities to administratively

adjudicate parking citations. This authorizes the cases to be heard by a hearing officer (Ch. 682).

Subtitle H also regulates the handling of junked or abandoned vehicles (Ch. 683).

9. Subtitle I

Chapter 702 permits a city to contract with the county or Texas Department of Motor Vehicles to

deny renewal of vehicle registration to persons with warrants for certain traffic laws. This program

is known as the “Scofflaw” program. Sec. 702.003.

Chapter 703, Nonresident Violator Compact, allows cities to report out-of-state residents who fail

to take care of traffic citations, again with a different definition of a traffic law. This chapter

includes a number of provisions. Its purpose is to ensure compliance with the terms of a traffic

citation, even if the defendant lives in another state.

Chapter 706 permits a city to contract with DPS to deny renewal of a defendant’s driver’s license

for failure to appear or to pay or satisfy a judgment in a manner ordered by the court for a fine-

only offense. This program is known as the OmniBase program for the vendor used by DPS to

administer the program (Sec. 706.004).

Practice Note

Chapter 708 of the Transportation Code included the Texas Driver’s

Responsibility Program and was entirely repealed effective September

1, 2019. The program, which required surcharges to be paid every year

for three years on certain convictions, was generally not popular among

most Texans. Its repeal resulted in an estimated 1.4 million Texas

driver’s licenses being reinstated.

Level I 2022-2023 Traffic Law • 8-9

10. Subtitle J

Subtitle J, Miscellaneous Provisions, is the second-to-last subtitle of Title 7. It regulates the

operations of automobile club services (Ch. 722); provides requirements for cities and counties to

have their name on city or county vehicles (Ch. 721); contains the implied consent law, requiring

motorists under certain circumstances to consent to a blood alcohol test or face driver’s license

suspension (Ch. 724); and other provisions dealing with master keys and the regulation of loose

materials.

11. Subtitle K

Subtitle K, Department of Motor Vehicles, is the last subtitle of Title 7. This subtitle creates the

Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) as an entity separate from the Department of Transportation

(TxDOT) and lays out the rules for its overall structure and governance. The DMV now oversees

the registration of vehicles, issues oversize and overweight permits, regulates vehicle dealers, and

credentials buses and big trucks for intrastate and interstate commerce.

1. How is the Transportation Code organized?

2. Most traffic law matters handled by municipal court are located in which title of the

Transportation Code? _____________________________________________________

3. In which subtitle do you find rules on license plates? _____________________________

4. In which subtitle do you find rules on driver’s licenses? __________________________

5. In which chapter of Subtitle C do you find rules on arrest and prosecution of traffic

violators? _______________________________________________________________

6. In which chapter of Subtitle C do you find the requirements of reporting traffic

convictions? ____________________________________________________________

7. Which chapter in Subtitle C regulates bicycles? _________________________________

8. What are the Rules of the Road? _____________________________________________

9. Where are the moving violations defined? _____________________________________

10. In which subtitle do you find rules on maintaining financial responsibility? ___________

11. In which subtitle do you find rules about privileged (handicap) parking? _____________

12. In which subtitle do you find rules on the Nonresident Violator Compact? ____________

13. In which chapter do you find rules on contracting with DPS to deny renewal of a driver’s

license to defendants who fail to appear or fail to pay or satisfy a judgment in a manner

ordered by the court? ______________________________________________________

14. What happened to Chapter 708 of the Transportation Code, regarding surcharges and the

Texas Driver’s Responsibility Program? ______________________________________

Level I 2022-2023 Traffic Law • 8-10

PART 2

CITATION REQUIREMENTS

A. Peace Officer’s Authority to Issue Citations

Peace officers may arrest persons who commit traffic violations. Specific authority for arresting

persons who commit Rules of the Road violations is found in Section 543.001 of the

Transportation Code, but there is also authority for a peace officer to release a person arrested for

a Title 7, Subtitle C violation by issuing a written promise to appear, also known as a citation,

instead. Sections 543.003 and 543.007 provide additional rules for citations issued to the operator

of a commercial motor vehicle or holder of a commercial driver’s license or learner’s permit. Those

citations must contain certain information required by DPS to comply with Chapter 522 and the

Federal Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1986. The DPS rules are in Section 16.100,

Chapter 16, Title 37 of the Texas Administrative Code.

Under Chapter 543 of the Transportation Code, in order for the person to secure release from

custody, he or she must sign a promise to appear. Later, if the person fails to appear in court as

promised, he or she can be charged with the criminal offense of violation of promise to appear

(Sec. 543.009). This is a separate crime from the underlying traffic offense and is charged by

complaint.

If a person violates traffic laws outside of Subtitle C, such as failure to maintain financial

responsibility (Subtitle D), no driver’s license (Subtitle B), expired registration (Subtitle A), or not

wearing protective headgear while riding a motorcycle (Subtitle G), the peace officer has general

authority to arrest without a warrant under Article 14.01(b) of the Code of Criminal Procedure for

any offense committed in his or her presence or within his or her view. Subsection (b) of Article

14.06 of the Code of Criminal Procedure authorizes a peace officer to release a person arrested for

a Class C misdemeanor by issuing a citation in lieu of a full custodial arrest. The one exception is

for the offense of public intoxication for which the peace officer may take the person to jail, release

him or her to someone who will assume responsibility, or the offender may consent to attend a

chemical dependency program (Art. 14.031, C.C.P.).

Article 14.06(c) provides authority for peace officers to issue citations for the following Class A

and B misdemeanors:

• Possession of four ounces or less of marihuana (Sec. 481.121(b)(1)-(2), H.S.C.);

• Criminal mischief, where the value of damage done was $100 or more, but less than

$750 (Sec. 28.03(b)(2), P.C.);

• Graffiti, where the amount of pecuniary loss is $100 or more, but less than $2,500 (Sec.

28.08(b)(2)-(3), P.C.);

• Theft, where the value of the property stolen was $100 or more, but less than $750

(Sec. 31.03(e)(2)(A), P.C.);

• Theft of service, where the value of the service stolen was $100 or more, but less than

$750 (Sec. 31.04(e)(2), P.C.);

• Possession of contraband in a correctional facility, if the offense was punishable as a

Class B misdemeanor (Sec. 38.114, P.C.); or

• Driving while license invalid (Sec. 521.457, T.C.).

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General

Authority to Issue Citations

Specific Authority

for Class A and B Offenses

Specific Authority

for Subtitle C, “Rules of the

Road” Offenses

A peace officer’s general authority

to issue a citation for any Class C

misdemeanor, except for the

offense of public intoxication, is

found in Article 14.06(b), C.C.P.

Specific authority for a peace

officer to issue citations for

certain Class A and B

misdemeanor offenses found in

Article 14.06(c), C.C.P.

Specific authority for a peace

officer to issue a notice to appear

for offenses in Subtitle C, T.C.,

is found in Section 543.003, T.C.

B. Information on Citations

1. Racial Profiling Information

Although the two statutes authorizing the issuance of a citation do not require information to be

gathered for racial profiling data, Article 2.132 of the Code of Criminal Procedure requires law

enforcement agencies to adopt a detailed written policy on racial profiling, including the collection

of information relating to traffic stops in which a ticket, citation, or warning is issued or an arrest

results. The required information includes the person’s race or ethnicity, whether the officer knew

the race or ethnicity before detaining the person, whether a search was conducted, and more. The

entire list is found in Article 2.132(b)(6) of the Code of Criminal Procedure.

These reports must be submitted to the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement each March.

Section 543.202 of the Transportation Code requires the court to report much of this same

information to DPS. For most cities, the best way for both the law enforcement agency and the

court to collect this information is using the citation.

Practice Note

Following the traffic stop and later death of Sandra Bland while in

custody, the Legislature made a number of changes to the racial

profiling and reporting statutes. This included a broader definition

of when information is required to be collected. The law now

requires collection of information when a ticket or warning is issued,

in addition to the previously required citation. What is the difference

between a ticket and citation? That is unclear. What is clear, though,

is that this essentially means that racial profiling information must

be collected whenever an officer comes into documented contact

with a motorist.

2. Driving Safety Course Information

Article 45.0511(q) of the Code of Criminal Procedure requires that a notice to appear issued for a

Subtitle C, Rules of the Road violation include the following statement:

You may be able to require that this charge be dismissed by successfully completing

a driving safety course or a motorcycle operator training course. You will lose that

right if, on or before your appearance date, you do not provide the court with notice

of your request to take the course.

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In its absence, the person may continue to exercise the right to the course until he or she is

informed or the case is disposed. Art. 45.0511(r), C.C.P.

3. Failure to Maintain Financial Responsibility

Section 601.233 of the Transportation Code requires that a citation for failure to maintain financial

responsibility contain the following statement in type larger than other type on the citation except

for the type of the statement required by Section 708.105 of the Transportation Code (regarding

surcharges):

A second or subsequent conviction of an offense under the Texas Motor Vehicle

Safety Responsibility Act will result in the suspension of your driver’s license and

motor vehicle registration unless you file and maintain evidence of financial

responsibility with the Department of Public Safety for two years from the date of

conviction. The department may waive the requirement to file evidence of financial

responsibility if you file satisfactory evidence with the department showing that at

the time this citation was issued, the vehicle was covered by a motor vehicle

liability insurance policy or that you were otherwise exempt from the requirements

to provide evidence of financial responsibility.

