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Traffic Laws and Enforcement Flashcards

7 cards from real TCOLE practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 7 Traffic Laws and Enforcement flashcards as text

  1. Under Texas Transportation Code, a vehicle traveling on a roadway must pass a bicycle being operated in the same direction at a distance of at least:

    Answer: 3 feet

    Texas law requires motor vehicles to pass bicycles with at least 3 feet of clearance when overtaking them in the same direction.

  2. In Texas, a driver convicted of DWI with a child passenger under 15 years old faces an enhanced charge of:

    Answer: DWI with Child Passenger - State Jail Felony

    DWI with a passenger younger than 15 is a separate offense — a state jail felony — distinct from standard DWI charges.

  3. A Texas officer uses radar to clock a vehicle at 78 mph in a 70 mph zone. The officer's radar unit must be:

    Answer: Tested with a tuning fork before and after each shift

    Traffic radar units in Texas should be verified with a calibrated tuning fork at the start and end of each shift to ensure accuracy.

  4. Texas law prohibits operating a motor vehicle on a highway while using a handheld mobile device to read, write, or send an electronic message. This offense is classified as:

    Answer: A Class C misdemeanor

    Texting while driving is a Class C misdemeanor under Texas Transportation Code §545.4251, with enhanced penalties if it causes serious injury or death.

  5. Under Texas law, a driver approaching an intersection controlled by a steady red arrow signal intending to turn right may:

    Answer: Not turn until the signal shows a green arrow or green circle

    A steady red arrow prohibits the turn in the indicated direction; drivers must wait for a permissive green signal unless a sign specifically permits turning on red.

  6. When a Texas officer suspects a driver is under the influence of drugs rather than alcohol, which specialized testing protocol should be requested?

    Answer: Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) evaluation

    A Drug Recognition Expert evaluation follows a 12-step protocol to identify specific drug categories causing impairment when alcohol is not the suspected intoxicant.

  7. Under Texas Transportation Code, what is the maximum speed limit for a vehicle towing a trailer on an interstate highway unless otherwise posted?

    Answer: 65 mph

    Texas sets a maximum speed of 65 mph for vehicles towing trailers on interstate highways, lower than the 70–75 mph limits that may apply to passenger cars.