- Texas has clear moving violation laws.driving on highway image by jedphoto from Fotolia.com
Texas is the second largest state in the country in both area and population, and many vehicles drive within its borders. Texas has specific vehicle laws, which clearly outline moving violations, and penalties exist for those who violate them. - Texas has some of the strictest laws concerning driving while intoxicated (DWI) in the entire country. First offense convictions can include jail time, a fine not to exceed $2,000 and community service. Second offenses may result in a higher fine, longer jail time, suspension of your driver's license, community service and an air device attached to your car that requires a breath sample before firing the ignition. Third offenses become felonies, with fines, jail time, air devices and community service. Mandatory rehabilitation may be ordered as well. If there's a fourth offense, punishment is commonly two to 10 years in prison with no chance of probation.
- Texas has an open container law, which makes it illegal for there to be an open alcohol container of any kind in a moving vehicle, with the possible exceptions of the glove compartment or trunk. Violating the open container law is a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine not to exceed $500.
- Hit and run crimes are extremely serious violations in Texas. The penalties vary, depending on the circumstances. Damage to an occupied or unoccupied vehicle is a Class C misdemeanor if the damage is estimated at less than $200. It goes up to a Class B misdemeanor if the damage is more than $200, which can lead to six months in jail. If convicted of leaving the scene of an accident involving serious injury or death, the crime becomes a third-degree felony, which is punishable by two to 10 years in state prison.
- In Texas, coasting on a downgrade is considered a hazardous moving violation, which can result in the loss of two points on your Texas driving record, or up to three points if your coasting caused an accident.
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