For many teenagers in Texas, getting a driver’s license is a significant milestone, symbolizing freedom and independence. It’s a rite of passage that offers the ability to explore, travel, and gain a sense of autonomy. However, with this newfound freedom comes the critical responsibility of ensuring safety on the road. Understanding Texas teen driving laws is essential for young drivers and their parents.
In this article, our personal injury lawyers explain Texas teen driving laws, what happens if a teen violates them, what teens should do if they get into an accident, and who could be held liable. But first, please take a moment to watch this informative video by Ty Stimpson, a highly experienced Texas personal injury lawyer.
Legal Age for Teens to Start Driving in Texas
In Texas, teenagers can begin their journey to becoming licensed drivers at 15, following the guidelines set by Texas teen driving laws. At this age, they can apply for a learner’s permit, also known as a learner license. This permit allows them to practice driving under the supervision of an adult, preparing them for the responsibilities of solo driving.
Texas Graduated Driving Licensing Program
Texas has implemented a Graduated Driving Licensing (GDL) Program to ensure new drivers gain experience and maturity before obtaining full driving privileges. The GDL program is divided into three stages:
Phase I: Learner License
- Age Requirement: 15 years old
- Conditions: Teens must complete a driver education course and pass a written test to obtain a learner’s permit. They are required to log a minimum of 30 hours of driving practice, with at least 10 hours at night, under the supervision of a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old.
Phase II: Provisional License
- Age Requirement: 16 years old
- Conditions: After holding a learner’s permit for at least six months, completing the required driver education course and practice hours, and finishing the Impact Texas Teen Driver program, teens can apply for a provisional license. This stage includes certain restrictions:
- No driving between midnight and 5 a.m. unless for work, school, or emergency.
- No more than one passenger under 21 years old who is not a family member.
- Use of any wireless communication device while driving is strictly forbidden, including hands-free.
Full Privilege Stage
- Age Requirement: 18 years old
- Conditions: Teens can apply for a full, unrestricted driver’s license upon reaching the age of 18 and having held a provisional license without any serious traffic violations.
What Happens if You Violate a Texas Teen Driving Law?
If a teen driver violates Texas teen driving laws or rules, they can face several consequences including fines, license suspension, and increased insurance premiums. Understanding and adhering to Texas teen driving laws can help avoid these penalties.
- Fines: Violations of provisional license restrictions can result in fines ranging from $25 to $99 for a first offense and $100 to $200 for subsequent offenses.
- License suspension or revocation: Convictions for traffic offenses or failure to observe the restrictions placed on a provisional license may lead to the suspension or revocation of the teen’s driving privileges.
- Delayed progression to full license: Any violations can push back the date for obtaining a full license.
- Criminal charges: In some cases, teens may face additional criminal charges depending on the nature of the violation. For example, under Texas’ Zero Tolerance law, it’s a criminal offense for anyone under 21 to have any detectable amount of alcohol in their system while driving.
- Extended restrictions: Violations may result in the extension of the provisional license period, meaning the teen would have to adhere to the restrictions for a longer time.
- Increased insurance premiums: While not a legal consequence, violations are likely to lead to higher insurance costs for the teen driver and their family.
It’s important to note that these consequences are designed not only as punitive measures but also to promote safe driving habits among inexperienced drivers. The graduated license program aims to give teens the opportunity to gain experience in lower-risk environments before obtaining full driving privileges.
Car Insurance for Teens in Texas
It is mandatory for all drivers in Texas, including teens, to have car insurance. Parents typically add their teen to their existing policy, which can sometimes be expensive due to the higher risk associated with young drivers. Here’s an overview of what you need to know about car insurance for teens in Texas:
- Liability Coverage: Under Texas law, all drivers, including teens, must have liability insurance. This type of insurance covers bodily injury and property damage to others if the teen is at fault in an accident. The minimum coverage amounts are often referred to as 30/60/25, which means:
- $30,000 per person for bodily injury
- $60,000 per accident for bodily injury
- $25,000 per accident for property damag
- Collision Coverage: Covers damages to the teen’s car in the event of an accident.
- Comprehensive Coverage: Protects against non-collision-related damages such as theft, vandalism, or natural disasters.
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: Covers expenses if the teen is involved in an accident with a driver who does not have adequate insurance.
