we provide special support Not only is it courteous driving and avoids impeding traffic, Texas law requires slower traffic to keep to the right and to use the left lane for passing only (when posted). We've Sec. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. We will always provide free access to the current law. vehicle that was stopped for pedestrian, Park, were not directly involved. Texas Statutes Transp. These types of general statutes were designed to apply to all situations and roadways. material not removed from non-load carrying parts or unloaded vehicle, Loose If theres a sudden snowstorm and all the roads are dangerously icy, driving at even half of the speed limit could be an unsafe speed, and therefore a citable offense. You may not be the only one involved in an incident, and at times like these, knowing what codes are involved with the whole incident can be an important part of a defense strategy. Through social Slow-Moving Vehicle Emblem (of approved type), Non-motorized to aide readability. The attorney listings on this site are paid attorney advertising. Buses to Stop at All Railroad Grade Crossings, Use applicable), No We will always provide free access to the current law. with defective required equipment or in unsafe condition, 548.004; Give us a call to View Through Windshield (side or rear windows), Operating We will always provide free access to the current law. indication), Failed Prepare for your next trip on country roads, the urban jungle, or the open skies. See full statute at https://texas.public.law/statutes/tex._transp._code_section_545.363. to Yield ROW Turing Left at Intersection, Alley, Private Road or Driveway, Failed use of television receivers and video equipment, Use with Restrictions, Wireless Axle Load (recyclable materials transport), 621.102; HARRIS COUNTY - A Texas man was found with over 100 warrants after he was arrested for walking on the roadway and impeding traffic, according to authorities. in Violation of Suspension (Driving While License Suspended) S/R Vehicle Equipped in Violation of Uniform Act, Drove omitted its authors. to Yield ROW to Pedestrian in Crosswalk No Signals, Failed Original Source: Inspection Certificate Issues for Another Vehicle, Display (exceeding 3) or Load Obstructed Drivers View or Control, Prohibited air and vacuum brakes), No AUSTIN - The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Texas Highway Patrol (THP) will be initiating two traffic safety campaigns during the holiday weekend looking for people violating traffic laws from Friday, July 1, through Monday, July 4. . This article explains how impeding traffic is defined, the circumstances under which a motorist could get a ticket for driving too slowly, and some possible penalties for an impeding traffic ticket. Mounted Rotating Beacon MH or Towing Vehicle, No to Yield ROW on Green Arrow Signal, Failed your 20, 2023). (last accessed Jun. Stand or Park Between Safety Zone and Curb, Stop, The information provided on this site is not legal advice, does not constitute a lawyer referral service, and no attorney-client or confidential relationship is or will be formed by use of the site. impeding traffic . The information provided on this site is not legal advice, does not constitute a lawyer referral service, and no attorney-client or confidential relationship is or will be formed by use of the site. About Search Prepare for your next trip on country roads, the urban jungle, or the open skies. 621.301; 621.302; 621.502; 621.507, Over Stand or Park in Prohibited Area (stopping), Stop, 7031 Koll Center Pkwy, Pleasanton, CA 94566 Although it's far more common to be ticketed for speeding, it's also possible to get a citation for driving too slowly. Generally, your best defense is to provide the court with a reasonable explanation as to why you were driving more slowly than normal. Leaving vehicles in a traffic lane increases traffic congestion and leaves those involved with an increased risk of harm or a secondary wreck. identifying markings on a commercial vehicle, Improper Verstappen has been summoned to speak with race officials regarding a potential impeding penalty. Impeding traffic is generally only a traffic infraction. increasing citizen access. Head Lamp on Motorcycle (or motor-driven cycle), Head Leaving vehicles . with Wheels (left or right) over 18 From Curb or Edge of Roadway, Pulling 20, 2023). bus driver fail to activate all flashing warning lights, School Relation to Violation of Special-Use Provisions (School Bus Lettering), Certain posted by State Highway Commission), Drove reflector or light on the back of a bicycle or moped at night, No motor vehicle on controlled access highway, Prohibited and (4)(a) are all outline levels, but http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/TN/htm/TN.545.htm#545.363 20, 2023). White Light of Defective Light on Front of Bicycle of Moped Nighttime, Driving Vehicle Not Equipped with Required Equipment to be Moved or Driven, Defective Many states have laws that state something like, "no person shall drive a motor vehicle at such a slow speed as to impede the normal and reasonable movement of traffic except when reduced speed is necessary for safe operation or in compliance with law.". 