In addition to the required notice, citations must also

have an affirmative indication that the officer was

unable to verify insurance at the time of the stop.

Sec. 601.191(e), T.C. Officers do this through a

program called TexasSure, which was developed by

the Texas Department of Insurance and Texas

Department of Motor Vehicles following a directive

from the Legislature. Officers may access

TexasSure by using the Texas Law Enforcement

Telecommunication System (TLETS). Beginning on June 4, 2021, municipal and justice courts

may access TexasSure for the purpose of court proceedings. Sec. 601.455, T.C.

Practice Note

Individual law enforcement agencies will need to decide how the

affirmative indication required by Section 601.191(e) of the

Transportation Code appears on the citation. Many courts with

electronic ticket writers have added a check box to the citation. The

law does not provide a directive on how to practically implement

this requirement. The following websites may be helpful for more

information on the TexasSure program:

 http://www.texassure.com/

 http://www.txdmv.gov/motorists/register-your-

vehicle/texassure-insurance-verification

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4. Address Obligation for Juveniles and Their Parents

Article 45.057(h) of the Code of Criminal Procedure provides that a child and parent required to

appear before the court have an obligation to notify the court in writing of any change of address.

Failure to do so is a Class C misdemeanor. For the obligation to become effective, notice must be

provided to the child, parent, or both. This notice may be given on the citation. Art. 45.057(j),

C.C.P.

5. Notice of Contract with DPS or DMV

When a city contracts with DPS under the OmniBase program to deny driver’s license renewal to

a person who fails to appear or fails to pay a judgment in a manner ordered by the court, the citation

must provide a written warning that if the violator fails to appear in court as provided by law for

the prosecution of the offense or fails to pay or satisfy a judgment ordering the payment of a fine

and costs in the manner ordered by the court, they may be denied renewal of their driver’s license.

The warning is in addition to any other warning required by law. Sec. 706.003, T.C. For a city

contracting with the DMV in the Scofflaw program, the citation must include a warning that states

that if the person fails to appear in court as provided by law for the prosecution of the offense or

fails to pay a fine for the violation, the person might not be permitted to register a motor vehicle

in Texas. Sec. 702.004, T.C.

6. Commercial Drivers

Operators of commercial motor vehicles have

specific obligations under the law, and they must

hold a commercial driver’s license issued by the

DPS. Requirements are found in Chapter 522 of the

Transportation Code. DPS, in Title 37, Rule 16.100

of the Texas Administrative Code requires the

following information to be noted on a citation

issued to a person holding a commercial driver’s

license or permit:

• the person’s name, address, physical description, and date of birth;

• the person’s driver’s license number;

• the registration number of the vehicle involved;

• whether the vehicle was a commercial motor vehicle as defined in Chapter 522 of the

Transportation Code;

• whether the vehicle was involved in the transporting of hazardous materials; and

• the date and nature of the offense, including whether the offense was a serious traffic

violation as defined in Chapter 522 of the Transportation Code (i.e., excessive speeding

15 mph or more over; reckless driving; violation of state and local traffic laws other

than parking; weight or vehicle defect violations arising in connection with a fatal

collision; improper or erratic lane change; or following too closely). Sec. 522.003(25),

T.C.

In addition, Section 543.202 of the Transportation Code requires courts to report the social security

number on citations issued to holders of a commercial driver’s license or permit. Section 543.007

of the Transportation Code requires peace officers to collect certain information by DPS rules.

Secs. 2002.051-2002.056, G.C.

Level I 2022-2023 Traffic Law • 8-14

Since CDL holders are not required to make an appearance in open court, and because such

information is reported to DPS via the citation, the only way this information is guaranteed to be

obtained is if it is collected by a peace officer at the time the citation is issued.

7. Family and Domestic Violence Admonishment

Article 14.06 of the Code of Criminal Procedure requires that a citation include notice of the

potential consequences for conviction of a family or domestic violence offense. Typically, family

violence cases heard in municipal courts involve an assault. An affirmative finding of family

violence is possible following conviction for any offense within Title 5 of the Penal Code. Art.

42.013, C.C.P. The following admonishment must appear on the citation in boldfaced or

underlined type or in all capital letters:

If you are convicted of a misdemeanor offense involving violence where you

are or were a spouse, intimate partner, parent, or guardian of the victim or

are or were involved in another, similar relationship with the victim, it may be

unlawful for you to possess or purchase a firearm, including a handgun or long

gun, or ammunition, pursuant to federal law under 18 U.S.C. Section 922(g)(9)

or Section 46.04(b), Texas Penal Code. If you have any questions whether these

laws make it illegal for you to possess or purchase a firearm, you should

consult an attorney.

8. Appearance Date

Citations issued to persons violating offenses under Subtitle C must contain a specific time and

place in the citation that the person is to appear before a judge having jurisdiction over the case.

This date must be at least 10 days after the date the citation was issued by the peace officer unless

the person arrested demands an earlier hearing. Sec. 543.006, T.C. Article 14.06(b) of the Code of

Criminal Procedure does not specify a certain number of days before requiring an appearance. It

does require the officer to note the magistrate before whom the person is to appear and the citation

must note the time and place for appearance.

9. Alternatives to Payment

Article 14.06(b)(4) of the Code of Criminal Procedure requires that citations contain information

regarding the alternatives to full payment of the fine or costs if the person is convicted of the

offense and is unable to pay the amount. The alternatives to payment of the fine or costs would

be installment payments (Art. 45.041(b-2), C.C.P.), community service (Art. 45.049, C.C.P.),

and tutoring (Art. 45.0492, C.C.P.). The statute does not specify the exact wording of what must

appear on the citation.

C. General Citation Information

Article 14.06, C.C.P.

Section 543.003, T.C.

The following information is required on a citation

for all eligible Class C misdemeanors:

• the time and place to appear before a

magistrate;

• the name and address of the person charged;

• the offense charged;

The following information is specifically required on a

citation for Rules of the Road offenses:

• the time and place the person is to appear;

• the name and address of the person charged;

• the offense charged; and

• the license number of the person’s vehicle if

applicable.

Level I 2022-2023 Traffic Law • 8-15

•

information regarding the alternatives to full

payment of any fine or costs assessed against

the person, if convicted of the offense and

unable to pay; and

• the domestic violence admonishment.

Note: The complaint and the summons or notice to appear

for speeding must specify the maximum or minimum speed

limi limits and the speed the defendant is alleged to have

driven. Sec. 543.010, T.C.

15. Where do peace officers get authority to issue citations to persons violating Subtitle C, Rules

of the Road offenses?

16. Under what authority may a peace officer issue a traffic citation for offenses outside of

Subtitle C, Rules of the Road?

17. What is the consequence if a citation does not notify the defendant of his or her right to take

a driving safety course?

18. What must a citation contain regarding the offense of failure to maintain financial

responsibility?

19. What should a citation tell a juvenile regarding his or her address?

20. If a city contracts with DPS to deny renewal of driver’s licenses, what information should

be on the citation issued to traffic violators?

21. What additional information is required to be on a citation issued to a person who is a

commercial driver’s license holder?

22. What general information is required to be on a citation?

23. When a peace officer issues a citation for an offense in Subtitle C, Rules of the Road, what

is the minimum number of days for a court appearance date from the date of the citation?

(circle one)

a. At least 10 days from the date of the citation.

b. At most 10 days from the date of the citation.

c. At least 30 days from the date of the citation.

d. There is no minimum number of days for this type of citation.

Level I 2022-2023 Traffic Law • 8-16

PART 3

CULPABLE MENTAL STATE

The culpable mental states were discussed in Chapter 4, Charging and Pre-Trial. Remember that,

generally, a culpable mental state is an element of a criminal offense. The culpable mental states

defined in the Penal Code are intentionally, knowingly, recklessly,

and acting with criminal negligence (Sec. 6.03, P.C.). This applies to

offenses defined in the Penal Code and elsewhere unless the offense

clearly dispenses with the mental state requirement (Sec. 6.02, P.C.).

This means that in order to be convicted of an offense such as assault,

the State would need to prove that the defendant intentionally or

knowingly caused offensive physical contact with the victim.

Like Penal Code offenses, traffic offenses are criminal in Texas. This

is different from a number of other states where traffic offenses are

considered “civil violations” or “infractions” that do not carry

criminal consequences. Texas traffic offenses carry criminal

consequences, but often do not require a mental state to be proved by

the state. Generally, a person commits an offense in the Transportation Code if the person performs

a prohibited act or fails to perform a required act. This is unique and means that traffic offenses

function akin to strict liability offenses. This means that the crime is committed if it is proved that

the defendant did it, regardless of mental state. A defendant could be convicted of running a red

light even if he or she did not intend to run the light. The crime is that the defendant did not obey

the red light.

This is not to say that every offense under the Transportation Code dispenses with a mental state.

Some traffic-related cases do require culpable mental states, but those are clearly outlined in the

law.

24. In Texas, traffic cases are (circle one):

a. civil violations

b. infractions

c. criminal offenses

d. both a and b above are correct

25. In Texas, the state must generally prove that the traffic offense (circle one):

a. was intentionally or knowingly committed by the defendant.

b. was recklessly committed by the defendant.

c. was committed by the defendant.

d. was committed with evil intent by the defendant.

26. The culpable mental states defined in the Penal Code are (circle one):

a. intentionally, knowingly, recklessly, and with criminal negligence.

b. intentionally, willfully, recklessly, and with contributory negligence.

c. intentionally, knowingly, dangerously, and with criminal negligence.

d. Penal Code offenses are strict liability offenses.

