Laws & Highway Info
Highway Information
The winding roads and wide-open spaces of Texas are calling. Here are a few quick day trips that will satisfy even the most adventurous spirit. So hop in the car, grab the wheel, and get ready for the unforgettable people and places you can discover on your own.
Here is all of the information you'll need about the Texas highway system! Get friendly tips about Texas roadways, find out driving distances between major cities before you get your trip underway, and familiarize yourself with some of Texas' driving laws. You can also get names and numbers of helpful people who will make your trip more enjoyable.
Travelers may also call 1-800-452-9292 Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. CST for travel information, professional trip planning assistance and emergency road condition information.
Mileage Finder
Texas is the largest of the continental United States. Need to know how far you'll be traveling from city to city? Click on the "From" and "To" boxes. A list of cities will appear. Choose a starting point and destination and the driving distance will be calculated for you. (Javascript is required.)
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Travel Information Centers
The Texas Department of Transportation operates travel information centers for the convenience of the traveling public. Uniformed, professional travel counselors welcome visitors and provide a wealth of free literature, information, and suggestions to make every Texas trip more pleasant.
Working with the Texas Official Travel Map, counselors expertly chart routes to any area of Texas. They point out the most convenient short-line directions, or leisurely scenic drives to your destination. They supply comprehensive statewide travel publications, plus detailed brochures about points of interest, attractions, and recreational areas along the way. All of those services are free. The centers are open 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily and from 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. The Capitol Visitor Center hours are 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Mon¬day through Saturday and noon –5 p.m. Sunday year-round. All centers are closed on New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve day, Christmas Day and Easter.
Travelers may receive road condition information by visiting our Web site at www.txdot.gov or by calling 800/452-9292 for 24-hour automated road condition information and seasonal reports on locations of scenic spring wildflowers and fall foliage.Travelers may also call daily from 8 a.m.–6 p.m. central time, to speak to a professional travel counselor for travel information and trip planning assistance. (TDD for the deaf 800/687-5288.)
| Amarillo |
I-40 (from Oklahoma & New Mexico) |
| Anthony |
I-10 (from New Mexico) |
| Austin |
Capitol Visitor Center |
| Denison |
U.S. 69/75 (from Oklahoma) |
| Gainesville |
U.S. 77, I-35 (from Oklahoma) |
| Langtry |
U.S. 90, Loop 25 |
| Laredo |
I-35 & U.S. 83 |
| Orange |
I-10 (from Louisiana) |
| Texarkana |
I-30 (from Arkansas) |
| Valley |
U.S. 77 & U.S. 83 in Harlingen |
| Waskom |
I-20 (from Louisiana) |
| Wichita Falls |
I-44/U.S. 287, Exit 1C (from Oklahoma) |
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Highway Rest Areas
Throughout the superb system of Texas highways, motorists find bonuses of travel pleasure in highway rest areas. Texas pioneered the concept of miniature parks along travelways - an idea that has been adopted nationally.
Today, more than a thousand Texas rest areas, picnic areas and scenic turn¬outs invite motorists to pause and relax from the concentration of driving. Often the site has been selected for its impressive landscape views, and each of the small parks is landscaped to complement its individual surroundings. All are equipped with shaded arbors, tables, benches and cooking grills. Remaining in a rest area for more than 24 hours or erecting any kind of structure is prohibited by law.
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Wireless Internet Service (Wi-Fi) Access
Wi-Fi is available at all Texas Safety Rest Areas and Travel Informa¬tion Centers. Stop by and connect to www.textreks.com.
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Speed Limits
In Texas, the maximum speed limit for cars and light trucks (pickups, panels, vans, etc.) is 70 mph daytime, 65 mph nighttime, on all numbered highways in rural areas. Lower speed limits are posted on many Texas highways to account for their individual operating characteristics. Speed limits on urban freeways typically range from 55 mph to 70 mph. In certain counties with low population density, the maximum speed limit can be 80 mph, but only where 80 mph signs have been posted.
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Toll Roads
Using toll roads can provide quick and convenient travel through and around several of Texas' metropolitan areas. When traveling these fee-based routes, please pay close attention to signs because payment options vary.