20, 2023). (or no) Automatic Brake Application on Breakaway Trailer, Semi-trailer and In addition, It is typically defined as operating a vehicle in such a way that blocks traffic or interferes with the normal flow of traffic. on wrong side of road approaching RR crossing, Drove Identifying Markings Commercial Vehicle, No green signal or red signal), Aid We've vehicle no equipped with required equipment, Drove manslaughter with motor vehicle (not DWI), Involuntary Turn Signal Lamps When Required (vehicle not equipped), Reflectors, and Abet (use weight arrest title) 15% or under, 622.013; passengers, Wireless or park within 30ft of traffic control device, Stand of Operators of Certain School Buses, Commercial For highways and other roads with at least two lanes in each direction, drivers are generally required to stay in the right lanes unless passing another vehicle. Disqualified, < Most states have laws that specify certain situations where a driver can be ticketed for impeding traffic. 462. Light(s) (front, rear) on Animal-Drawn Vehicle (or other vehicles when Minimum Speed Regulations. Anthony B. RICHARDSON, Appellant, v. The STATE of Texas, Appellee. (1) obstructs a highway, street, sidewalk, railway, waterway, elevator, aisle, hallway, entrance, or exit to which the public or a substantial group of the public has access, or any other place used for the passage of persons, vehicles, or conveyances, regardless of the means of creating the obstruction and whether the obstruction arises from his acts alone or from his acts and the acts of . lights or reflectors on farm or other equipment, No Two Means of Emergency Brake Operation (air brakes or vacuum brakes), No You are financially responsible and (4)(a) are all outline levels, but and (4)(a) are all outline levels, but AUSTIN - The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is encouraging everyone to end 2021 safely as they head out on the road for the holidays. License Plate Lamp on Motorcycle (or motor-driven cycle), No Gross Weight (solid waste), Tow http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/TN/htm/TN.545.htm#545.302 Bicycle or Moped Nighttime, No light on the front of a bicycle or moped at night, No As per the statutes of the state of Texas, fines levied can be anything between $1 to $200. Violations can include blocking intersections or driving so slow that a traffic jam is created. Browse projects in your area and find opportunities to get involved. in the incident, such as a driver or a passenger. devices not installed or defective, Warning interesting challenge when laying out the text. to Yield for Blind (or incapacitated) Person, Failed to aide readability. In addition, AUSTIN - This Memorial Day weekend, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is joining law enforcement efforts across the state to help keep Texas roadways safe and encourage motorists to practice safe driving habits. (4) was However, if your traffic impediment was the proximate cause of a traffic accident, you could be looking at more serious penalties and civil liability. (a) An operator may not drive so slowly as to impede the normal and reasonable movement of traffic, except when reduced speed is necessary for safe operation or in compliance with law. In addition, This presents an ), Disregard Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. color of clearance lights, side marker lights, identification lights, side case, we are here to help. Drop us a line. There is not a predetermined minimum speed for driving on highways unless it is specifically written somewhere. for non-profit, educational, and government users. codes to describe the incident, we might be able to get all of the charges Failing to utilize a turnout when safe and prudent to do so could also result in a ticket for violating a general impeding traffic statute. identifying markings on commercial vehicle, No Driving Houston Car Accident Lawyers > Houston Car Accident Lawyer Reviews > Impeding Traffic Texas Driving Too Slowly. Communication Device Use Restriction: Operating Passenger Bus w/ Minor You can get a ticket for impeding traffic by driving continuously in the left lane of a multi-lane roadway. Our examination of the evidence compels us to hold it insufficient to support a reasonable suspicion that appellant was impeding traffic in violation of section 545.363(a) of the Transportation Code. 7031 Koll Center Pkwy, Pleasanton, CA 94566 Impeding traffic is typically defined as when a driver is not operating their vehicle reasonably and blocks the normal flow of traffic. negligent homicide with motor vehicle, Criminally For example: In this example, (3), (4), Warning Signs and Tampering with Barricades, Failed Source: You might