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SUBCHAPTER H. SPEED RESTRICTIONS § 545.351. MAXIMUM SPEED REQUIREMENT.
(a) An operator may not drive at a speed greater than is reasonable and prudent under the circumstances then existing. (b)
An operator:
(1) may not drive a vehicle at a speed greater than is reasonable and prudent under the conditions and having regard
for actual and potential hazards then existing; and (2) shall control the speed of the vehicle as necessary
to avoid colliding with another person or vehicle that is on or entering the highway in compliance with law and the duty of
each person to use due care. (c) An operator shall, consistent with Subsections (a) and (b), drive at an appropriate
reduced speed if: (1) the operator is approaching and crossing an intersection or railroad grade crossing; (2)
the operator is approaching and going around a curve;
(3) the operator is approaching a hill crest;
(4) the operator is traveling on a narrow or winding roadway; and
(5) a special hazard exists with regard to traffic, including pedestrians, or weather or highway conditions. Acts
1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 165, § 30.109, eff. Sept. 1,
1997. § 545.352. PRIMA FACIE SPEED LIMITS.
(a) A speed in excess of the limits established by Subsection (b) or under another provision of this subchapter
is prima facie evidence that the speed
is not reasonable and prudent and that the speed is unlawful.
Text of subsec. (b) as amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 663, § 2 and Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 739, § 1
(b) Unless a special hazard exists that requires a slower speed for compliance with Section 545.351(b), the
following speeds are lawful:
(1) 30 miles per hour in an urban district on a street
other than an alley and 15
miles per hour in an alley;
(2) 70 miles per hour in daytime and 65 miles per hour in nighttime if the vehicle is
a passenger car, motorcycle, passenger car or light truck towing a trailer bearing a vessel, as defined by Section 31.003,
Parks and Wildlife Code, that is less than 26 feet in length, passenger car or light truck towing a
trailer or semitrailer
used primarily to transport a motorcycle, or passenger car or light truck towing a trailer or semitrailer designed and used
primarily to transport dogs or livestock, on a highway numbered by this state or the United States outside an urban
district,
including a farm-to-market or ranch-to-market road;
(3) 60 miles per hour in daytime and 55 miles per hour in nighttime
if the vehicle is a passenger car or motorcycle on a highway that is outside an urban district and not a highway numbered
by this state or the United States;
(4) 60 miles per hour outside an urban district if a
speed limit for the
vehicle is not otherwise specified by this section; or
(5) outside an urban district:
(A) 60 miles per hour if the vehicle is a school
bus that has passed a commercial motor vehicle inspection under
Section 548.201 and is on a highway numbered by the United States or this state, including a farm-to-market road;
(B)
50 miles per hour if the vehicle is a school
bus that:
(i) has not passed a commercial motor vehicle inspection under Section 548.201; or
(ii) is traveling
on a highway not numbered
by the United States or this state; or
(C) 60 miles per hour in daytime and 55
miles per
hour in nighttime if the vehicle is a truck, other than a light truck, or if the vehicle is a truck tractor,
trailer, or semitrailer, or a vehicle towing a trailer other than a trailer described by Subdivision (2), semitrailer, another
motor vehicle or towable recreational vehicle.