Level I 2022-2023 Traffic Law • 8-17

PART 4

PENALTIES

The Penal Code defines a Class C misdemeanor as an offense punishable by a fine not to exceed

$500. The Legislature may, however, specify both general and specific penalties that differ from

the Penal Code definition.

A. General Penalties

If an offense in the Transportation Code does not specify a penalty, courts must use a general

penalty provision, where applicable. The following chart contains examples of common general

penalties.

Subtitle

General Penalty

Chapter 502 (Registration of Vehicles)

Maximum fine of $200 (Section 502.471)

Chapter 504 (License Plates)

Minimum fine of $5, maximum fine of $200

(Section 504.948)

Chapter 521 (Driver’s Licenses and Personal

Identification Cards)

Maximum fine of $200 (Section 521.461)

Subtitle C (Rules of the Road)

Minimum fine of $1, maximum fine of $200

(Section 542.401)

Subtitle E (Vehicle Size and Weight)

Maximum fine of $200; penalty escalates for

subsequent convictions (Section 621.507)

B. Specific Penalties

General penalty provisions only govern fine ranges when a more specific fine is not included in

the statute. Some offenses in the Transportation Code fall outside the municipal court jurisdiction.

For example, racing on a highway is punishable by a jail term not to exceed 180 days and a

maximum fine of $2,000 (Sec. 545.420, T.C.). As the punishment includes jail time, this is an

instant indication that municipal courts lack jurisdiction over this Class B misdemeanor.

C. Prior Convictions

In some cases, the penalty can increase each time a defendant is convicted of the same offense.

The charges, however, must be filed as second or subsequent offenses in order for the higher

penalties to apply. For example, a first conviction for failure to maintain financial responsibility

carries a fine of $175 to $350 (Sec. 601.191, T.C.). This means that the court could not assess a

fine outside that range. A second conviction, though, carries a fine of $350 to $1,000. It is typically

the duty of the prosecutor, as the representative of the state, to work with law enforcement to

properly charge offenses.

D. Construction or Maintenance Work Zones

For offenses that occurred in a construction or maintenance work zone when workers were present,

the penalty may double. A general penalty that is not less than $1 or more than $200 would thus

become not less than $2 or more than $400 in a construction or maintenance work zone (Sec.

542.404, T.C.). There are exceptions to this provision for: offenses in Chapter 548 involving

inspection of vehicles; offenses in Chapter 552 involving pedestrians; and offenses in Sections

545.412 and 545.413 involving safety belts and securing children in child passenger safety seat

Level I 2022-2023 Traffic Law • 8-18

systems. For speeding violations, the fine range can only be doubled if the maintenance or

construction work zone is marked by a sign indicating the applicable maximum lawful speed.

When citations are written for offenses that occur in a construction or maintenance work zone

when workers are present, the citation must contain on its face the fact that workers were present

when the offense was committed before the judge can assess the higher fine (Secs. 472.022(d) and

542.404(a), T.C.).

Practice Note

Offenses that occur in construction or maintenance work zones when

workers are present are not eligible for a driving safety course (Art.

45.0511(p)(3)) or deferred disposition (Art. 45.051(f)(1)).

E. Crash Resulting from Failure to Yield Right-of-Way

If it is shown at the trial of a Rules of the Road offense, in which an element is a vehicle operator’s

failure to yield the right of way to another vehicle, that a crash resulted from that failure to yield,

and a person other than the defendant suffered bodily injury as a result, the offense is punishable

by a fine of $500 to $2,000. If a person other than the defendant suffered serious bodily injury, the

offense is punishable by a fine of $1,000 to $4,000 (Sec. 542.4045, T.C.).

True or False

27. If an offense has a specific penalty, the general penalty does not apply. _____

28. All traffic fines have a maximum fine of $200. _____

29. Municipal court has jurisdiction of racing on the highway. _____

30. The court can apply enhanced penalties to offenses charged as first-time offenses as long

as there are prior convictions. _____

31. If a Subtitle C, Rules of the Road offense is committed in a construction or maintenance

work zone when workers are present and that fact is alleged and proven, the minimum and

maximum fine amounts are doubled. _____

PART 5

COMMONLY COMMITTED TRAFFIC OFFENSES

A. Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles (Subtitle A)

1. Operation of Vehicle Without Registration

One of the common offenses that municipal courts see involves a person operating an unregistered

vehicle (Sec. 502.472, T.C.).

2. Operation of Vehicle Without Registration Insignia

Another offense that courts frequently adjudicate involves a person who operates a motor vehicle,

motorcycle, road tractor, or trailer that does not properly display the registration insignia issued by

the DMV that establishes that the vehicle has been validated for the period (Sec. 502.473, T.C.).

Level I 2022-2023 Traffic Law • 8-19

a. Compliance Dismissal

A court may waive a charge of failing to display a registration insignia if the defendant pays a

reimbursement fee not to exceed $10 and either (1) remedies the defect before the defendant’s first

court appearance, or (2) shows that the motor vehicle was issued a registration insignia by the

department that was attached to the motor vehicle, establishing that the vehicle was registered for

the period during which the offense was committed (Sec. 502.473, T.C.). The court does not need

a motion from the prosecutor to dismiss a charge if there is a statutory compliance dismissal, and

the court would not assess court costs to the dismissed case.

b. Penalty

If a defendant is convicted of either of the above offenses, the fine is not to exceed $200 (Sec.

502.471(c), T.C.).

3. Expired Registration Insignia

Perhaps the most common registration-related offense that courts see involves a person who, after

the fifth working day after the date the registration for the vehicle expires, operates the vehicle

with the expired sticker (Sec. 502.407, T.C.).

a. Compliance Dismissal

The judge may dismiss the charge of driving with an expired vehicle registration if the defendant

(1) remedies the defect not later than the 20th working day after the date of the offense or the

defendant’s first court appearance and (2) establishes that the late registration fee was paid to the

county tax-assessor collector. The court may also assess a reimbursement fee up to $20 when the

charge is dismissed (Sec. 502.407(b), T.C.).

b. Penalty

If a defendant is convicted, the fine is not more than $200 (Sec. 502.471(c), T.C.).

4. Wrong, Fictitious, Altered, or Obscured Insignia

A less-often filed registration charge involves driving with a wrong, fictitious, altered, or obscured

insignia (Sec. 502.475, T.C.). This includes attaching or displaying on a motor vehicle a

registration insignia that is assigned to a different motor vehicle, is assigned by any department

other than the DMV, is assigned for a registration period other than the one in effect, or is fictitious.

a. Compliance Dismissal

The judge may dismiss the charge of attaching or displaying a registration insignia that is assigned

for a different period if the defendant remedies the defect before his or her first court appearance

and pays a reimbursement fee not to exceed $10 (Sec. 502.475(c), T.C.).

b. Penalty

If a defendant is convicted, the fine is not more than $200, unless it is shown at the trial of the

offense that the owner knowingly altered or made illegible the letters, numbers, and other

identification marks, in which case the offense is a Class B misdemeanor. Displaying a fictitious

registration insignia is also a Class B misdemeanor (Sec. 502.475. T.C.).

Level I 2022-2023 Traffic Law • 8-20

5. Operation of Vehicle Without License Plates

A common offense involving license plates is the operation of a vehicle without license plates.

Section 504.943 of the Transportation Code provides that a person commits an offense if he or she

operates on a public highway, during a registration period, a motor vehicle that does not display

two license plates that have been assigned by the DMV for the period and comply with DMV rules

regarding the placement of license plates. DMV rule states that the vehicle must display two license

plates, one at the exterior front and one at the exterior rear of the vehicle that are securely fastened

at the exterior front and rear of the vehicle in a horizontal position of not less than 12 inches from

the ground, measuring from the bottom, except that a vehicle described by Section 621.2061 of

the Transportation Code may place the rear plate so that it is clearly visible (Sec. 217.22(c)(2)(A),

Title 43, T.A.C.).

a. Compliance Dismissal

The judge may dismiss a charge for driving without license plates if the defendant remedies the

defect before the first court appearance and pays a reimbursement fee not to exceed $10 (Sec.

504.943(d), T.C.).

b. Penalty

The penalty for this offense is a fine not to exceed $200 (Sec. 504.943(e), T.C.).

Practice Note

What happens when the Legislature accidentally removes any penalty

for an offense? In 2011, the Legislature did just that for operating a

vehicle without license plates. From 2011 until 2013 there appeared to

be no penalty whatsoever for this offense. The Legislature then

attempted to remedy the mistake two years later by amending Section

504.943 to provide a fine not to exceed $200, which was the original

penalty. This did not take effect until September 1, 2013, though, and

only applied to offenses committed on or after the effective date.

Moreover, in separate legislation, the general penalty for Chapter 504

was set at a fine of $5 to $200. This took effect on June 14, 2013.

Therefore, for license plate offenses committed between June 14, 2013

and August 31, 2013, the fine was $5 to $200. For offenses committed

September 1, 2013 and after the fine is simply not to exceed $200.

