Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
» Some companies require operators to be at least 25 years old; those allowing 18- to 25-year-olds to drive charge high
supplemental fees.
» Some companies will allow a spouse to legally drive a rental without paying the second driver fee (from $25).
Road Rules
» The minimum age for driving a car in Texas is 16.
» Drive on the right side of the road and pass on the left.
» Right turn on a red light is permitted after a full stop unless signs indicate otherwise. Speed limits are posted and en-
forced.
» Unless otherwise posted, speed limits are 70mph daytime, 65mph nighttime on interstates and freeways.
» Speed limits in cities and towns vary (25mph to 55mph).
» School zones have strictly enforced speed limits as low as 15mph during school hours.
» Speeding fines are expensive - as much as $165 for between 1mph and 5mph over in Houston. That said, driving
5mph over the speed limit on highways is common.
» Driving while intoxicated (defined as not having the normal use of faculties, or .08% blood alcohol level) is illegal;
penalties are severe, starting with a minimum 72 hour confinement.
» Texas requires the use of seat belts for drivers and front-seat passengers. Child safety seats are also required for those
under eight years old or 4ft 9in.
» Texas requires motorcycle riders under age 21 to wear helmets; over age 21 it is not required if a rider has completed
a safety training course or has medical insurance coverage (greater than $10,000) that includes motorcycle accidents.
Police cannot stop a helmetless rider solely to see if they qualify for exemption.
ACCIDENTS DO HAPPEN
If you get in a fender-bender, take the following steps:
» Do not drive away. Move your car out of traffic, but remain at the scene; otherwise you may spend some time in the
local jail.
» Call 911 to reach the police (and an ambulance, if needed); provide as much specific information as possible (your
location, if there are any injuries involved etc).
» Get the other driver's name, address, license number, license plate number and insurance information. Be prepared to
provide similar documentation.
» Tell your story to the police. It's your right under the law to have a lawyer present when answering questions, but un-
less a death is involved, cases where this is necessary are rare.
» Always comply with an alcohol breathalyzer test. If you take the option not to, you'll almost certainly find yourself
with an automatic suspension of your driving privileges.
» If you're driving a rental car, call the rental company promptly.
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