Text of subsec. (b) as amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 663, § 2 and Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1346, § 1
(b) Unless a special hazard exists that requires a slower speed for compliance with Section 545.351(b), the
following speeds are lawful: (1) 30 miles per hour in an urban district on a street other than an alley and 15
miles per hour in an alley; (2) 70 miles per hour in daytime and 65 miles per hour in nighttime if the vehicle is
on a highway numbered by this state or the United States outside an urban district, including a farm-to-market or ranch-to-market
road, except as provided by Subdivision (4); (3) 60 miles per hour in daytime and 55 miles per hour in nighttime
if the vehicle is on a highway that is outside an urban district and not a highway numbered by this state or the United States; (4)
outside an urban district:
(A) 60 miles per hour if the vehicle is a school bus that has passed a commercial motor vehicle inspection under
Section 548.201 and is on a highway numbered by the United States or this state, including a farm-to-market road; (B)
50 miles per hour if the vehicle is a school bus that:
(i) has not passed a commercial motor vehicle inspection under Section 548.201; or (ii) is traveling
on a highway not numbered by the United States or this state; or (C) 60 miles per hour in daytime and 55
miles per hour in nighttime if: (i) the vehicle is a truck, other than a light truck, or if
the vehicle is a truck tractor, trailer, or semitrailer; and (ii) the vehicle is on a farm-to-market or
ranch-to-market road; (5) on a beach, 15 miles per hour;
or
(6) on a county road adjacent to a public beach, 15 miles per hour, if declared by the commissioners court of
the county. (c) The speed limits for a bus or other vehicle engaged in the business of transporting passengers for
compensation or hire, for a commercial vehicle used as a highway post office vehicle for highway post office service in
the transportation of United States mail, for a light truck, and for a school activity bus are the same as required for a
passenger car at the same time and location. (d) In this section:
(1) "Interstate highway" means a segment of the national system of interstate and defense highways that is: (A)
located in this state;
(B) officially designated by the Texas Transportation Commission; and (C)
approved under Title 23, United States Code.
(2) "Light truck" means a truck with a manufacturer's rated carrying capacity of not more than 2,000 pounds,
including a pick-up truck, panel delivery truck, and carry-all truck. (3) "Urban district" means the territory adjacent
to and including a highway, if the territory is improved with structures that are used for business, industry, or dwelling
houses and are located at intervals of less than 100 feet for a distance of at least one-quarter mile on either side of the
highway. Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 165, §
30.110(a), eff. Sept. 1, 1997; Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1020, § 2, eff. Sept. 1, 1997; Acts 1999, 76th Leg.,
ch. 663, § 2, eff. June 18, 1999; Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 739, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999; Acts 1999, 76th
Leg., ch. 1346, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999. § 545.353. AUTHORITY OF TEXAS TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION TO ALTER SPEED LIMITS.
(a) If the Texas Transportation Commission determines from the results of an engineering and traffic investigation
that a prima facie speed limit in this subchapter is unreasonable or unsafe on a part of the highway system, the commission,
by order recorded in its minutes, and except as provided in Subsection (d), may determine and declare: (1) a
reasonable and safe prima facie speed limit; and
(2) another reasonable and safe speed because of wet or inclement weather. (b) In determining whether
a prima facie speed limit on a part of the highway system is reasonable and safe, the commission shall consider the width
and condition of the pavement, the usual traffic at the affected area, and other circumstances. (c) A prima facie
speed limit that is declared by the commission under this section is effective when the commission erects signs giving
notice of the new limit. A new limit that is enacted for a highway under this section is effective at all times or at
other times as determined. (d) Except as provided by Subsection (h), the commission may not:
(1) modify the rules established by Section 545.351(b);
(2) establish a speed limit of more than 70 miles per hour; or
(3) increase the speed limit for a vehicle described by Section 545.352(b)(5). (e) The commission,
in conducting the engineering and traffic investigation specified by Subsection (a), shall follow the "Procedure for Establishing
Speed Zones" as adopted by the commission. The commission may revise the procedure to accommodate technological advancement
in traffic operation, the design and construction of highways and motor vehicles, and the safety of the motoring public. (f)
The commission's authority to alter speed limits applies:
(1) to any part of a highway officially designated or marked by the commission as part of the state highway
system; and (2) both inside and outside the limits of a municipality, including a home-rule municipality,
for a limited-access or controlled-access highway. (g) For purposes of this section, "wet or inclement weather"
means a condition of the roadway that makes driving on the roadway unsafe and hazardous and that is caused by precipitation,
including water, ice, and snow. (h) Notwithstanding Section 545.352(b), the commission may establish a speed limit
of 75 miles per hour in daytime on a part of the highway system if: (1) the commission determines that 75 miles per
hour in daytime is a reasonable and safe speed for that part of the highway system; and (2) that part of the
highway is located in a county with a population density of less than 10 persons per square mile. (i) The speed
limit authorized by Subsection (h) does not apply to: (1) trucks,
other than light trucks and light trucks pulling a trailer; and (2) truck tractors, trailers, and semitrailers.