Some toll roads feature cash or staffed lanes and electronic toll collection, but drivers should be aware several toll roads use a cashless system. On these roads, if the vehicle does not contain a valid tag, a photo is taken of the vehicle’s license plate and a bill is mailed to the address associated with that plate. This bill may contain an administrative or statement fee, plus the toll. Travelers renting cars in Texas should check with their rental company regarding how these fees are handled.
Failure to properly pay a toll may result in additional administrative fees as well as the toll charges. Remember, there are alternative roads for drivers who prefer not to pay a toll.
To learn more about toll roads in Texas, visit www.texastollways.com.
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Traffic Signs
Speeds, caution areas, stops and directions are marked along the more than 79,000 miles of Texas highways by more than half a million signs. Passing is illegal when there is a continuous yellow stripe on the driver’s side of the center line. Center lines are yellow dash stripes. White dash stripes separate dual lanes of traffic in the same direction. Painted or reflectorized pavement arrows often show ap¬proved directions or turns. Arrows pointing toward you or red reflectors showing indicate you are driving the wrong way on a freeway ramp or one-way street.
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Auto Safety Belts and Child Seats
All people in a passenger vehicle, regardless of age or seating position, are required to wear a seat belt. Children up to 8 years old, unless taller than 4 feet 9 inches, must ride in child safety seats. Fines may be levied for failure to use safety belts and child safety seats.
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Auto Insurance
A motor vehicle may not be operated in Texas unless a policy of liability insurance is in effect. Evidence of insurance must be furnished when requested by a police officer.
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Airport Information
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Amtrak Information
Amtrak, the nation's passenger train service, offers three lines that run through Texas. For more information on additional stops, prices or reservations, call 800/USA-RAIL or visit www.amtrak.com.
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Bus Lines
Arrow Trailways of Texas (www.arrowtrailways.com), Greyhound Bus Lines (www.greyhound.com), Kerrville Bus Co. (www.iridekbc.com) and Valley Transit Co. (www.valleytransitcompany.com) have scheduled service to and within the state.
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Mexico
Colorful and fascinating shops and marketplaces, friendly and gracious people, and exciting attractions beckon travelers to cross the border into Mexico.
A stop at any Texas border city's chamber of commerce, convention and visitors bureau or a Texas Travel Information Center can provide useful information to first-timers crossing into Mexico.
Entrance and Exit - In most cases, a visa or tourist permit is not needed to enter Mexico. Depending on their country of citizenship, length of stay in Mexico and plans to travel outside of the 26 mile border area, visitors may need to present a valid passport or proof of citizenship and fill out an immigration form for tourists at the point of entry. More information can be obtained from a Mexican consulate or at www.aduanas.gob.mx. For information about visiting Mexico, call 800/44-MEXICO or visit www.visitmexico.com.
Air Travel: Anyone traveling by air and entering or re-entering the United States must present a passport.
Land or Sea Travel: The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative requires that all U.S. citizens traveling by land or sea must have a passport, passport card, enhanced driver’s license, or “trusted traveler card” such as NEXUS, SENTRI or FAST. Canadian must show a Canadian passport, enhanced driver’s license/enhanced identification card or a “trusted traveler card.” Mexican citizens must present a passport with a nonimmigrant visa or a laser visa Border Crossing Card to cross the U.S. border. For the latest information about what documentation is needed to enter or re-enter the United States, visit www.getyouhome.gov.
Driving beyond the border zone requires a permit. To acquire a permit, the owner of the vehicle should drive to a Mexican customs office at the border and present the required documentation for the car and the driver. Make sure you are properly insured to drive in Mexico.
Before going, learn as much as possible about Mexico and use common sense during the trip. Visit the U.S. Department of State, www.travel.state.gov to see Travel Alerts and Tips for Traveling Abroad.
WARNING: Possession/importation of any type of firearm, weapon or ammunition is a felony in Mexico without advance written authorization from the Mexican Embassy in Washington, D.C., or from a Mexican Consulate in the United States. It does not matter if you are licensed to carry the weapon in the United States, are a law enforcement or military official, or unintentionally transport it. Mexico has severe penalties for this offense, which is punishable by stiff fines, confiscation of the weapon, jail time and more. Ignorance of the law cannot be used as a defense. Even a few shotgun shells in the trunk can cause a big problem. Some cities, such as Nuevo Laredo, also have ordinances prohibiting the possession of knives of any kind or anything that might be considered a knife.
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