When driving in Fort Worth, you may wonder about the legality of specific actions on the road. Whether it’s about the proper use of mobile devices while driving or the permissible limits for speed, understanding the local traffic laws can be crucial.
Navigating these questions keeps you safe and helps prevent unwanted encounters with the law.
Here, we will address some of drivers’ most common questions with insights from a Fort Worth auto accident attorney. At Patterson Law Group, we can also help answer any questions you have after an accident.
Using Mobile Devices While Driving
In Texas, using mobile devices while driving is subject to strict regulations to ensure road safety.
State law prohibits all drivers from sending electronic messages while their vehicle is in motion, including texting, emailing, and instant messaging.
Additionally, it is illegal for drivers under 18 to use handheld mobile devices while driving. Specific ordinances in Fort Worth ban handheld phones within school zones.
Failure to adhere to these laws can result in hefty fines and increase the risk of car accidents.
Exceptions and penalties
While the state laws are quite stringent, there are a few exceptions. Drivers can use their mobile devices for emergency communication, such as calling 911 or when their vehicle is legally parked.
GPS and music applications can be utilized, provided they are set up before driving and do not require manual interaction while operating the vehicle.
Penalties for violating these laws can vary, but generally, fines can range from $25 to $99 for the first offense and up to $200 for subsequent offenses. Repeat offenders may face increased scrutiny from law enforcement and be subject to higher penalties.
Speed Limits and Speeding Violations
In Fort Worth, speed limits are designed to promote safety for all road users, from drivers to pedestrians.
The general speed limit in residential areas is typically 30 miles per hour unless otherwise posted. On urban roads and through downtown Fort Worth, speed limits can range between 25 to 35 miles per hour.
Speed limits on highways and interstates passing through the city may be as high as 70 miles per hour. These limits are marked with road signs and enforced rigorously by local law enforcement.
Consequences of violating speed limits
Violating speed limits in Fort Worth can result in various consequences, ranging from monetary fines to more severe penalties.
For minor speeding offenses, drivers can expect fines ranging from $100 to $300, depending on how far above the speed limit they were driving. Serious violations, such as speeding in a school zone or exceeding the speed limit by 20 miles per hour or more, can result in higher fines, license points, and even potential jail time.
Speeding also increases the likelihood of vehicular accidents, which can lead to injury or property damage, further escalating legal consequences.
Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
In Texas, driving under the influence of alcohol is a serious offense regulated by strict blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limits. For drivers aged 21 and older, the legal BAC limit is set at 0.08%.
Commercial drivers are held to an even stricter standard, with a legal BAC limit of 0.04%. For drivers under the age of 21, Texas enforces a zero-tolerance policy, meaning any detectable amount of alcohol can result in a DUI charge.
These stringent limits aim to reduce impairment-related accidents and enhance road safety for all.
If you are involved in an accident with a drunk driver, you have rights. Our experienced Fort Worth auto accident attorney can help you protect those rights.
Penalties for DUI offenses
Penalties for DUI offenses in Texas can be severe and escalate with multiple convictions. A first-time DUI offense can result in fines of up to $2,000, jail time ranging from 3 to 180 days, and a driver’s license suspension for up to one year.
Subsequent offenses carry harsher penalties, including higher fines, extended jail time, and longer license suspensions. Additional consequences may include mandatory participation in alcohol education programs, community service, and installing an ignition interlock device.
DUI convictions also have long-term ramifications, such as increased insurance premiums and a permanent mark on one’s criminal record.
Right of Way Rules
In Fort Worth, right-of-way rules are essential for orderly and safe traffic flow, particularly at intersections and pedestrian crossings. At intersections with stop signs or traffic signals, the right of way is determined by the type of signal and the order of arrival.
Vehicles must yield to pedestrians at marked crosswalks and unmarked intersections if the pedestrian is on the driver’s side of the road or approaching closely from the opposite side. At four-way stops, the first vehicle to stop is the first to proceed, but if two vehicles arrive simultaneously, the vehicle on the right has the right of way.
Common misconceptions
Several common misconceptions regarding right-of-way rules can lead to dangerous situations on the road. One prevalent misunderstanding is that drivers always have the right of way over pedestrians.
In reality, pedestrians often have the right of way at crosswalks and intersections, regardless of traffic signals. Another misconception is that larger vehicles, such as trucks or buses, have the inherent right of way due to their size.
However, road rules and signals dictate the right of way, not vehicle size. Additionally, many drivers believe that merging onto a highway grants them the right of way over existing traffic, but merging vehicles must yield to highway traffic.
Ensuring Safety and Legal Awareness on Fort Worth Roads
Navigating the roads in Fort Worth responsibly requires adhering to legal DUI limits, understanding and respecting right-of-way rules, and being aware of the severe penalties for traffic violations.
These laws are designed to protect drivers, pedestrians, and other road users. Missteps can lead to significant legal consequences and lasting impacts on one’s driving record and personal life.
Therefore, staying informed and cautious is crucial. In any unfortunate event of an accident or legal complication, consulting with a knowledgeable Fort Worth auto accident attorney is essential to protect your rights and secure the best possible outcome.
At Patterson Law Group, we can help with your auto accident claim. Contact our office to schedule a risk-free consultation.