(j) The commission may not determine or declare, or agree to determine or declare, a prima facie speed limit for
environmental purposes on a part of the highway system. Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 165, § 30.111, eff. Sept. 1, 1997; Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1518, § 1, eff. June
15, 2001; Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1331, § 25, eff. June 20, 2003. § 545.3531. AUTHORITY OF TEXAS TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION TO ESTABLISH SPEED LIMITS ON TRANS-TEXAS CORRIDOR.
(a) Notwithstanding Section 545.352, the Texas Transportation Commission, by order recorded in its minutes
and except as provided by Subsection (d), may determine and declare on a highway segment of the Trans-Texas Corridor designated
under Chapter 227 a reasonable and safe prima facie speed limit in excess of a prima facie speed limit established by
Section 545.352. (b) In determining whether a prima facie speed limit is reasonable and safe, the commission shall
conduct an engineering and traffic investigation and shall consider the width and condition of the pavement, the usual traffic
on the highway segment, the suitability of existing safety features, and other circumstances. (c) A prima facie
speed limit that is declared by the commission under this section is effective when the department erects signs giving
notice of the new limit. A new limit that is enacted under this section is effective at all times or at other times
as determined. (d) The commission may not:
(1) modify the rules established by Section 545.351(b); or
(2) establish a speed limit of more than 85 miles per hour.
(e) The commission, in conducting the engineering and traffic investigation specified by Subsection (b), shall follow
the "Procedures for Establishing Speed Zones" as adopted by the commission. Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1325,
§ 1.02, eff. June 21, 2003. § 545.3535. AUTHORITY OF TEXAS TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION TO ALTER SPEED LIMITS ON CERTAIN ROADS.
(a) The commissioners court of a county by resolution may request the Texas Transportation Commission to determine
and declare a reasonable and safe prima facie speed limit that is lower than a speed limit established by Section 545.352
on any part of a farm-to-market or a ranch-to-market road of the highway system that is located in that county and is
without improved shoulders. (b) The commission shall give consideration to local public opinion and may determine
and declare a lower speed limit on any part of the road without an engineering and traffic investigation, but the commission
must use sound and generally accepted traffic engineering practices in determining and declaring the lower speed limit. (c)
The commission by rule shall establish standards for determining lower speed limits within a set range. Added by Acts
1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1171, § 1.45, eff. Sept. 1, 1997. Amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1346, § 2, eff. Sept. 1,
1999. § 545.354. AUTHORITY OF REGIONAL TOLLWAY AUTHORITIES TO ALTER SPEED LIMITS ON TURNPIKE PROJECTS.
(a)(1) In this section, "authority" means a regional tollway authority governed by Chapter 366. (2) If an authority
determines from the results of an engineering and traffic investigation that a prima facie speed limit described in this
subchapter is unreasonable or unsafe on a part of a turnpike constructed and maintained by the authority, the authority
by order recorded in its minutes shall determine and declare a reasonable and safe prima facie speed limit for vehicles or
classes of vehicles on the turnpike. (b) In determining whether a prima facie speed limit on a part of a turnpike
constructed and maintained by the authority is reasonable or safe, the authority shall consider the width and condition of
the pavement, the usual traffic on the turnpike, and other circumstances. (c) A prima facie speed limit that is declared
by the authority in accordance with this section is effective when the authority erects signs giving notice of the new
limit. A new limit that is adopted for a turnpike project constructed and maintained by the authority in accordance
with this section is effective at all times or at other times as determined. (d) The authority's power to alter
prima facie speed limits is effective and exclusive on any part of a turnpike project constructed and maintained by the authority
inside and outside the limits of a municipality, including a home-rule municipality. (e) The authority may
not:
(1) alter the general rule established by Section 545.351(a); or
(2) establish a speed limit of more than 70 miles per hour.