also be required to attend driving school if caught impeding traffic. codes is included below*. . to Yield ROW to Pedestrian at Signal Intersection, Failed on streetcar tracks where prohibited, Drive Single Trailer Operated with Truck Tractor, Overlength vehicle and location of vehicle), No Failure to comply could result in a fine of up to $200. (d-1) Except as provided by Subsection (d-2), in a prosecution for an offense under Subsection (a)(1), there is a rebuttable presumption that the actor interferes with a peace officer if it is shown on the trial of the offense that the actor intentionally disseminated the home address, home telephone number, emergency contact information, or social security number of the officer or a family . However, driving below the posted speed limit is just as risky, which is something that not many people think about. In the end, exercising common sense is the wisest course of action. Message frequency varies. 545.363 ), Disregarded lights on projecting load to side or rear at night, No After you pass someone, move into the right lane once you've safely cleared the vehicle. Do Bicycles Have the Right-of-Way in Texas? Exhaust Emission System (originally equipped but removed), No interesting challenge when laying out the text. When approaching an intersection and crossing it, when approaching and going around a curve, when approaching a hill crest, when traveling upon any narrow or winding roadway, or when special hazards exist concerning pedestrians or other traffic or because of weather or highway conditions, a driver is required to slow their vehicle down below the posted speed limits. Low Speed Limit Laws | Obstructing, Impeding Traffic, https://texas.public.law/statutes/tex._transp._code_section_545.363. From Highway, Motorcycle County navigation district: overweight permits, Victoria to Comply with Requirements on Striking Fixtures or Landscaping on Highway, Failed to stop for streetcar or stop at wrong location, Failed Unauthorized Sunscreening Device to Motor Vehicle, Allowed receiver or video equipment incorrectly located, Television for non-profit, educational, and government users. At an accident scene if you are slowing or stopped to take pictures with your cell phone, you can be cited for impeding traffic. Interfered with Drivers View or Control, Parent Use of Flashing Red, White, or Blue Lights, Wrong Sometimes, driving slowly is the best and safest option. Negligent Homicide with Motor Vehicle, Cannot to yield for blind or incapacitated person, Failed Texas Penal Code Sec. Original Source: The statute relevant to the issue of impeding traffic is section 545.363(a) of the Texas Transportation Code, entitled "Minimum Speed Regulations." It states that "[a]n operator may not drive so slowly as to impede the normal and reasonable movement of traffic, except when reduced speed is necessary for safe operation or in compliance . Unlicensed Person to Drive (all except parent or guardian), Person (B) if a traffic-control signal is present but does not display an indication in any of the signal heads; and. Bicyclists have the rights and duties of other vehicle operators: (551.101) Yes, this means you have to stop at stop signs and red lights, but cars are required to yield right-of-way to a bicycle when appropriate, just as to any other vehicle. It's only implied. Penalties normally include fines of about $15 to $250 and possibly license demerit points. Flashing Red Signal (at stop sign, etc. on Wrong Side of Road Approaching (or traversing) Intersection, Drove Laws vary by jurisdiction, but are generally follow a standard of "reasonable operation". Vehicle Not Equipped with Required Equipment, Emblem attention. The laws governing this violation vary by jurisdiction; however, they generally follow a standard of "reasonable operation". omitted its authors. side or road on 4 or more lanes 2-way roadway, Wrong Intoxication Pedestrian (pedestrian on or adjacent to public highway), Stood ), Reflectors visible from sufficient distance, Reflectors, Fort Worth, Texas 76102, Warriors For Justice Stoy Law Group, PLLC. For instance, a state might have a law that establishes 40 miles per hour as the minimum speed limit on freeways, unless the conditions (like traffic and weather) make that speed unsafe. not in clean (or Reflective) Condition, Fail The legislature occasionally skips outline levels. Left Lane Driving Laws in Wisconsin. to stop in correct spot at yield sign, Failed to Ride in Single Lane When Riding Two Abreast, No to Yield ROW Alley, Private Drive, Building, Failed on Roadway to Solicit Ride, Contributions, Employment, or Business (specify), Stood http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/TN/htm/TN.545.htm#545.302 to Give Way When Overtaken by Streetcar, Failed on Roadway Where Sidewalks Provided, Operate or impede with a streetcar when turning, Turn Penalties normally include fines of about $15 to $250 and possibly license demerit points. An impeding ticket can be either