The Wright Firm's Weblog

Up to Speed!

As of September 1, 2011, many state highways are getting an upgrade in speed limit.  The Texas legislature passed several new traffic-related laws in this legislative session, the speed limit increase being among the lot.  In some parts of the state, drivers will now be allowed to tear up the black top at as high as 85 miles per hour.  This blogger has not heard official word as to whether the new speed limit laws will have an effect on Dallas County’s (incredibly frustrating) 60 mph limits.

Detractors of the new speed limits cite the increase in cost of commute due to lower fuel efficiency at higher speeds, as well as a rise in gasoline consumption as the basis of their nay-saying.  The rest of us just can’t hear them over the sound of our engines revving.

Original article from the Dallas Morning News can be found here: http://www.dallasnews.com/news/transportation/20110828-speed-limits-rise-under-new-texas-traffic-laws.ece?action=reregister

For a discussion of potential pitfalls of the law see here: http://abcnews.go.com/Business/texas-moves-raise-speed-limit-85-mph/story?id=13319173

For information on Texas law contact The Wright Firm, L.L.P. at 972-353-4600 or visit our website at www.thewrightlawyers.com 

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.  

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