6. Wrong, Fictitious, Altered, or Obscured License Plate

Section 504.945 of the Transportation Code provides that a person commits an offense if the person

attaches to or displays on a motor vehicle a license plate that:

• is issued for a different motor vehicle;

• is issued for the vehicle under any other motor vehicle law other than by the DMV;

• is assigned for a registration period other than the registration period in effect;

• is fictitious;

Level I 2022-2023 Traffic Law • 8-21

• has blurring or reflective matter that significantly impairs the readability of the name

of the state in which the vehicle is registered or the letters or numbers of the license

plate number at any time;

• has attached an illuminated device or a sticker, decal, or other insignia that is not

authorized by law and that interferes with the readability of the letters or numbers on

the plate or the readability of the name of the state in which the vehicle is registered;

• has a coating, covering, protective substance, or other material that distorts angular

visibility or detectability, alters or obscures one-half or more of the name of the state

in which the vehicle is registered, or alters or obscures the letters or numbers on the

plate or the color of the plate.

a. Compliance Dismissal

A judge may dismiss this offense if the defendant: (1) remedies the defect before the defendant’s

first court appearance; (2) pays a reimbursement fee not to exceed $10; and (3) shows that the

vehicle was issued a plate by the DMV that was attached to the vehicle, establishing that the vehicle

was registered for the period during which the offense was committed (Sec. 504.945(d), T.C.).

b. Penalty

If a defendant is convicted, the fine is not more than $200, unless it is shown at the trial of the

offense that the owner knowingly altered or made illegible the letters, numbers, and other

identification marks, in which case the offense is a Class B misdemeanor. Displaying a fictitious

license plate is also a Class B misdemeanor (Sec. 504.945(b), T.C.).

7. Deceptively Similar Registration Insignia and License Plate

It is an offense for a person to manufacture, sell, or possess a registration insignia deceptively

similar to the registration insignia of the DMV, or make a copy or likeness of an insignia

deceptively similar to the registration insignia of the DMV with intent to sell the copy or likeness.

An insignia is deceptively similar if it is not prescribed by the DMV, but a reasonable person would

presume that it was (Sec. 502.4755, T.C.).

An offense under this section is: (1) a felony of the third degree if the person manufactures or sells

a deceptively similar registration insignia; (2) a Class C misdemeanor if the person possesses a

deceptively similar registration insignia; or (3) a Class B misdemeanor if the person possesses a

deceptively similar registration insignia and has previously been convicted of the same offense.

This Class C misdemeanor carries a maximum fine of $500.

Section 504.946 of the Transportation Code creates a similar offense, with similar penalty, for the

manufacture, sale, or possession of a deceptively similar license plate.

B. Driver’s Licenses (Subtitle B)

1. Failure to Carry and Exhibit

A person operating a motor vehicle on a highway must hold a valid driver’s license that is

appropriate for the type of vehicle operated. Motor vehicle operators must display the license on

the demand of a magistrate, court officer, or peace officer (Secs. 521.025 and 522.011, T.C.).

Level I 2022-2023 Traffic Law • 8-22

a. Defense to Prosecution

If a person is charged with failing to carry and exhibit a driver’s license, it is a defense to the

prosecution if the person produces in court a driver’s license appropriate for the type of vehicle

operated that was valid at the time the citation was issued. A defense to prosecution must be raised

by the defendant and requires a prosecutor’s motion to dismiss for the court to dismiss the charge.

However, if the court does grant a dismissal, the court may charge a $10 reimbursement fee (Sec.

521.025(d), T.C.). If the person is charged with failure to display a commercial driver’s license,

but brings in proof of such a license that was valid on the day of the offense, it is a defense to

prosecution. If the charge is dismissed, there is no authority to assess any fee.

b. Penalty

If the person did not actually have a valid driver’s license at the time he or she committed the

offense or if the defendant does not bring in proof of a valid driver’s license, the penalty for a:

• first time offense is a fine not to exceed $200;

• second conviction within one year after the date of the first conviction is a fine of not

less than $25 or more than $200; and

• third or subsequent conviction within one year after the date of the second conviction

is a fine of not less than $25 or more than $500, or confinement in the county jail for

not less than 72 hours or more than six months, or both the fine and confinement (a

Class B misdemeanor).

If it is shown on the trial of the offense that at the time of the offense the person was (1) operating

the motor vehicle without maintaining financial responsibility and (2) caused or was at fault in a

motor vehicle collision that resulted in serious bodily injury to or the death of another person, the

offense is a Class A misdemeanor (Sec. 521.025(c), T.C.).

2. Expired Driver’s License

A person who operates a vehicle on a highway in Texas is required to hold a valid driver’s license.

Sec. 521.021, T.C. A driver’s license generally expires on the first birthday of the license holder

occurring after the sixth anniversary of the date of the application (Sec. 521.271, T.C.). There are

exceptions for new licensees under the age of 21.

a. Compliance Dismissal

An expired driver’s license charge may be dismissed by the judge if the defendant renews the

license within 20 working days from the date of the offense or by the defendant’s first court

appearance, whichever is later (Sec. 521.026, T.C.). If the judge dismisses the charge, the judge

may assess a reimbursement fee of up to $20.

b. Penalty

If a person is convicted of the offense of operating a vehicle with an expired driver’s license, the

penalty is a fine not to exceed $200 (Sec. 521.461, T.C.).

3. Driving While License Invalid

The maximum penalty for driving while license invalid (DWLI) is $500. This traffic offense is a

Class C Misdemeanor unless it is shown at trial that the person has been previously convicted of

DWLI, the license was previously suspended for driving while intoxicated, or the person is also

driving without maintaining financial responsibility, in which case the offense is a Class B

Level I 2022-2023 Traffic Law • 8-23

misdemeanor. If, at the time of the offense, the person was operating the motor vehicle without

maintaining financial responsibility and caused or was at fault in a motor vehicle crash that resulted

in seriously bodily injury or death to another person, the offense is a Class A misdemeanor (Sec.

521.457, T.C.).

C. Speeding (Subtitle C)

Speeding is another common offense that municipal courts will see. Texas law provides for a

“maximum speed requirement,” which states that a person commits an offense if that person

operates a motor vehicle on a public street or highway at a speed greater than is reasonable or

prudent under the conditions then in existence (Sec. 545.351, T.C.). In addition, any speed in

excess of a posted speed limit is prima facie evidence that the speed is unreasonable or imprudent

and therefore unlawful (Sec. 545.352, T.C.). Speeding is punishable by a fine of not less than $1

and not more than $200. Municipalities may raise or lower a prima facie speed limit. (Sec. 545.356,

T.C.). Even if this is done through a municipal ordinance, speeding remains a state law violation.

D. Safety Belts and Child Safety Seats (Subtitle C)

Adults and children age eight and older, both in the front and back seats, are required to be secured

by a safety belt, and children under age eight, unless taller than 4’9” must be secured in child safety

seats while being transported in a passenger vehicle. “Passenger vehicle” is defined as a passenger

car, light truck, sport utility vehicle, passenger van designed to transport 15 or fewer passengers,

including the driver, truck, or truck tractor (Sec. 545.412(f)(2), T.C.). Section 541.201 of the

Transportation Code provides definitions for the above list of vehicles.

Sections 545.412(f)(3) and (4) define the terms “safety belt” and “secured.” Both definitions apply

also to Section 545.413. “Safety belt” means a lap belt and any shoulder straps included as original

equipment on or added to a vehicle. “Secured” means using the lap belt and any shoulder straps

according to the instruction of the manufacturer of the vehicle if the belt is original equipment or

the manufacturer of the safety belt if the belt was added to the vehicle. Because the definition of

secured requires the use of the shoulder harness along with the lap belt, if a person is not properly

secured, he or she could be charged with not wearing a safety belt.

“Child passenger safety seat system” means an infant or child passenger restraint system that meets

the federal standards for crash-tested restraint systems as set by the National Highway Traffic

Safety Administration. Under Section 545.412 of the Transportation Code, a person commits an

offense if the person operates a passenger vehicle, transports a child who is younger than eight

years of age, unless the child is taller than 4’9”, and does not keep the child secured during the

operation of the vehicle in a child passenger safety seat system according to the instructions of the

manufacturer.

The operator of a passenger vehicle must secure himself or herself with a safety belt. If a child

passenger is younger than eight, unless the child is taller than 4’9”, the child must be secured in a

child passenger safety seat system. All other children under 17 must be secured with a safety belt.

All occupants, adults and children, must be secured with a safety belt or child passenger safety

seat regardless of their position in the vehicle, if their seat is equipped with a seat belt (Sec.

545.493, T.C.).

1. Defenses to Prosecution

There are several defenses to prosecution for safety belt violations. They include a person who:

Level I 2022-2023 Traffic Law • 8-24

• possesses and presents to the court, not later than the 10th day after the date of the offense,

a statement from a licensed physician stating that for a medical reason the person should

not wear a safety belt;

• is employed by the U.S. Postal Service and is performing a duty for that agency that

requires the operator to service postal boxes from a vehicle or that requires frequent entry

into and exit from a vehicle;

• is engaged in the actual delivery of newspapers from a vehicle or is performing newspaper

delivery duties that require frequent entry into and exit from a vehicle;

• is employed by a public or private utility company and is engaged in the reading of meters

or performing a similar duty for that company requiring the operator to frequently enter

into and exit from a vehicle;

• is operating a commercial vehicle registered as a farm vehicle under the provisions of

Section 502.433 that does not have a gross weight, registered weight, or gross weight rating

of 48,000 pounds or more; or

• is the operator of or a passenger in a vehicle used exclusively to transport solid waste and

performing duties that require frequent entry into and exit from the vehicle.