(f) The authority, in conducting the engineering and traffic investigation specified by Subsection (a), shall
follow the procedure for establishing speed zones adopted by the Texas Department of Transportation. Acts 1995, 74th
Leg., ch. 165, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 576, § 3, eff. Sept. 1, 1999; Acts
2001, 77th Leg., ch. 920, § 18, eff. June 14, 2001; Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 312, § 74, 75, eff. June 18, 2003;
Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1325, § 15.71, 15.72, eff. June 21, 2003. § 545.355. AUTHORITY OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COURT TO ALTER SPEED LIMITS.
(a) The commissioners court of a county, for a county road or highway outside the limits of the right-of-way
of an officially designated or marked highway or road of the state highway system and outside a municipality, has the same
authority to increase prima facie speed limits from the results of an engineering and traffic investigation as the Texas
Transportation Commission on an officially designated or marked highway of the state highway system. (b) The commissioners
court of a county may declare a lower speed limit of not less than: (1) 30 miles per hour on a county road or highway
to which this section applies, if the commissioners court determines that the prima facie speed limit on the road or highway
is unreasonable or unsafe; or (2) 20 miles per hour in a residence district, unless the roadway has been
designated as a major thoroughfare by a city planning commission. (c) The commissioners court may not modify the
rule established by Section 545.351(a) or establish a speed limit of more than 60 miles per hour. (d) The commissioners
court may modify a prima facie speed limit in accordance with this section only by an order entered on its records. (e)
The commissioners court of a county with a population of more than 2.8 million may establish from the results of an engineering
and traffic investigation a speed limit of not more than 70 miles per hour on any part of a highway of that county that is
a limited-access or controlled-access highway, regardless of the location of the part of the highway. Acts 1995, 74th
Leg., ch. 165, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 58, § 1, eff. May 9, 1997; Acts 1997,
75th Leg., ch. 833, § 1, eff. June 18, 1997; Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 852, § 1, eff. June 20, 2003. § 545.356. AUTHORITY OF MUNICIPALITY TO ALTER SPEED LIMITS.
(a) The governing body of a municipality, for a highway or part of a highway in the municipality, including a highway
of the state highway system, has the same authority to alter by ordinance prima facie speed limits from the results of an
engineering and traffic investigation as the Texas Transportation Commission on an officially designated or marked highway
of the state highway system. The governing body of a municipality may not modify the rule established by Section 545.351(a)
or establish a speed limit of more than 60 miles per hour. (b) The governing body of a municipality, for a highway
or part of a highway in the municipality, including a highway of the state highway system, has the same authority to alter
prima facie speed limits from the results of an engineering and traffic investigation as the commission for an officially
designated or marked highway of the state highway system, when the highway or part of the highway is under repair, construction,
or maintenance. A municipality may not modify the rule established by Section 545.351(a) or establish a speed limit
of more than 60 miles per hour. (c) A prima facie speed limit that is altered by the governing body of a municipality
under Subsection (b) is effective when the governing body erects signs giving notice of the new limit and at all times or
at other times as determined. Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
§ 545.357. PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER SPEED LIMITS WHERE CERTAIN SCHOOLS ARE LOCATED.
(a) The governing body of a municipality in which a public or private elementary or secondary school or an institution
of higher education as defined by Section 61.003(8) or (15), Education Code, is located shall on request hold a public hearing
at least once each calendar year to consider prima facie speed limits on a highway in the municipality, including a highway
of the state highway system, near the school or institution of higher education. (b) If a county road outside the
state highway system is located within 500 feet of a public or private elementary or secondary school or an institution of
higher education that is not in a municipality, the commissioners court of the county on request shall hold a public hearing
at least once each calendar year to consider the prima facie speed limit on the road near the school or institution of higher
education. (c) A municipal governing body or commissioners court on request may hold one public hearing for all public
and private elementary and secondary schools and institutions of higher education in its jurisdiction. (d) The Texas
Transportation Commission, on request, shall hold a public hearing at least once each calendar year to consider prima facie
speed limits on highways in the state highway system that are near public or private elementary or secondary schools or institutions
of higher education. Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg.,
ch. 350, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1997. § 545.358. AUTHORITY OF COMMANDING OFFICER OF UNITED STATES MILITARY RESERVATION TO ALTER SPEED LIMITS.
