Car Seat Law Tx

Car Seat Law Tx

Understanding The Law In Tx And Driver Responsibility

Texas Driving and Traffic Laws

Fort Worth attorney, Todd Smith in order to help interested individuals understand some of the aspects of state law, discusses Texas traffic laws and driver responsibility. To be fully up to date on the complete aspects and penalties of driving laws, you can refer to the current Texas DVM Driving Handbook which is available in print and on the DMV website.

Texas laws address education, responsibility, no fault, liability, negligence and other issues. If you have been involved in an auto accident, seek the Legal Advice of an automobile accident attorney in Fort Worth as soon as possible afterwards.

There are several areas of law regarding driver responsibility, driving and vehicles, in general.

Vehicles

• Normally, the owner of the vehicle bears the responsibility for any mishaps involving that vehicle, providing the driver; if it is one other than the owner has permission to operate the vehicle.  (Tip – do not leave your keys in your un-occupied car!)

• Included in owner/driver responsibility is the requirement for proper registration, financial responsibility (insurance coverage) and adequate maintenance of the vehicle for safe driving.  (Tip – be aware of state laws regulating minimum coverage.)

In Texas, vehicles may not be modified in a way that reflectors, lights or emblems change the color of license plates or make the numbers or state name difficult to read or hidden.

• There are numerous regulations about vehicle equipment, one of which is that video screens must not be positioned in view of the driver. Check the official DMV site for a complete list.

Driver Responsibility

• Drivers are required to be in possession of their valid driver’s license, vehicle registration and proof of insurance.

• Law requires the use of seat belts and child restraints.

• The Texas Driver Responsibility Law uses a point system as consequence for various violations, including: excessive speeding (more than 10% over the posted speed limit), Child Safety Seat violations and moving violations that result in a vehicle crash. Points will remain on a driver’s record for three years. In addition, the Department of Public Safety may assess a surcharge.

Driving While Intoxicated

• There are penalties for driving with a blood alcohol content of .08. (Lower, if you are a young driver or if you are impaired due to intoxication by alcohol or other drugs) These penalties include a progressive system with monetary fines, jail time, license suspension and possible requirement to install ignition interlock device at your own expense and also, community service.

• The law also restricts drivers or passengers from having open containers of alcoholic beverages in the car with them.

Graduated Driver License Program for Teens

• This is a multi-phased program for teens beginning at age 15 until after their 18th birthday. This program details instruction permit, driving instruction, tests and other requirements for teen drivers.

Accident Reporting

• The law requires accident reporting either by a police officer at the scene of the accident or by the driver(s) involved by completing the State Crash Report within ten days of the accident.

About the Author

The Law Firm of Todd Smith

Automobile Accident Lawyers in Fort Worth, Automobile Accident Attorneys in Fort Worth, Fort Worth Auto Accident Lawyer

At what age can a child ride in the backseat of a car without a car seat in Texas?

I am looking to buy a mustang and the seats are so narrow carseats just don’t fit right. I have a 5 and 7 yr old and was wondering if it was against TX law to just put them in seatbelts.

“Texas child passenger safety laws require children younger than five years of age and less than 36 inches in height to ride in an approved car seat. Beginning September 1, 2009, a new law requires children under age 8 to ride in a booster seat, unless they are 4′9″ tall.

Additionally, Texas law states that during the operation of the vehicle, the child must be properly secured in the car seat or booster seat according to the instructions of the manufacturer of the safety seat system. Children under age 17 must be buckled into the vehicle with a seat belt.”

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