The defense to prosecution for not securing a child in a proper child passenger safety seat system

requires that the defendant provide satisfactory evidence to the court that, at the time of the offense,

(1) the defendant was not arrested or issued a citation for violation of any other offense, (2) the

vehicle the defendant was driving was not involved in a collision, (3) the defendant did not possess

a child passenger safety seat system in the vehicle, and, subsequent to the time of the offense, (4)

the defendant obtained an appropriate child passenger safety seat system for each child required

to be secured in such a system (Sec. 545.4121, T.C.).

2. Penalty

The penalty for a driver or passenger, age 15 or older, not secured by a safety belt is a fine of not

less than $25 or more than $50. If a driver is charged with not securing a passenger younger than

17 years of age, who is not required to be in a child safety seat, the fine is not less than $100 or

more than $200 (Sec. 545.413(b), T.C.). If a driver is charged with not securing a child who is

under eight years of age, and not over 4’9” tall, in a child passenger safety seat system, the fine is

not less than $25 and not more than $250 (Sec. 545.412(b), T.C.).

3. Fines Remitted to State

The city is required to remit to the State half of the fines collected for allowing a child to ride and

not be secured by a child passenger safety seat system or a safety belt. The city must remit the

fines at the end of the city’s fiscal year on a form prescribed by the Comptroller.

E. Passing a School Bus (Subtitle C)

An operator of a vehicle on a highway must, when approaching from either direction a school bus

stopped on the highway to receive or discharge a student, stop before reaching the school bus and

not proceed until the school bus resumes motion (Sec. 545.066, T.C.). An operator on a highway

having separate roadways is not required to stop for a school bus that is on a different roadway; or

if on a controlled-access highway for a school bus that is stopped in a loading zone that is a part

of or adjacent to the highway and where pedestrians are not permitted to cross the roadway. A

Level I 2022-2023 Traffic Law • 8-25

highway is considered to have separate roadways only if the highway has roadways separated by

an intervening space on which operation of vehicles is not permitted, a physical barrier, or a clearly

indicated dividing section constructed to impede vehicle traffic. A highway is not considered to

have separate roadways if the highway has roadways separated only by a left turn lane. Starting

September 1, 2021, school bus operators may use the bus’s stop alert system when delivering food

or technological equipment. Sec. 547.701, T.C. The passing a school bus offense, however, is still

limited to when a bus is receiving or discharging students.

1. Penalty

a. Fine Range

The offense of passing a school bus has one of the higher fines in the Transportation Code. For a

first conviction, the minimum fine is $500 and the maximum fine is $1,250. For a second or

subsequent offense, the penalty is a fine of not less than $1,000 or more than $2,000 if it is within

five years of the date of the most recent preceding offense. If a defendant causes serious bodily

injury when passing a school bus, the offense becomes a Class A misdemeanor. If the person is

convicted a second time for causing serious bodily injury when passing a school bus loading or

unloading children, the offense becomes a state jail felony. Sec. 545.066(c), T.C.

b. Driver’s License Suspension

When a defendant is convicted of a second or subsequent passing a school bus offense, the court

may order the defendant’s driver’s license suspended for a period of time not to exceed six months.

If the judge orders the driver’s license suspension, the clerk reports the order to DPS. Sec.

545.066(d), T.C.

Practice Note

Clerks should pay close attention to the excluded offenses under the

driving safety course and deferred disposition statutes. The two are

similar, but not the same. A person charged with the offense of passing

a school bus is not eligible to take a driving safety course to have the

charge dismissed. Art. 45.0511(p), C.C.P. The person would be eligible,

however, for deferred disposition. Art. 45.051, C.C.P.

F. Cell Phones in a School Zone (Subtitle C)

First passed by the Legislature in 2009, this law makes it illegal for an operator to use a wireless

communication device while operating a motor vehicle within a school crossing zone, unless the

vehicle is stopped or the wireless communication device is used with a hands-free device. Sec.

545.425, T.C. Municipalities wanting to enforce this offense must post “warning” signs at the

entrance to each school crossing zone. Some cities have, however, banned cell phone use

throughout the entire municipality, and are not required to post separate signs at the entrance to

the school crossing zone so long as the municipality posts notice of the ban at all entrances to the

city.

The ban on the use of cell phones in school zones also includes other areas on school property,

such as pick-up and drop-off lanes and parking lots. The ban covers the property of a public

Level I 2022-2023 Traffic Law • 8-26

elementary, middle, junior high, or high school for which a local authority has designated a school

crossing zone. Sec. 545.4252, T.C. Cell phone use will only be restricted during the time a reduced

speed limit is in effect for the school crossing zone. The law governing cell phone use on school

property is nearly identical to the cell phone in a school zone law; the only difference being there

are no signs required to be posted under Section 545.4252, as are required to be posted at each

entrance to the school crossing zone. The new law preempts any local ordinances, rules, or

regulations relating to the use of a wireless communication device by the operator of a motor

vehicle, unless the city has prohibited the use throughout the entire jurisdiction.

1. Defenses

There are several affirmative defenses to prosecution for use of a cell phone in a school zone,

specifically:

• the wireless communication device was used to make an emergency call to:

− an emergency response service, including a rescue, emergency medical, or

hazardous material response service;

− a hospital;

− a fire department;

− a health clinic;

− a medical doctor’s office;

− an individual to administer first aid treatment; or

− a police department; or

• a sign required by the law was not posted at the entrance to the school crossing zone at

the time of an offense committed in the school crossing zone.

2. Exceptions

The ban on cell phones in school zones does not apply to: (1) an operator of an authorized

emergency vehicle using a wireless communication device while acting in an official capacity, or

(2) an operator who is licensed by the Federal Communications Commission while operating a

radio frequency device other than a wireless communication device.

3. Penalty

The offense of using a cell phone in a school crossing zone is punishable by a fine of not less than

$1 and not more than $200. The same penalty applies to the offense of using a cell phone on school

property when the school zone is in effect. Sec. 542.401, T.C.

Practice Note

This offense is separate from the state texting law that became

effective on September 1, 2017. That offense is found in Section

545.4251 of the Transportation Code. It includes a specific penalty

of $25 to $99 for a first offense.

Level I 2022-2023 Traffic Law • 8-27

G. Inspection Requirements (Subtitle C)

Motor vehicles in Texas generally must pass a vehicle inspection in order to be registered with the

State. Texas is a “single sticker” state, with a combined registration and inspection sticker. Under

this system, a vehicle may not be registered without first providing proof of a safety and/or

emission vehicle inspection report, either electronically or via a printed report. This system

requires vehicle owners to complete vehicle safety inspections prior to their registration renewal,

not earlier than 90 days before the expiration of the vehicle’s registration.

Practice Note

The Recorder is a useful resource for background

on municipal court issues or new legislation. For

example, a May 2015 Recorder article titled

“Vehicle Registration and Inspection: One Sticker

to Confuse Them All?” provided analysis of the

legislation that repealed the criminal offense for

failure to display inspection. This and other

Recorder articles may be accessed located at

www.tmcec.com/journal on the TMCEC website.

H. Financial Responsibility (Subtitle D)

It is an offense to operate a motor vehicle in Texas without some type of financial responsibility.

Sec. 601.051, T.C. This means that a person who is driving and causes a collision must be able to

pay for damages or injuries to another person in the collision. When a person is involved in a

collision or is stopped by a peace officer, the person is required to present proof of financial

responsibility. Sec. 601.053, T.C. Peace officers may issue citations to persons who fail to present

proof of financial responsibility. Most commonly this offense is called “no insurance” because

liability insurance is the most common way to fulfill the requirement of financial responsibility.

Section 601.051 of the Transportation Code generally provides the requirements for persons to

maintain financial responsibility for the motor vehicles that they operate. The following methods

will establish financial responsibility.

• A motor vehicle liability insurance policy.

• A surety bond filed with DPS. The bond is a lien in favor of the State on the real

property described in the bond. The lien exists in favor of a person who holds a final

judgment against the person.

• A deposit in the amount of $55,000 made with the State Comptroller. It can be in cash

or securities.

• A deposit in the amount of $55,000 made with the county judge of the county in which

the motor vehicle is registered. It must be made in cash or cashier’s check.

Level I 2022-2023 Traffic Law • 8-28

• Self-insurance. A person in whose name more than 25 motor vehicles are registered

may qualify as a self-insurer by obtaining a certificate of self-insurance issued by DPS.

The person must have the ability to pay judgments obtained against him or her.

Section 601.007 of the Transportation Code provides that Chapter 601 does not apply to:

• government vehicles, provided the vehicle is owned by the United States, state, or

political subdivision, operated by an officer, agent, or employee of the government,

and used in the course of employment;

• tow trucks;

• motor carriers; and

• vehicles transporting persons or cargo.

The above-listed vehicles must maintain liability insurance in an amount set by DPS that does not

exceed the amount required for a motor carrier under a federal regulation adopted under 49 U.S.C.

Section 13906(a)(1). Sec. 643.101, T.C.

1. Exceptions

There are exceptions to the financial responsibility law under Section 601.052 of the

Transportation Code. Vehicles that do not have to be covered with some type of financial

responsibility include:

• antique collectables including vehicles that are:

− at least 25 years old or a former military vehicle;

− used only for exhibitions, club activities, parades, and other functions of public

interest and not used for regular transportation; and

− on file with DPS stating that the vehicle is a collector’s item and used only for

exhibition purposes;

• golf carts; and

• volunteer fire department vehicles (but the vehicle must be registered in the name of

the volunteer fire department).

