The Wright Firm's Weblog

Back to School Zones!

Parents across the Dallas – Ft. Worth area sent their kids back to school on Monday.  The parents and students (for very different reasons) have been counting down the days for a while now.  However, for some of us, the first alert we get that school is back in session is a flashing light on that “School Zone” sign on our morning commute.  Parent, student or otherwise, better heed those school zone signs!

Everyone (hopefully) knows that you have to obey the speed limit in a school zone when that zone is in effect.  However, there is still some confusion surrounding  the rules about using a cell phone while in a school zone.  The Texas Transportation Code says that a driver may not use a wireless communication device (cell phone) within a school zone unless the car is stopped or the communication device is being used “hands-free”.  (See Tex. Trans. Code §545.425)  The phrase “wireless communication device” most commonly refers to cell phones, but can include potentially any device that uses a wireless carrier.  So, it’s possible that your 3G/4G capable iPods, iPads and e-readers are included (but let’s hope you aren’t reading while you drive anyway).

You should also check on the city laws in your area about school zones and cell phone use.  For example the city of Austin, TX, has banned texting while driving – whether in a school zone or not.  Best rule of thumb?  Keep your eyes on the road, your hands on the wheel, and just call that person back later.

The Wright Firm wishes everyone a safe and happy school year!  For more information on Texas traffic laws contact The Wright Firm at (972) 353-4600 or check us out on the web at www.thewrightlawyers.com. 

 

Texas Graduated Driver's License: So when can I begin to drive in Texas?

In the State of Texas you are allowed to begin driving at the age of 15 years old with an instructional permit.  You must be in your car accompanied with a licensed driver who is at least 21 years of age and has at least one year of experience driving. (Texas Department of Public Safety)   Texas has also instituted a phase one and phase two of the Texas Graduated Driver’s License which was implemented by the Legislature in 2002.  These phases provide for different requirements in order for drivers between the ages of 15 and 18 years old to maintain and keep in good standing their current license as well as to finally receive a full license instead of the provisional license. The requirements begin when a child is 15 years old and reflect the number of months and types of classes that a child must have in order to reach phase 2 of the Graduated Driver’s License stage.  The Graduated License Phases are explained as follows and as stated in the Texas Driver’s Handbook, issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety, 2008 (pages1-2 and1-3).  If you have any questions or concerns regarding your license please contact the lawyers at the Wright Firm, www.thewrightlawyers.com.

 

 

GRADUATED DRIVER LICENSE: The Texas Graduated Driver License (GDL)

Program was implemented January 1, 2002.

Phase One: Applicants under age 18 must hold an instruction permit or

hardship license for a minimum of six months prior to issuance of a provisional

Class A, B, or C driver license. Under the GDL program, there is

no minimum time that a person must hold a restricted motorcycle or

moped license before they can apply for a Class M license. Phase one

does not apply to Class M or hardship license holders. The instruction

permit must remain valid during the mandatory six-month period to meet

this regulation.

Phase Two: Phase Two restricts the driving privileges of persons under

18 years of age during the six-month period following the issuance of an

original Class A, B, or C driver license (Provisional License). These persons

may not operate a motor vehicle with more than one passenger in

the vehicle under the age of 21 who is not a family member. In addition,

they may not operate a motor vehicle between midnight and 5:00 a.m.

unless the operation of the vehicle is necessary for the operator to attend

or participate in employment or a school-related activity or because of a

medical emergency. The license restriction will state, “TRC 545.424

applies until mm/dd/yy”.

Applicants 15 years of age presenting an out-of-state instruction permit

will be issued a Texas instruction permit which must be held for six

months from the date of issuance before becoming eligible for Phase

Two.

Applicants at least 16 years of age and less than 18 years old who present

a valid out-of-state instruction permit or out-of-state driver license will

be issued a Phase Two provisional GDL with passenger and time restrictions

for the first six months of operation of a motor vehicle in Texas.

 

If you have questions about Texas driving laws or any other Texas criminal law contact The Wright Firm, L.L.P. at 972-353-4600 or visit our website at www.thewrightlawyers.com.  

This Site is a public resource for general information about The Wright Firm, L.L.P. and Texas Law.  Nothing in this Site should be construed by you as a source of legal advice. You should not rely or act upon the contents of this Site without seeking advice from your own attorney. Use and access to this Site or any materials or information provided on this Site does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and The Wright Firm, L.L.P. or any of its attorneys,  nor is this Site a substitute for legal advice. Any information submitted by you by The Wright Firm, L.L.P. or its attorneys via this Site, an email, or any form of social media communication will not be considered an attorney-client communication or otherwise be treated as confidential or privileged in the absence of an executed Engagement Agreement between you and The Wright Firm, L.L.P. or its attorneys.