Can You Get A Ticket for Driving The Speed Limit In Texas?

The question of whether you can get a ticket in Texas for doing the speed limit comes down to one issue. When you're in the passing lane, sometimes, even when doing the posted speed limit, you could be hindering traffic flow.

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Can this get you a ticket in Texas?

First, according to the Texas Transportation code, the state enforces a left-lane passing law for all vehicles, including large trucks. If you are in the left lane and you're not passing another car, technically, you are in violation of the law.

It can result in a $200 fine.

So, if you're in the left passing lane in Texas, and you are doing the speed limit and vehicles wishing to go faster are behind you, do you legally have to yield to the left lane? The answer is complicated. Drivers proceeding slower than the NORMAL SPEED OF TRAFFIC must drive in the right lane. The driver of an overtaken vehicle shall give the right of way in favor of the overtaking vehicle on an audible signal. (horn sounding)

Technically, even if doing the speed limit, you could get a ticket for being in the left lane and not passing.

There are exceptions for avoiding an obstruction, driving on a road with three lanes, or driving on a one-way road.

Only Tennessee has a "slowpoke" law for proper use of the passing lane. Slow drivers who do not yield to drivers moving faster than them, regardless of the speed limit, will face a misdemeanor charge or $500 if caught.

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Studies have shown that driving the speed limit in the left lane when it causes other drivers to switch lanes repeatedly is actually more dangerous than speeding. According to a Texas Trooper's response to this issue on Quora, officers would rather see traffic moving smoothly at a few miles over the speed limit than a bunch of frustrated drivers stuck behind someone doing the speed limit in the left lane.

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As always, there are those who say it's common sense. Sometimes, common sense is open to interpretation. Sometimes, it comes down to how a judge sees it.

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Filed Under: left lane, passing law, slowpoke law, Texas Code

Categories: News, Texas