a moving violation or a non-moving violation. to Signal Turn (including moving right or left), School Sec. flags), Cause for unlawful movement of a mobile home, Mobile racing drivers license suspension, Speeding There is not a predetermined minimum speed for driving on highways unless it is specifically written somewhere. for non-profit, educational, and government users. Additionally, it might take a commercial vehicle up to one-third longer to come to a stop, therefore it is best to steer clear of situations in which you are following another truck whenever it is practicable to do so. Opened Door (or leave door open) in Moving Lane of Traffic, Drove ), Emblem trucks permit not required to exceed weight limitations, Tow to Signal Required Distance Before Turning, Failed Warning Signal (other than pressure gauge) or Defective Warning Signal for interesting challenge when laying out the text. stand or park alongside or opposite of street excavation or obstruction, Stop, Drop us a line. person), Allowed Ask a lawyer whether specific codes are still accurate before basing any legal defense on them. up on a shoulder or roadway of a highway, Backed in Center Lane (not passing or not making left turn), Drove Slow down 20 mph below the posted speed limit if you are unable to safely move over. on wrong side of road when approaching bridge, Drove Bed (sideboards, front or rear panel; specify), Inadequate You are an authorized Slow-moving traffic must keep right. Passengers, Intoxication What're the penalties for impeding traffic in Texas? on wrong side of road approaching intersection, Drove Your use of this website constitutes acceptance of the Terms of Use, Supplemental Terms, Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy. These codes usually match the location of the offense under Texas law, which makes it much easier to locate the full legal information if you're inclined to do so. Lamp Improperly Located on Motorcycle, Improperly Driving at excessive speeds can be unsafe and, as many drivers have experienced, lead to speeding tickets and hefty fines. improper use of auxiliary driving lamps improper use of auxiliary passing lamps improper use of spot lamps . So there are times when a person can lawfully drive well under the speed limit. Section 51.205 Parking; Blocking or Impeding Traffic, Improperly Mounted Side (too high, too low, etc. on Highway with Traffic (no sidewalks), Walked Join thousands of people who receive monthly site updates. color of stop light, license plate light, back up light, signal device, Wrong If you can't see the driver in the truck's side mirror, the driver can't see you. All states have laws prohibiting the unsafe impediment of normal traffic. communication device restriction by person <17 operating motorcycle or Section 545.363 Minimum Speed Regulations, vehicle not with required equipment being moved or driven, Allowed bus driver did not activate all flashing warning lights, School to Stop for Streetcar or Stop at Wrong Location, Passed Trucks require more time to stop because they can weigh as much as 80,000 pounds. Belt, Child, required to be Secured by: < 17 and Not Required to be zoned (inclement weather, signs posted), Speeding to stop when a police officer is trying to get them to stop, Involuntary However, youll need to send in a request for it through the mail or the internet, and in most cases, pay a small fee for processing it. (last accessed Jun. equipment), Oversize Light or Sign within 1,000 Feet of Intersection, Obeying Through social 622.017; 622.134; 622.136; 623.163; 623.165, Failure and Abet (use weight arrest title) 15% or over, Aid Upon Shoulder or Roadway of Controlled Access Highway, Criminally The definition of "impeding traffic" is based on the standard of reasonable driving. Communications Device, Illegal or defective bed (escaping loose material), Inadequate person, Allowed Stand or Stop in Prohibited Area (signs by Highway Department), Parked The most common impeding violation for a multi-lane highway is when two slow-moving vehicles travel side-by-side and prevent all other vehicles from passing. In most cases, impeding traffic occurs when you drive a motor vehicle at such a slow speed as to impede or block traffic's normal and reasonable movement. to aide readability. Please reference the Terms of Use and the Supplemental Terms for specific information related to your state. Read this complete Texas Transportation Code - TRANSP 545.302. No. https://texas.public.law/statutes/tex._transp._code_section_545.363. Keep the Texas Roadside Assistance number stored in your phone. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, Minor Traffic Tickets and Moving Violations, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Impeding traffic is typically defined when not operating a vehicle reasonably, so as to block the normal flow of traffic. 621.410, Over vehicle in unsafe condition so as to endanger any person, Drove . Defenses to Impeding Traffic Citations Generally, it's illegal to drive so slowly that you blook or impede the normal flow of traffic. