Traffic Laws

Study questions with answers

9 sample Traffic Laws questions with the correct answer, a short explanation, and the official handbook reference. Read through them, then take the quiz above.

1. 1. Unless another limit is posted, what is the speed limit in a Texas urban district?

   Correct answer: 30 mph

   In urban districts the standard limit is 30 mph unless signs say otherwise. Always follow the posted limit, which can be higher or lower.

   Source: Texas Driver Handbook — Speed Limits

2. 2. A Texas driver who is under 18 years old may use a wireless communication device while driving:

   Correct answer: not at all, except in an emergency

   Drivers under 18 are prohibited from using any wireless communication device — handheld or hands-free — while driving, except in a true emergency.

   Source: Texas Driver Handbook — Distracted Driving

3. 3. In which situation is it legal to pass another vehicle on the right in Texas?

   Correct answer: when the vehicle ahead is turning left and there is room to pass safely on the pavement

   You may pass on the right when the car ahead is turning left, or on roads with two or more lanes going your way — but never by leaving the pavement.

   Source: Texas Driver Handbook — Passing

4. 4. Texas seat belt law requires that:

   Correct answer: the driver and every passenger be buckled, in both front and back seats

   Everyone in the vehicle must be buckled, front and back. Seat belts greatly reduce injury and death, and unbuckled riders can be ticketed.

   Source: Texas Driver Handbook — Occupant Restraints

5. 5. On a multi-lane Texas highway, the far left lane is generally intended for:

   Correct answer: passing slower vehicles, so slower traffic should keep to the right

   Slower traffic should keep to the right; the left lane is primarily for passing. Many highways post 'Left Lane for Passing Only' signs that make this a legal requirement.

   Source: Texas Driver Handbook — Choosing a Lane

6. 6. At a steady red light in Texas, when may you make a right turn?

   Correct answer: after making a complete stop and yielding, unless a sign prohibits the turn

   Right on red is allowed after a full stop and yielding to pedestrians and cross traffic, unless a posted sign says 'No Turn on Red.'

   Source: Texas Driver Handbook — Turning

7. 7. A left turn against a red light is permitted in Texas only when you turn:

   Correct answer: from a one-way street onto another one-way street, after stopping

   Left on red is allowed only from a one-way street onto another one-way street, after a complete stop, and only if no sign prohibits it.

   Source: Texas Driver Handbook — Turning

8. 8. Before turning in a city, Texas law requires you to signal continuously for at least the last:

   Correct answer: 100 feet

   You must signal your intention to turn for at least the final 100 feet before the turn so drivers and pedestrians around you know what you plan to do.

   Source: Texas Driver Handbook — Signaling

9. 9. Under Texas law, sending or reading a text message on a handheld phone while driving is:

   Correct answer: banned statewide for all drivers

   Texas prohibits texting while driving statewide. Reading, writing, or sending electronic messages on a handheld device is illegal for all drivers.

   Source: Texas Driver Handbook — Distracted Driving