2. Defense

There are legal defenses to the financial responsibility law. The first is that the person had

insurance or other proof of coverage. Sec. 601.193, T.C. The offense is for not maintaining a

current form of financial responsibility, not for failure to present proof to a peace officer.

Therefore, having the proper coverage at the time of the alleged violation is a defense. Purchasing

insurance after the citation is issued is not a legal defense.

Another defense is if a motor vehicle is in the possession of a person for the sole purpose to effect

repairs on the vehicle. Sec. 601.194, T.C. This is only valid if the mechanic is working on someone

else’s car. Sec. 601.194(b), T.C. A person cannot use this defense when repairing his or her own

car.

3. Dismissal

If a person charged with failure to maintain financial responsibility produces a motor vehicle

insurance policy or certificate of self-insurance to the court that was valid at the time of the citation,

Level I 2022-2023 Traffic Law • 8-29

the court is required to dismiss the charge after it verifies the document. Sec. 601.193, T.C. The

court may not assess any fee upon this dismissal.

Practice Note

Sometimes the evidence provided by a defendant is clearly

acceptable, but other times there may be a question as to its

authenticity. The statute does not provide procedures for how the

court verifies the document or who is to do the verification. Some

courts have the clerk call the insurance company to verify the

coverage. Others have the prosecutor verify the document since the

evidence is a defense to the prosecution. Municipal and justice

courts’ new ability to access TexasSure may also help, though it is

currently limited in that it only shows insurance statuses at the time

the database is accessed (not necessarily when the alleged offense

occurred). Clerks should work with their judge and prosecutor to

establish a procedure for handling these types of cases. In a situation

where a document cannot be verified, the defendant would likely be

set for trial.

4. Penalty

The fine for a financial responsibility charge is higher than for most other traffic violations. A first

offense carries a fine of $175 to $350. Sec. 601.191(c), T.C. On the first offense, the judge has the

authority to lower the fine below the $175 minimum if the judge finds the person convicted is

economically unable to pay the fine. Sec. 601.191(d), T.C. This authority to lower the fine below

the minimum does not apply to subsequent offenses.

A second offense carries a minimum fine of $350 with a possible fine up to $1,000. Sec.

601.191(c), T.C. On the second offense, courts must also order the sheriff to impound the

defendant’s vehicle, if the defendant owns the vehicle. To charge a defendant with a second or

subsequent offense, it must be filed as such. It is the prosecutor’s responsibility to review the case

and file it as a subsequent offense if he or she wishes.

I. Motorcycle Protective Headgear (Subtitle G)

Persons who operate or ride on a motorcycle generally must wear protective headgear or a helmet.

Sec. 661.003, T.C.

1. Exceptions

There are, however, exceptions to this requirement if the person is at least 21 years of age and:

• has successfully completed a motorcycle operator training and safety course; or

• the person is covered by health insurance for injuries that may be incurred as a result

of operating or riding on a motorcycle. Sec. 661.003, T.C.

If a motorcycle operator or his or her passenger can produce evidence to an officer who has

lawfully stopped them that they are at least 21 years of age and either have successfully completed

Level I 2022-2023 Traffic Law • 8-30

the training and safety course or that they have the required medical insurance, peace officers are

prohibited from issuing a citation for not wearing a helmet. Sec. 661.003(c), T.C.

2. Penalty

Persons convicted of not wearing motorcycle protective headgear may be fined in an amount of

$10 to $50. Sec. 661.003(h), T.C.

J. Privileged (Handicapped) Parking (Subtitle H)

It is an offense to park a vehicle not bearing either the placard or tag in a space designated as

privileged parking. Sec. 681.011(b), T.C. Furthermore, it is an offense to park a vehicle with a tag

or placard in a disabled space if, at the time of parking, it is not being used to transport a person

with a disability. Sec. 681.011(a), T.C. Parking violations may also be charged against persons

who block ramps for the disabled. Sec. 681.011(c), T.C. In addition, persons who have a placard

and lend it to someone who is not mobility impaired may also be charged. Sec. 681.011(d), T.C.

A peace officer may seize and destroy a disabled placard from a person upon determination that

the person’s driver license does not match the placard of the person operating the vehicle or the

person being transported. Sec. 681.012(a-1), T.C.

Eligibility

To be eligible for privileged parking, a person must be legally blind or have substantial mobility

problems, including someone who cannot walk over 200 feet without stopping; must use a brace,

crutch, cane, prosthetic device, or wheelchair; has severe lung disease; or uses portable oxygen. A

person who has a severe cardiac condition, has an arthritic, neurological, or orthopedic condition

which limits his or her ability to walk, or has a debilitating condition which, in the opinion of a

doctor, limits his or her ability to walk is also considered to have severe mobility problems. Sec.

681.001, T.C.

A person who is disabled must apply to the tax assessor-collector for a disabled parking permit.

When approved, the person is given either two window placards or a license tag and one window

placard. Sec. 681.003, T.C. These tags or placards allow parking in privileged parking spaces for

an unlimited amount of time. Sec. 681.006(a), T.C. Persons with privileged parking tags or

placards may also park at parking meters free of charge. Sec. 681.006(b), T.C. A governmental

unit may provide by ordinance that persons parking in specially designated privileged parking

spaces in a parking garage, a lot, or a space may be exempt from paying a fee or penalty imposed

by the governmental unit for parking in those spaces. Sec. 681.006(e), T.C.

Three groups have authority to enforce privileged parking: peace officers, security guards of

private businesses, and persons appointed by the city. Sec. 681.010(b), T.C. The person must take

an oath of office and complete a training program. Sec. 681.0101, T.C. Many cities are designating

persons with disabilities or other citizens to assist in enforcement.

1. Dismissal

Someone convicted of a privileged parking offense does not have the right to take a driving safety

course to have the offense dismissed, as the offense is not a Rules of the Road offense or a moving

violation. The judge may, however, grant deferred disposition under Article 45.051 of the Code of

Criminal Procedure.

A person charged with parking in a space designated for privileged parking who has an expired

handicap parking placard is entitled to a compliance dismissal if (1) the placard has been expired

Level I 2022-2023 Traffic Law • 8-31

60 days or less; (2) the defendant gets the placard renewed within 20 working days of the date of

the offense or before the defendant’s first court appearance, whichever is later; (3) and the

defendant pays a reimbursement fee not to exceed $20. If the placard has been expired more than

60 days, the court has discretion whether to permit a compliance dismissal. Sec. 681.013, T.C.

2. Penalty

Privileged parking is taken very seriously by the Texas Legislature and the penalties are severe. A

person convicted of a privileged parking offense faces high fines, which steeply increase with

subsequent offenses.

Sec. 681.011: Offense

Minimum Fine

Maximum Fine

Additional Requirements

First offense

$500

$750

N/A

One prior conviction

$500 or $550

(there are

two statutes prescribing

different minimum fines)

$800

10 hours of community

service

Two prior convictions

$550

$800

not less than 20 or more than

30 hours of community

service or 20 hours of

community service

(there are

competing statutes)

Three prior convictions

$800

$1,100

50 hours of community

service or 30 hours of

community service

(there are

competing statutes)

Four prior convictions

$1,250

50 hours of community

service

True or False

32. A judge does not need a motion to dismiss from the prosecutor to dismiss a charge for

which there is a compliance dismissal. _____

33. The court does not assess court costs when a case is dismissed pursuant to a compliance

dismissal. _____

34. Judges may dismiss the charge of operating a vehicle with expired registration, if the

defendant purchased valid registration and paid the late fee within 10 working days and

presents the evidence to the court. _____

35. The maximum fine for driving without two license plates is $500. _____

36. Peace officers may issue citations to a person driving a vehicle if a license plate holder

obscures the name of the state on the license plate. _____

37. The court may charge a dismissal fee for dismissing a charge of failure to display a driver’s

license if the defendant had a valid driver’s license on the day of the arrest. _____

38. The offense of no driver’s license is always a Class C misdemeanor. _____

Level I 2022-2023 Traffic Law • 8-32

39. If a person charged with an expired driver’s license obtains a valid driver’s license within

20 working days, the court may dismiss the charge and assess a $20 fine. _____

40. It is a defense to the prosecution if a person produces in court a valid commercial driver’s

license that was valid when the offense occurred even though the license is not valid for

the class of vehicle being driven. _____

41. The maximum fine for driving while license invalid is $500. _____

42. Speeding can be filed as a city ordinance violation. _____

43. Under the safety belt law, “passenger vehicle” is defined to mean only a passenger car.

_____

44. The penalty for failure to secure a child under eight in a child passenger safety seat is a

minimum fine of $25 and maximum fine of $250. _____

45. Cities must remit one-half of all safety belt fines and fines for not securing a child in a

passenger safety seat system to the State at the end of the city’s fiscal year. _____

