This Texas guide translates key parts of the Transportation Code into plain-English driving rules you can actually use on the road. You will find what the double-yellow actually means in daily traffic, when a right turn on red is legal, how left on red works in Texas, what counts as a legal U-turn, when you must stop for a school bus, and why work-zone instructions outrank everything else. We include real-world examples, common ticket pitfalls, and links to official sources so you can verify each point for yourself.
A Texas city intersection: complete stop, check for pedestrians and cyclists, then a legal right on red when clear and not prohibited.
Texas double-yellow rules & no-passing zones (TX Trans. Code §545.056)
The double-yellow centerline is Texas's simplest and most misunderstood traffic device. In a standard configuration—two solid yellow lines immediately side-by-side—it marks a no-passing zone. You must not cross it to pass another moving vehicle. However, the code recognizes that temporary hazards occur: debris, a stalled car, a broken water main, or a crew occupying part of your lane. In those situations, Texas allows a short, controlled lane departure if doing so is the safest option and there is no oncoming traffic.
When a single double yellow allows brief crossing to avoid an obstruction
If a branch blocks half your lane, you may edge left across the centerline only enough to clear the object, then return. Treat it like a slow, deliberate lane change: check mirrors, confirm a long sight distance, and yield to vehicles already in the opposing lane. Never use this exception to bypass queued traffic or to pass a moving car in front of you—both are classic no-passing citations.
"Only as far as necessary" and a prompt return
Officers look for the minimal maneuver. Hold your wheels straight, give a clear signal, and re-enter your lane as soon as you are fully past the hazard. If the road is cresting a hill or curving, the safest choice may be to slow and wait rather than cross at all. Defensive driving beats a risky guess every time.
Safe gaps, sight distance, and yielding to oncoming traffic
When in doubt, assume oncoming vehicles are closer than they appear. Nighttime glare, wet pavement, and wind-blown dust can shorten usable sight distance. Yield early and make your intent predictable.
Sample citation wording for no-passing in Texas
Tickets often cite "no passing in a marked zone," "driving left of center," or "unsafe movement into opposing lane." The remedy is the same: demonstrate the obstruction and that you moved left only as far as necessary with due regard to oncoming traffic.
Two sets of double-yellow (painted median) treated as a barrier
Texas, like many states, treats two sets of double yellow lines that are spaced apart as a painted median—essentially a non-traversable island. You must not drive in, on, or across this area except at a designated opening. The purpose is to separate opposing flows and provide turn pockets or refuge space for left-turning vehicles at controlled locations.
Painted median (left) is a barrier; use designated openings (right) to make left turns across opposing lanes.
Recognizing legal openings vs continuous median segments
Legal openings are unmistakable: the double-double breaks; cross-hatching or short white bars indicate a crossing zone; at night, reflectors guide the path. A continuous segment without breaks is not an entry point.
Nighttime reflectors (RPMs) and low-contrast conditions
Raised pavement markers (amber and white) reinforce the no-crossing message after dark and during rain. If you cannot clearly identify a break, assume one is not there.
Enforcement notes from troopers on median crossings
Many citations follow U-turns across an unbroken painted median. When in doubt, continue to the next legal opening, business driveway, or signal.
Right turn on red in Texas (complete stop & posted signs)
Texas permits right on red after a full stop unless a sign prohibits the movement. The complete stop is non-negotiable: pause at the limit line or before the crosswalk, look left for through traffic, and check for pedestrians entering on the "WALK." If a time plaque reads "7–9 AM, 4–6 PM," follow the restriction only during those hours.
Full stop before the limit line; right on red only when clear
A common error is creeping into the crosswalk while scanning. Stay behind the line until the crosswalk and near-side lanes are confirmed clear.
"NO TURN ON RED" and time-based plaques—how to read them
Some corridors ban right on red to protect heavy pedestrian volumes or transit priority phases. Time plaques narrow the ban to peak hours. Obey the most restrictive posting that applies at the moment you arrive.
Pedestrian & cyclist right-of-way at red lights
Yield to people in the crosswalk and to cyclists approaching from your right in a bike lane. A rolling shoulder check just before turning prevents door-zone near misses and right-hook conflicts.
