Texas · Handbook chapter 5 · 4 min read

When and how to signal in Texas, where you may not drive on the left, how to pass on two-lane roads, when passing on the right is allowed, and the steps for safe right and left turns.

Why this chapter matters

Many crashes come from surprise moves and bad passes. Texas tests the distances: 100 feet to signal and 200 feet of clear road when you finish a pass.

Signaling

Signal every time you change lanes, turn, pull away from a curb, slow down or stop, enter or leave a highway, or pull off the road. Use your signal lights or hand and arm signals:

• Left turn: arm straight out.
• Right turn: arm out and bent upward.
• Stop or slow: arm out and bent downward.

Signal continuously for at least 100 feet before you turn or stop, and cancel the signal afterwards. A signal left on still tells others you are about to turn. When signaling a stop, pump the brakes a few times to draw attention.

Keep to the right

Stay off the left half of the road:

• Where signs or markings forbid it, or where there are two or more lanes each way.
• Within 100 feet of, or crossing, an intersection or railroad crossing.
• On a hill or curve where you cannot see far enough.
• Within 100 feet of a bridge, viaduct or tunnel.

Passing on a two-lane road

1. Leave room to see ahead, check mirrors and your blind spot, and signal left.
2. Check for no-passing signs and markings and for oncoming traffic. You must be able to get back before an oncoming vehicle comes within 200 feet of you.
3. Tap your horn if needed to warn the driver ahead.
4. Pass on the left and return only when you can see the passed car in your rearview mirror.
5. Signal right, move back, and cancel the signal.

Passing on the right

Texas allows it only when it is safe and:

• The road is clear and wide enough for two or more lanes each way, or
• You are on a one-way road, or
• The vehicle ahead is slowing or stopped on the main road, disabled, or turning left, in which case you may use a paved shoulder.

Never pass on the right by leaving the pavement.

When you are being passed

Do not speed up, stay in your lane, and move right if the lanes are not marked. Do not linger in another driver's blind spot: pass or drop back.

Turning

1. Decide early; never make a last-second turn.
2. Look behind and to both sides.
3. Get into the proper lane early. If you cannot reach it within half a block of the turn, do not turn; go straight on.
4. Signal at least 100 feet before the turn. Do not hold a hand signal while turning: you need both hands on the wheel.
5. Slow to a safe turning speed before the turn.
6. Stay in the proper lane through the turn and finish in the proper lane.

Right turn: move to the far right lane, signal and slow at least 100 feet before the corner, and keep close to the right edge.

Left turn: move to the lane nearest the center, signal and slow, stay right of the center line as you enter, yield to oncoming traffic, and turn into the lane where you will interfere least with other traffic. From a one-way street onto a two-way street, turn from the left lane into the right-hand lane going your way.