46. A 15-year-old can be cited for failure to wear a safety belt and be fined not less than $25

or not more than $50. _____

47. Persons charged with passing a school bus are not eligible to take a driving safety course.

_____

48. Passing a school bus carries a maximum penalty of $200. _____

49. Improperly using a cell phone in a school crossing zone is a Class C misdemeanor with a

maximum fine of $500. _____

50. Only a vehicle liability insurance policy is acceptable proof of financial responsibility.

_____

51. There are no exceptions to the financial responsibility law. _____

52. Courts are required to dismiss a charge of failure to maintain financial responsibility if a

defendant obtains insurance before appearing in court. _____

53. When a defendant presents proof of financial responsibility to the court, the court must

verify it before dismissing the case. _____

54. The court may assess a dismissal fee of up to $20 for dismissing a charge upon proof of

financial responsibility. _____

55. The fine for a first conviction for failure to maintain financial responsibility is a minimum

fine of $175 and a maximum of $350. _____

56. On a conviction for a second or subsequent offense of failure to maintain financial

responsibility, the court is required to order the impoundment of the vehicle. _____

57. If a motorcycle operator can produce evidence to an officer who has lawfully stopped them

that they are under the exceptions to wearing protective headgear, the officer cannot issue

a citation. _____

58. The penalty for not wearing a helmet is a maximum fine of $200. _____

59. Only peace officers can enforce privileged parking. _____

60. Persons who are disabled and have the proper documentation may park at parking meters

free. _____

Level I 2022-2023 Traffic Law • 8-33

61. Persons convicted of a parking offense under the privileged parking law face escalating

penalties depending on the number of prior convictions. _____

PART 6

QUOTAS

Finally, as discussed in Chapter 1, cities are prohibited from establishing quotas for courts. This

prohibition is found in Section 720.002 of the Transportation Code. It prohibits cities from

establishing or maintaining a plan to evaluate, promote, compensate, or discipline peace officers

according to a predetermined or specified number of any type or combination of types of traffic

citations. Sec. 720.002(a)(1), T.C. This same prohibition also applies to judges. Cities may not

evaluate, promote, compensate, or discipline a judge according to the amount of money the judge

collects from persons convicted of a traffic offense.

Sec. 720.002(a)(2), T.C. Cities also may not

consider the source and amount of money collected

from a municipal court when evaluating the

performance of the judge. Cities may obtain

budgetary information, however, from the

municipal court. This includes an estimate of the

amount of money the court anticipates will be

collected in a budget year. Sec. 720.002, T.C.

True or False

62. Although peace officers may not be evaluated on the number of tickets that they issue, they

may be evaluated on the type of tickets that they issue. _____

63. City officials are prohibited from evaluating or disciplining a judge on the amount of

money they collect from persons convicted of traffic offenses and may be removed from

office for doing so. _____

64. Cities may not obtain budgetary information from a municipal judge because that would

require the judge to estimate the amount of money he or she anticipates will be collected

in the coming budget year. _____

Level I 2022-2023 Traffic Law • 8-34

APPENDIX A: PASSENGER RESTRAINT LAWS

Passenger Restraint Laws

Child in safety seats A child

under 8 years old, unless the child is taller than 4 feet 9

inches (4’9”) must be restrained in a child passenger safety seat in

accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

Child in safety belts A child at least age 8 and younger than age 17 must be restrained in a

safety belt regardless of position in the vehicle. A child under 8 years

old who is not required to be in a safety seat must be in a safety belt.

Adults in safety belts

A person must be restrained in a safety belt regardless of position in

the vehicle.

Motorcycles A child under age 5 cannot ride as a passenger on a motorcycle, unless

seated in a sidecar.

Pick-up trucks A child under age 18 cannot ride in the open bed of a pick-up or flatbed

and trailers truck or open flatbed trailer on a public road.

House trailers and A person cannot ride in a house trailer being moved or in a trailer or

towed trailers semitrailer being towed.

Towed watercraft A child under age 18 cannot ride in a boat being towed by a vehicle.

Back Seat

ADULTS (17 and over) $25 - $50 fine to offender

CHILDREN (15-16) $25 - $50 fine to passenger & $100 - $200 fine to driver

CHILDREN (8-15, and those under 8 but taller than 4’9”) $100 - $200 fine to driver

CHILDREN (under age 8, unless taller than 4’9”) $25 - $250 fine to driver

Driver’s Seat

DRIVER (over 15) $25 - $50 fine

Front Seat Passengers

ADULTS (17 and over) $25 - $50 to offender

CHILDREN (15-16) $25 - $50 fine to passenger & $100 - $200 fine to driver

CHILDREN (8-15, and those under 8 but taller than 4’9”) $100 - $200 fine to driver

CHILDREN (under age 8, unless taller than 4’9”) $25 - $250 fine to driver

Level I 2022-2023 Traffic Law • 8-35

Passenger Safety Seat Systems and Safety Belts

Age

Person

Responsible

Type of

Restraint

Location

in vehicle

Cited for

Penalty

Eligible for

Special DSC

(until June 1,

2023) (emphasizes

seatbelts & child

safety seat systems)

Eligible

for DSC

Eligible for

Deferred

Disposition

Child under age

8, unless over

4’9” tall

driver

child

passenger

safety seat

system

front and

back seats

child not in

passenger

safety seat

system

minimum $25

maximum $250

yes no yes

Child at least

age 8 and under

age 17*

driver safety belt

front and

back seats

child not in

safety belt

minimum $100

maximum $200

if in passenger vehicle

minimum $1

maximum $200

if in passenger van

yes no yes

At least age 15

passenger safety belt

front and

back seats

passenger not

wearing safety

belt

minimum $25

maximum $50

no no yes

At least age 15

driver safety belt

front and

back seats

driver not

wearing safety

belt

minimum $25

maximum $50

no yes yes

*Children under age 8 that are taller than 4’9” must wear a safety belt.

Definitions

• Child passenger safety seat system means an infant or child passenger restraint system that meets the federal standards for crash-tested restraint systems

as set by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

• Passenger vehicle means a passenger car, light truck, sport utility vehicle, passenger van designed to transport 15 or fewer passengers, including the

driver, truck, or truck tractor. (Passenger car means a motor vehicle, other than a motorcycle, used to transport persons and designed to accommodate

10 or fewer passengers, including the operator. Light truck means a truck, including a pickup truck, panel delivery truck, or carryall truck, that has a

manufacturer’s carrying capacity of 2,000 pounds or less. Since sport utility vehicle is not specifically defined, look to the definition of passenger

vehicle. Truck means a motor vehicle designed, used, or maintained primarily to transport property. Truck tractor means a motor vehicle designed and

used primarily to draw another vehicle but not constructed to carry a load other than a part of the weight of the other vehicle and its load. Motor vehicle

means a self-propelled vehicle or a vehicle that is propelled by electric power from overhead trolley wires. Section 541.201, T.C.)

• Safety belt means a lap belt and any shoulder straps included as original equipment on or added to a vehicle.

• Secured in connection with use of a safety belt means using the lap belt and any shoulder straps according to the manufacturer of the vehicle, if the

safety belt is original equipment, or the manufacturer of the safety belt, if the safety belt has been added to the vehicle.

Section 545.412, T.C., does not apply to:

• A person operating a vehicle transporting passengers for hire, excluding third-party transport service providers when transporting clients pursuant to a

contract to provide nonemergency Medicaid transportation; or

• A person transporting a child in a vehicle in which all seating positions equipped with child passenger safety seat systems or safety belts are occupied.

Defenses to prosecution under Section 545.412, T.C.:

• The person was operating the vehicle in an emergency;

• The person was operating the vehicle for a law enforcement purpose; or

• The person provides satisfactory evidence to the court that, at the time of the offense:

o (1) the person was not arrested or issued a citation for violation of any other offense,

o (2) the vehicle the person was driving was not involved in a crash,

o (3) the person did not possess a child passenger safety seat system in the vehicle, and

o (4) subsequent to the time of the offense, the defendant obtained an appropriate child passenger safety seat system for each child required

to be secured in such a system. [Section 545.4121, T.,C.,]

Defenses to prosecution under Section 545.413, T.C.:

• The person possesses a written statement from a licensed physician stating that for a medical reason the person should not wear a safety belt;

• The person presents to the court, not later than the 10

day after the date of the offense, a statement from a licensed physician stating that for a medical

reason the person should not wear a safety belt;

• The person is employed by the United States Postal Service and performing a duty for that agency that requires the operator to service postal boxes

from a vehicle or that requires frequent entry into and exit from a vehicle;

• The person is engaged in the actual delivery of newspapers from a vehicle or is performing newspaper delivery duties that require frequent entry into

and exit from a vehicle;

• The person is employed by a public or private utility company and is engaged in the reading of meters or performing a similar duty for that company

requiring the operator to frequently enter into and exit from a vehicle;

• The person is operating a commercial vehicle registered as a farm vehicle under the provisions of Section 502.433, T.C., that does not have a gross

weight, registered weight, or gross weight rating of 48,000 pounds or more; or

• The person is the operator of or a passenger in a vehicle used exclusively to transport solid waste and performing duties that require frequent entry into

and exit from the vehicle.

Amount Due to the State

• Fifty percent of the fines for convictions for not securing a child in a child passenger safety seat system (under Section 545.412, T.C.) or a safety belt

(under Section 545.413(b), T.C.) must be remitted to the State Comptroller at the end of the city’s fiscal year.