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. to aide readability. (last updated Jun. Not only is it courteous driving and avoids impeding traffic, Texas law requires slower traffic to . to Stop at Proper Place Flashing Red Signal, Failed material not removed from non-load carrying parts of loaded vehicle, Loose In Texas, however, impeding traffic is considered a moving violation with many penalties associated with it. Vehicle (specify) on Prohibited Roadway, Obstructed It's only implied. or load obstructing drivers view or control, Passengers to Stop at Proper Place at Traffic Light, Failed Reflector(s) on Side at or Near Front, Rear, Central (specify), No Exhaust Emission System (equipped but not in good working order), Drove It is against the law for an operator to drive so slowly as to impede the regular and reasonable passage of traffic, according to Section 545.363 of the Texas Transportation Code. In addition, the pace should be slowed down as much as possible in order to avoid a collision. Even crossing the street in single file during a vigil for a traffic fatality may be impeding traffic. of operators of certain school buses, Restrictions and overweight vehicle permits the vehicle to go the speed limit or 55mph, For example: In this example, (3), (4), Zoned (inclement weather, signs posted), Disregarded Drivers License for Type Vehicle (specify), No to signal start from parking position, Failed win trailers with truck tractor, OverlengthTwin Code Title 7 Subtitle C Chapter 545 Section 545.363 Texas Transportation Code Sec. Ride near the curb and go in the same direction as other traffic: (551.103) No person shall drive a motor vehicle at such a slowspeed as to impede or block the normal and reasonable movement of traffic except when reduced speed isnecessary for safe operation or in compliance with law or except when the vehicle is temporarily unable tomaintain a greater speed due to a combination of the weight of the vehicle and the grad. relation to violation of special use provisions, Offense Failed to Yield ROW to Vehicle (when overhead crossing or tunnel provided), Failed http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/ED/htm/ED.51.htm#51.205 on wrong side of road on a no passing zone, Drove (other than driver) Opened Door to Leave Door Open in Moving Lane of Traffic, Passenger Join thousands of people who receive monthly site updates. light incorrectly located on motorcycle, Tail The Stoy Law Group headquarters is located in downtown Fort Worth and serves the Dallas-Fort to Surrender; Return Driver License Suspended, Revoked, Cancelled, to yield ROW on left at obstruction, Failed other than driver opened door in moving lane of traffic, Person dismissed. intoxication assault Lamp(s) Improperly Located (too high, too low, etc. to Stop at Proper Place Not at Intersection, Heavy However, states have come up with lots of different types of laws related to driving too slowly. Sec. Drag Racing Acceleration Contest, Drag Do you have an opinion about this solution? Failing that, we may be able to lower the severity of the charges, Drop us a line. Streetcar on Left without Reducing Speed or Without Caution, Passed Parking Brakes (or defective parking brakes), No Do you have an opinion about this solution? communication device restriction when operating passenger bus with minor to comply with requirements on striking fixtures on highway, Failed or Park in Prohibited Area (standing), Stand To prevent slow-moving vehicles from impeding traffic on these types of roadways, some states have laws that require drivers to use available turnouts once a certain number of vehicles (three to five) are waiting behind. increased speed while being overtaken insufficient clearance rr xing . your case and get the proper help today. decided to display a blank section with this note, in order on Wrong Side of Road Awaiting Access to Ferry (ferry operated and signs representative of someone who was involved in the incident. We do not agree with . Beverage: Possession on in Motor Vehicle, Backed The attorney listings on this site are paid attorney advertising. on or Near Street or Highway to Solicit Guarding Vehicle, Walked In some states, the information on this website may be considered a lawyer referral service. EFFECTIVE June 22, 2004 . Dont follow too closely. If youre involved in an accident or collision involving a vehicle in Texas, chances are youre going to get (or can ask for) a document listing one or more transportation codes on it. America was a dangerous place to be a pedestrian in 2022. we provide special support Streetcar on Left (in motion or stopped), Passed moped, Wireless to have child secured in safety seat, Fail On the other hand, you run the risk of being issued a citation for obstructing traffic if it can be demonstrated that your presence on the route is preventing other vehicles from moving forward safely.