The commanding officer of a United States military reservation, for a highway or part of a highway in the military reservation,
including a highway of the state highway system, has the same authority by order to alter prima facie speed limits from
the results of an engineering and traffic investigation as the Texas Transportation Commission for an officially designated
or marked highway of the state highway system. A commanding officer may not modify the rule established by Section
545.351(a) or establish a speed limit of more than 60 miles per hour. Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, § 1, eff. Sept.
1, 1995.
§ 545.359. CONFLICTING DESIGNATED SPEED LIMITS.
An order of the Texas Transportation Commission declaring a speed limit on a part of a designated or marked route of
the state highway system made under Section 545.353 or 545.362 supersedes any conflicting designated speed established
under Sections 545.356 and 545.358. Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
§ 545.360. DUTY OF TEXAS TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION AND STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION TO PROVIDE INFORMATION AND ASSISTANCE.
The chairman of the Texas Transportation Commission and the chairman of the State Board of Education shall provide assistance
and information relevant to consideration of speed limits to commissioners courts, municipal governing bodies, and other interested
persons. Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
§ 545.361. SPECIAL SPEED LIMITATIONS.
(a) An operator of a motor-driven cycle may not drive at a speed of more than 35 miles per hour during the time
specified by Section 547.302(a) unless the cycle is equipped with a headlamp or lamps that reveal a person or vehicle
300 feet ahead. (b) An operator of a vehicle equipped with solid rubber or cushion tires may not drive at a speed
of more than 10 miles per hour. (c) An operator driving over a bridge or other elevated structure that is a part
of a highway may not drive at a speed of more than the maximum speed that can be maintained with safety to the bridge
or structure, when signs are posted as provided by this section. (d) An operator of self-propelled machinery designed
or adapted for applying plant food materials or agricultural chemicals and not designed or adapted for the sole purpose of
transporting the materials or chemicals may not drive at a speed of more than 30 miles per hour unless the machinery is
registered under Chapter 502. (e) The Texas Transportation Commission, for a state highway, the Texas Turnpike
Authority, for any part of a turnpike constructed and maintained by the authority, and a local authority for a highway under
the jurisdiction of the local authority, may investigate a bridge or other elevated structure that is a part of a highway.
If after conducting the investigation the commission, turnpike authority, or local authority finds that the structure cannot
safely withstand vehicles traveling at a speed otherwise permissible under this subtitle, the commission, turnpike authority,
or local authority shall: (1) determine and declare the maximum speed of vehicles that the structure can safely
withstand; and (2) post and maintain signs before each end of the structure stating the maximum speed. Acts
1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
§ 545.362. TEMPORARY SPEED LIMITS.
(a) Subject to Subsection (c), the Texas Transportation Commission may enter an order establishing prima facie
speed limits of not more than 70 miles per hour applicable to all highways, including a turnpike under the authority of the
Texas Turnpike Authority or a highway under the control of a municipality or county. An order entered under this section
does not have the effect of increasing a speed limit on any highway. (b) The limits established under this section:
(1) are prima facie prudent and reasonable speed limits enforceable in the same manner as prima facie limits
established under other provisions of this subchapter; and (2) supersede any other established speed limit
that would permit a person to operate a motor vehicle at a higher rate of speed. (c) An order may be issued under
Subsection (a) only if the commission finds and states in the order that: (1) a severe shortage of motor fuel or
other petroleum product exists, the shortage was caused by war, national emergency, or other circumstances, and a reduction
of speed limits will foster conservation and safety; or (2) the failure to alter state speed limits will prevent
the state from receiving money from the United States for highway purposes. (d) Unless a specific speed limit is
required by federal law or directive under threat of loss of highway money of the United States, the commission may not set
prima facie speed limits under this section of all vehicles at less than 60 miles per hour, except on a divided highway
of at least four lanes, for which the commission may not set prima facie speed limits of all vehicles at less than 65 miles
per hour. (e) Before the commission may enter an order establishing a prima facie speed limit, it must hold a public
hearing preceded by the publication in at least three newspapers of general circulation in the state of a notice of the date,
time, and place of the hearing and of the action proposed to be taken. The notice must be published at least 12