Level I 2022-2023 Traffic Law • 8-36

APPENDIX B: COMPLIANCE DISMISSALS AND DEFENSES TO PROSECUTION

COMPLIANCE DISMISSALS

Offense

Statute

Mandatory or

Discretionary

Dismissal

Length of Time

to Comply

Required

Conditions

Amount of

Reimbursement Fee

Expired vehicle registration Section 502.407(b),

Transportation Code

Court may dismiss

20 working days after the date of the

offense or before the defendant’s first

court appearance, whichever is later

Defendant must remedy the defect; and

Show proof of payment of late registration fee to

county assessor-collector

Fee optional

Not to exceed $20

Operate vehicle without valid registration

insignia properly displayed

Section 502.473(d),

Transportation Code

Court may dismiss

Before defendant’s first court

appearance

Defendant must:

Remedy the defect; or

Show that vehicle was issued a registration insignia

that was attached to the vehicle establishing that the

vehicle was registered for the period during which the

offense was committed

Fee required

Not to exceed $10

Attaching or displaying on a vehicle a registration

insignia that is assigned for a period other than in

effect

Section 502.475(c),

Transportation Code

Court may dismiss

Before defendant’s first court

appearance

Defendant must remedy the defect

Fee required

Not to exceed $10

Operate vehicle without two valid license plates Section 504.943(d),

Transportation Code

Court may dismiss

Before the defendant’s first court

appearance

Defendant must remedy the defect

Fee required

Not to exceed $10

Attaching or displaying on a vehicle a license

plate that is assigned for a period other than in

effect, or has a blurring, reflective, coating,

covering, or protective matter or attached

illuminated device, sticker, decal, or emblem that

obscures, impairs, or interferes with the plate’s

readability

Section 504.945(d),

Transportation Code

Court may dismiss

Before the defendant’s first court

appearance

Defendant must:

Remedy the defect; and

Show that vehicle was issued a plate that was attached

to the vehicle establishing that the vehicle was

registered for the period during which the offense was

committed

Fee required

Not to exceed $10

Expired driver’s license Section 521.026(a),

Transportation Code

Court may dismiss

20 working days after the date of the

offense or before the defendant’s first

court appearance, whichever is later

Defendant must remedy the defect

Fee optional

Not to exceed $20

Fail to report change of address or name on

driver’s license

Section 521.054(d),

Transportation Code

Court may dismiss

20 working days after the date of the

offense

Defendant must remedy the defect

Fee required

Not to exceed $20

Court may waive in

interest of justice

Level I 2022-2023 Traffic Law • 8-37

Offense

Statute

Mandatory or

Discretionary

Dismissal

Length of Time

to Comply

Required

Conditions

Amount of

Reimbursement Fee

Violate driver’s license restriction or

endorsement

Section 521.221(d),

Transportation Code

Court may dismiss

Before the defendant’s first court

appearance

Defendant must show that:

Driver’s license restriction or endorsement was

imposed because of a physical condition that was

surgically or otherwise medically corrected before the

date of the offense, or in error and that is established

by the defendant; and

DPS removes the restriction or endorsement before

the defendant’s first court appearance

Fee required

Not to exceed $10

Operate vehicle with defective required

equipment (or in unsafe condition)

Section 547.004(c),

Transportation Code

Court may dismiss

Before the defendant’s first court

appearance

Defendant must remedy the defect

Does not apply if the offense involves a commercial

motor vehicle

Fee required

Not to exceed $10

Operating a vehicle without complying with

inspection requirements as certified (vehicle was

located in another state at the time the applicant

applied for registration or renewal, Section

548.256(b) of the Transportation Code)

Section 548.605(e),

Transportation Code

Court shall dismiss Not later than the 20th working day after

the date of the citation or before the

defendant’s first court appearance,

whichever is later

and

Not later than the 40th working day after

the applicable deadline regarding

inspection requirements

Defendant must remedy the defect

Fee required

Not to exceed $20

Expired disabled parking placard Section 681.013,

Transportation Code

Court shall dismiss

if expired not more

than 60 days

Court may dismiss

if expired more than

60 days

20 working days after the date of the

offense or before the defendant’s first

court appearance, whichever is later

Defendant must remedy the defect

Fee required

Not to exceed $20

Operate vessel with expired certificate of number Section 31.127(f),

Parks & Wildlife

Code

Court may dismiss 10 working days after the date of the

offense

Defendant must remedy the defect

Certificate cannot be expired more than 60 days

Fee required

Not to exceed $10

Level I 2022-2023 Traffic Law • 8-38

COMMON DEFENSES TO PROSECUTION

Offense Statute Defense Amount of Fee

Failure to have driver’s license in

possession while operating a

motor vehicle (Failure to display)

Section 521.025,

Transportation Code

Defendant must produce in court a driver’s license issued to that person appropriate for

the type of vehicle operated and valid at the time of the arrest

Optional $10 fee

Failure to have commercial

driver’s license in possession

while operating a commercial

motor vehicle

Section 522.011,

Transportation Code

Defendant must produce in court a commercial driver’s license issued to that person

appropriate for the class of vehicle being driven and valid at the time of the offense

Optional $10 fee

Failure to secure child in a child

passenger safety seat system

Section 545.412,

Transportation Code

Defense in:

Section 545.4121,

Transportation Code

Defendant must provide the court with satisfactory evidence that, at the time of the

offense:

Defendant was not arrested or cited for any other offense, the vehicle was not involved in

a crash, and the defendant did not possess a child passenger safety seat in the vehicle; and

Subsequent to the offense, the defendant obtained an appropriate child passenger safety

seat for each child required to be secured in a child passenger safety seat system

None

Failure to maintain financial

responsibility

Section 601.193 or

Section 601.194,

Transportation Code

Two defenses available:

• Defendant must provide the court satisfactory evidence of valid proof of financial

responsibility under Section 601.053(a) that was valid and in effect at the time of the

arrest

• Defendant possessed the vehicle for the sole purpose or maintenance or repair and did

not own the vehicle

None

Level I 2022-2023 Traffic Law • 8-39

ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS

PART 1

1. It is divided into titles, subtitles, chapters, subchapters, and sections.

2. Title 7.

3. Subtitle A, Chapter 504.

4. Subtitle B, Chapters 521 and 522.

5. Chapter 543.

6. Chapter 543.

7. Chapter 551.

8. Offenses in Subtitle C of Title 7 of the Transportation Code, Chapters 541-600.

9. Title 37, Section 15.89 of the Texas Administrative Code.

10. Subtitle D, Chapter 601.

11. Subtitle H, Chapter 681.

12. Subtitle I, Chapter 703.

13. Chapter 706.

14. Chapter 708 was repealed effective September 1, 2019 and the Texas Driver’s Responsibility

Program, including the assessment of surcharges, is no longer the law in Texas.

PART 2

15. Section 543.003 of the Transportation Code.

16. Article 14.06(b) of the Code of Criminal Procedure.

17. The defendant can continue to exercise his or her right to take the course until the person is

informed of the right or until the case is disposed.

18. The citation must contain notice in type larger than other type on the citation (except for the

type of the statement required about the surcharges) about a second or subsequent conviction

resulting in suspension of the defendant’s driver’s license and motor vehicle registration.

Section 601.233 of the Transportation Code provides specific text to include for this notice.

19. The requirement to notify the court of any change of address and that the failure to do so is a

Class C misdemeanor.

20. The notice should inform the violator that if he or she fails to appear or pay the fine or satisfy

the judgment, he or she may be denied renewal of their driver’s license.

21. The additional information required to be on a citation issued to a person who holds a

commercial driver’s license includes the following: (1) whether the vehicle is a commercial

motor vehicle as defined in Chapter 522 of the Transportation Code; (2) whether the vehicle

was transporting hazardous materials; and (3) whether the offense was a serious traffic

violation as defined in Chapter 522.

22. Written notice of the time and place the person must appear before a magistrate, the name and

address of the person charged, and the offense charged.

23. a. At least 10 days from the date of the citation. Some courts set the appearance date more

than 10 days, but the law provides that the number may not be less than 10.

Level I 2022-2023 Traffic Law • 8-40

PART 3

24. c. criminal offenses.

25. c. was committed by the defendant.

26. a. intentionally, knowingly, recklessly, and with criminal negligence.

PART 4

27. True.

28. False.

29. False (it is a Class B misdemeanor).

30. False (they must be alleged as such or enhanced by the officer or prosecutor).

31. True.

PART 5

32. True.

33. True.

34. False (the defendant has 20 working days or before first court appearance date).

35. False (the maximum fine is $200).

36. True.

37. True.

38. False (the offense can be enhanced on a third or subsequent conviction or if the defendant did

not have financial responsibility and caused serious bodily injury or death to another in a

crash).

39. True.

40. False (the commercial driver’s license must also be valid for the class of commercial motor

vehicle that was driven on the day of the offense).

41. True.

42. False (it is a state law violation, but the speed limit is set by city ordinance if it differs from

that provided for under state law).

43. False (passenger vehicle means passenger car, light truck, sport utility vehicle, passenger van

designed to transport 15 or fewer passengers, including the driver, truck, or truck tractor).

44. True.

45. False (cities must remit one-half of the fines collected upon conviction for a child not being

secured in a passenger safety seat system or a safety belt, not of all safety belt fines).

46. True.

47. True.

48. False (minimum fine of $500 and a maximum fine of $1,250 for a first offense).

49. False (the maximum fine is $200).

50. False.

51. False.

52. False (the judge does not have authority to dismiss the case unless the defendant had valid

insurance on the date of the arrest).

Level I 2022-2023 Traffic Law • 8-41

53. True.

54. False.

55. True.

56. True.

57. True.

58. False (the penalty is a minimum of $10 and a maximum of $50).

59. False.

60. True.

61. True.

PART 6

62. False.

63. True.

64. False.