Driving under the speed limit in Texas can disrupt traffic flow. That’s why Texas speed limit laws exist. While it can be frustrating to get stuck behind a slow driver, you might wonder, is it legal to drive slow in Texas?
You might even wonder when you should travel at a reduced speed even when it’s not posted. If you live in Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, and Austin, here’s what you should know about vehicle speed for traffic conditions to avoid legal implications.
Understanding Texas Speed Limits
Texas law doesn’t specify any particular minimum speed limit. However, drivers must not obstruct the normal and reasonable flow of traffic on interstate highways or city streets.
The Texas Transportation Code permits the Texas Transportation Commission to set the requirements for controlling speed to ensure road safety on busy highways and roads. Speed limits are typically set to ensure a safe and smooth flow of traffic for Texas drivers.
Everyone is expected to control their speed, which allows them to avoid collisions and hazards. By following the rules of the posted limit and not going at a speed greater or lower speed, it allows drivers to keep vehicle control on the roads they travel.
The Texas Basic Speed Rule
If you live in Texas, you should know about the Texas Basic Speed Rule. It requires drivers to operate their vehicles at a speed that’s reasonable and prudent under the circumstances. The rule takes into account factors such as traffic, weather, visibility, and road conditions like hazards or construction zones.
While you’re on a narrow or winding roadway, you can expect that area to have reduced speed limits posted. However, going the appropriate speed may be deemed an unsafe speed if there are adverse weather conditions. Using common sense is required for the safe operation of any vehicle.
Drivers must drive at a speed that’s safe for the conditions, regardless of what the posted sign says. Violating the Basic Speed Rule can result in a citation.
Impeding Traffic in Texas
Law enforcement officers most often focus on drivers who are speeding or engaging in other reckless driving practices. However, impeding traffic is just as dangerous as going at higher speeds.
When you drive slower than the flow of traffic, you’re impeding others on the road, leading to disruption, causing heavy traffic congestion to build up, and leaving yourself vulnerable to potential road rage incidents. As per the Texas Transportation Code § 545.363, a motorist is considered to be impeding traffic if they travel at lower speed limits that disrupt the normal and reasonable movement of other vehicles.
Minimum Speed Requirements
As mentioned, the law doesn’t specify a limit for how much lower than the speed limit you can go. This can lead to confusion, especially when drivers are permitted to legally exceed the limit when passing another car or when stuck behind a vehicle that makes frequent and sudden stops.
Driving too fast is problematic, though the most important point is to go at a safe speed that aligns with the limit set for the road, adjusted for current conditions. You should always adjust speed to fit the situation. Thus, going below the posted speed limit can create dangers for other drivers, and it may result in being pulled over for a traffic stop.
Consequences of Driving Too Slow for the Posted Speed Limit
Since other drivers can be put at risk by a driver who’s going too slowly, there may be legal consequences for drivers. It can be as dangerous as speeding since it creates risks as well.
All road users should follow the flow of traffic, obey posted speed limits, and ensure safety for all motorists. While there’s no minimum speed, violating the Basic Speed Rule by going too fast or too slow can result in fines, increased rates from the insurance company, driver’s license suspension, and even jail time.
Special Speed Limit Zones
It should also be noted that school zones and construction areas have special speed limit zones that require drivers to reduce their speed. For schools, this is usually only during specified times that are indicated on signs and emphasized by flashing yellow lights.
A driver found guilty of driving over the posted speed limits in school or construction areas can result in fines, license suspension, and points on a driver’s record. Going slowly in these areas allows all drivers to maintain control and avoid catastrophe.
Role of Law Enforcement
The role of law enforcement is crucial in promoting road safety and ensuring that drivers are traveling at appropriate speeds. Police officers monitor traffic speeds and enforce speed limits as these actions help to prevent accidents and maintain order on Texas roads.
Speed limit signs are one of the tools they use to inform drivers of the legal limit they’re expected to obey. While much focus is on drivers who drive too fast, officers will also stop drivers going too slowly, generally to find out why.
Factors Influencing Speed Decisions
Road types and environmental conditions can impact a driver’s decision on the speed they should travel. Local roads are usually more prone to speeding incidents than highways due to their layout and traffic patterns.
Drivers should naturally slow down some when approaching intersections and constantly evaluate all the factors around them for driving speeds, which is the requirement set by the Texas Basic Speed Rule.
Fighting a Speeding Ticket in Texas
If you have received a speeding ticket in Texas, you may be able to get the charges dismissed or reduced. When you’re found not guilty, it can help you avoid increased insurance costs and points on your license or driving record. Drivers who are facing criminal charges for speeding or for obstructing traffic by going too slowly should speak to an experienced attorney who handles traffic violations.
What to Do If a Driver’s Issues with Speed Caused Your Car Accident?
Another issue that often arises from speeding or drivers who go too slowly—car accidents. Perhaps you were driving on the highway when a speeding driver crashed into your vehicle. You may have even been obeying the speed as posted when a slower driver pulled in front of you with no way for you to avoid them.
If you get into an accident with someone who’s breaking the rule regarding basic speed, that person may be at fault. You will want to discuss with a car accident attorney to get the help you need to pull all the evidence that can demonstrate how the speed they were traveling was a factor in causing the accident.
Too fast or too slow, the speed a driver chooses can put everyone in jeopardy. If you’ve recently been in a car crash, contact Angel Reyes & Associates to schedule a free initial consultation where you will learn more about the legal options you have for holding these types of drivers accountable for their negligent behaviors on the road.