days before the date of the hearing. At the hearing, all interested persons may present oral or written testimony regarding
the proposed order. (f) If the commission enters an order under this section, it shall file the order in the office
of the governor. The governor shall then make an independent finding of fact and determine the existence of the
facts in Subsection (c). Before the 13th day after the date the order is filed in the governor's office, the governor
shall conclude the finding of fact, issue a proclamation stating whether the necessary facts exist to support the issuance
of the commission's order, and file copies of the order and the proclamation in the office of the secretary of state. (g)
If the governor's proclamation states that the facts necessary to support the issuance of the commission's order exist, the
order takes effect according to Subsection (h). Otherwise, the order has no effect. (h) In an order issued
under this section, the commission may specify the date the order takes effect, but that date may not be sooner than the eighth
day after the date the order is filed with the governor. If the order does not have an effective date, it takes
effect on the 21st day after the date it is filed with the governor. Unless the order by its own terms expires earlier,
it remains in effect until a subsequent order adopted by the procedure prescribed by this section amends or repeals it,
except that an order adopted under this section expires when this section expires. The procedure for repealing an order
is the same as for adopting an order, except that the commission and the governor must find that the facts required to
support the issuance of an order under Subsection (c) no longer exist. (i) If an order is adopted in accordance with
this section, the commission and all governmental authorities responsible for the maintenance of highway speed limit signs
shall take appropriate action to conceal or remove all signs that give notice of a speed limit of more than the one contained
in the order and to erect appropriate signs. All governmental entities responsible for administering traffic safety
programs and enforcing traffic laws shall use all available resources to notify the public of the effect of the order.
To accomplish this purpose, the governmental entities shall request the cooperation of all news media in the state. (j)
A change in speed limits under this section is effective until the commission makes a finding that the conditions in Subsection
(c) require or authorize an additional change in those speed limits or in the highway or sections of highway to which those
speed limits apply. (k) This section expires when the national maximum speed limits are repealed. Acts
1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
§ 545.3625. CONFIDENTIALITY OF VIOLATION INFORMATION: FUEL CONSERVATION SPEED LIMIT.
(a) If a person violates a maximum prima facie speed limit imposed under Section 545.362, as that law existed immediately
before December 8, 1995, and the person was not traveling at a speed, as alleged in the citation, if not contested by the
person, or, if contested by the person, as alleged in the complaint and found by the court, that is greater than the maximum
prima facie speed limit for the location that has been established under this chapter, other than under Section 545.362, information
in the custody of the department concerning the violation is confidential. (b) The department may not release
the information to any person or to another state governmental entity. Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 165, § 30.112(a),
eff. Sept. 1, 1997. § 545.363. MINIMUM SPEED REGULATIONS.
(a) An operator may not drive so slowly as to impede the normal and reasonable movement of traffic, except when
reduced speed is necessary for safe operation or in compliance with law. (b) When the Texas Transportation Commission,
the Texas Turnpike Authority, the commissioners court of a county, or the governing body of a municipality, within the jurisdiction
of each, as applicable, as specified in Sections 545.353 to 545.357, determines from the results of an engineering and traffic
investigation that slow speeds on a part of a highway consistently impede the normal and reasonable movement of traffic,
the commission, authority, county commissioners court, or governing body may determine and declare a minimum speed limit on
the highway. (c) If appropriate signs are erected giving notice of a minimum speed limit adopted under this section,
an operator may not drive a vehicle more slowly than that limit except as necessary for safe operation or in compliance with
law. Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
§ 545.365. SPEED LIMIT EXCEPTION FOR EMERGENCIES; MUNICIPAL REGULATION.
(a) The regulation of the speed of a vehicle under this subchapter does not apply to:
(1) an authorized
emergency vehicle responding to a call;
(2) a police patrol; or
(3) a physician or ambulance responding to an
emergency call.
(b) A municipality by ordinance may regulate the speed of:
(1) an ambulance;
(2) an emergency medical services vehicle; or
(3) an authorized vehicle operated by a blood or
tissue bank.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
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