Red-light camera enforcement pitfalls
Camera programs typically look for a steady red signal combined with no stop at the line. A complete stop followed by a legal turn is generally compliant, but always review local rules.
Left on red in Texas (one-way to one-way allowance)
Texas allows a left on red from a one-way street to another one-way street after you stop completely and yield to all traffic and people lawfully within the intersection. Cities may post "No left on red" signs at problem locations—those control.
Conditions you must meet before a legal left on red
Confirm both the street you are on and the receiving street are one-way in the correct directions. Watch for near-side protected-only left arrows, transit signals, or a leading pedestrian interval.
Signs that ban the movement even where it is usually allowed
Downtown districts may ban the turn during rush periods to reduce conflicts. If a sign says "No left on red," that ends the analysis.
Protected-only arrows, LPIs, and conflicting signals
A green arrow for the cross traffic may leave you boxed in if you enter early. Wait until you can complete the turn without interfering.
City-level exceptions and safety corridors
Some corridors near campuses and entertainment districts post additional restrictions. Expect heavier enforcement on weekends and event nights.
U-turns across double yellow in Texas (safe & legal cases)
U-turns are legal where they can be made safely and are not prohibited by a sign or signal. Across a standard double yellow, you may complete a U-turn when you have the sight distance to do so without impeding other drivers. Do not U-turn across a painted median (two sets of double yellow) except at a designated opening.
U-turn legality, sight-distance, and "no U-turn" posting
Look for the "No U-Turn" symbol at medians, near crests, and at high-speed divided highways. If posted, pick another location.
Why painted medians are different from standard double yellow
The separation exists to channelize traffic and prevent mid-block turns. Treat these zones like a raised island until you reach a break.
Examples near driveways & center turn lanes
In suburban corridors with a center left-turn lane, choose a wide gap and complete the maneuver without stopping across live lanes.
Failure-to-yield and unsafe turn citations
If other traffic must brake to accommodate your U-turn, you are at risk for an "unsafe turn" citation even if no sign prohibits the movement.
School bus stop laws in Texas (stop both ways on undivided)
When a school bus displays alternating red signals and extends the stop arm, traffic in both directions must stop on undivided roads. On a divided highway with a raised median or barrier, opposing traffic may proceed slowly with caution.
Undivided: everyone stops. Divided with a physical median: only the same-direction traffic must stop.
When both directions must stop for flashing red & stop arm
Treat school bus stops like moving crosswalks that can appear mid-block. Slow early, signal intentions, and be ready for children who may run.
Divided highway/raised median exception (opposite traffic may proceed)
A painted median that is two sets of double yellow lines generally counts as a physical separation for this purpose. If you are unsure, reduce speed and prepare to stop.
Camera programs and school safety zones near campuses
Texas districts are expanding camera-assisted enforcement and safety campaigns. Passing a bus with red lights is among the costliest errors a driver can make.
Penalty ranges and driver record notes
Fines, court costs, and surcharge consequences vary by county. Expect insurance consequences after any conviction tied to a vulnerable-road-user violation.
Texas work-zone rules & temporary traffic control (2025 notes)
In construction zones, the safest rule of thumb is simple: the flagger wins. A human or a temporary signal can override usual lane markings and even typical right-of-way. Follow the cones, channelizers, and tapers as if they were permanent stripes. Texas often doubles fines for work-zone violations when workers are present.
Flagger instructions override lane markings & signals
Hand signals, STOP/SLOW paddles, and pilot cars form a temporary legal system. Yield immediately and expect uneven surfaces and narrow lanes.
Speed reductions, doubled fines, and buffer-space etiquette
If cones narrow a lane, leave extra space for large trucks. Protect the buffer space between traffic and workers—do not stop inside it to check your phone or maps.
Following TTC devices (cones, tapers, channelizers)
Look for pattern changes: a leftward taper may mean your usual turn bay is closed. Do not cross fresh paint or soft thermoplastic.
Nighttime work—headlight glare and peripheral hazards
Glare reduces depth perception; slow down and scan mirror edges for workers stepping out from equipment.
