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There
are three stages: a minimum supervised learner's
period, an intermediate license--once the driving test is
passed--that limits unsupervised driving in high risk
situations and a full-privilege driver's license
available after completion of the first two stages.
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety
and the Traffic Injury Research Foundation, in an optimal
system, the minimum age for a learner's permit is 16; the
learner stage lasts at least 6 months, during which
parents must certify at least 30-50 hours of supervised
driving; and the intermediate stage lasts until at least
age 18 and includes both a night driving restriction
starting at 9 or 10 p.m. and a strict teenage passenger
restriction allowing no teenage passengers, or no more
than one teenage passenger.
- Learner Duration and Hours Supervised Driving 6 mos. /none
- Learner Permit Min. Age 15
- Intermediate Nighttime and Unsupervised Driving Restriction
midnight to 5 a.m.
- Intermediate Minimum Age 16
- Intermediate Passenger Restrictions no more than 1 passes. Under
than 21, except family
- Full
License Minimum Age 16 yrs. 6 mos.
Speed
Limits
In Texas, the maximum speed limit for cars and light
trucks (pickups, panels, vans, etc.) is 70 miles per hour
(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.
Auto Safety Belts and Child Seats
Texas law requires front seat occupants must be buckled
up while riding in cars and light trucks. Further, the
law requires children under age four be secured whether
in front or back seat. Infants under age two must be
secured in a federally approved child safety seat;
children between two and four may use such a seat or be
secured in standard safety belts. Fines of $25 to $50 may
be levied for failure to use safety belts and child
safety seats as prescribed. The driver and all passengers
of a motorcycle may not operate the vehicle unless each
is wearing a safety helmet of approved design
Impaired Driving Laws
Illegal if % 0.08 of Alcohol in drivers blood
Other offenses:
Vehicle Confiscation, Mandatory Ignition Interlock for
not having Vehicle and License Plate Sanctions
Admin. License Suspension for First Offense is 90 days
Cancellations
The Department of Public Safety is authorized by Texas
driving law to cancel the license of individuals who do
not meet certain qualifications. Under Texas driving law,
the following types of cases require cancellation of a
driver's license:
- suspension/revocation action from another state
- parental authorization withdrawn (for individuals under 18 years
of age)
- incomplete driver education
- voluntary surrender for medical or insurance purposes
- false
statement on application
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