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP): Covers medical expenses and lost wages for the teen and their passengers regardless of fault.
Adding a teen driver to a parent’s existing policy is typically more cost-effective than purchasing a separate one. Parents should notify their insurance company when their teen obtains a learner’s permit, but teens usually don’t need to be added to the policy until they’re fully licensed.
Tips for Lowering Insurance Costs
Adding a teen driver to an auto insurance policy in Texas can significantly increase premiums. The average annual increase ranges from $1,200 to $4,900, with a state average of $2,171. This reflects the higher risk associated with inexperienced drivers.
There are several ways to help offset the cost of insuring a teen driver including but not limited to:
- Good Student Discounts: Many insurance companies offer discounts for teens who maintain a high GPA.
- Driver Education Courses: Completing a driver’s education course can reduce premiums.
- Safe Driving Habits: Encourage teens to drive safely and avoid traffic violations to keep insurance rates lower.
- Choosing a Safe Vehicle: Insuring a car with a high safety rating can also help reduce costs.
Shop Around
- Compare Quotes: Different insurance companies offer varying rates, so it’s important to compare quotes from multiple providers.
- Bundle Policies: Consider bundling auto insurance with other policies, like homeowners or renters insurance, to receive a discount.
Parental Responsibility
- Monitor Driving: Regularly check your teen’s driving habits and vehicle condition to ensure they are following safe driving practices.
- Discuss Responsibility: Talk to your teen about the financial and legal responsibilities of driving, including the importance of maintaining insurance coverage.
- Lead by Example: Set a good example for your teen by practicing safe driving habits and following all traffic laws.
Navigating car insurance for teens in Texas can be challenging, but understanding the requirements and options can help you make informed decisions. You can manage costs by exploring discounts and encouraging safe driving while ensuring your teen is adequately covered.
Tips for Teens Involved in an Accident
Being involved in a car accident can be a frightening and overwhelming experience, especially for teen drivers who are still developing their skills and confidence on the road. The aftermath of an accident can be chaotic, and it’s crucial for teens to know how to handle the situation properly to ensure their safety, protect their legal rights, and comply with insurance requirements. Here’s an expanded guide on what teens should do if they find themselves involved in a car accident:
- Stay Calm and Safe:
- Take a deep breath and try to remain as calm as possible.
- Check yourself and your passengers for injuries.
- If it’s safe to do so, turn on your hazard lights.
- If the accident is minor and the cars are driveable, move them to the side of the road or a safe area away from traffic.
- If you can’t move the vehicle, stay inside with your seatbelt fastened until help arrives.
- Call 911:
- Always call 911, even for minor accidents. In many states, it’s legally required.
- Provide the dispatcher with your exact location, including nearby landmarks or cross streets.
- Inform them if there are any injuries or potential hazards (like fuel leaks or blocked traffic).
- Follow any instructions given by the dispatcher.
- Wait for police and emergency services to arrive.
- Exchange Information:
- Get the full names, addresses, and phone numbers of all drivers and passengers involved.
- Collect insurance company names and policy numbers from all drivers.
- Note the makes, models, years, and license plate numbers of all vehicles involved.
- If there are witnesses, get their contact information as well.
- If the police respond, get the officer’s name, badge number, and police report number.
- Document the Scene:
- Use your smartphone to take photos and videos of the accident scene from multiple angles.
- Capture images of all vehicle damage, both to your car and other vehicles involved.
- Photograph any visible injuries.
- Take pictures of the surrounding area, including traffic signs, road conditions, and weather conditions.
- If possible, sketch a diagram of the accident scene showing the positions of the vehicles involved.
- Don’t Admit Fault:
- Avoid discussing who was at fault, even if you think you might be responsible.
- Stick to the facts when speaking with the other driver or the police.
- Don’t apologize, as this could be interpreted as an admission of guilt.
- Remember that determining fault is a complex process that involves many factors, and it’s best left to insurance companies and legal professionals.
- Notify Your Insurance Company:
- Contact your insurance provider as soon as possible and provide them with all the information you’ve gathered.
- Be honest about what happened, but avoid speculating about fault.
- Ask about your coverage and what steps you need to take next.
- If you have concerns about how to handle the call, have your parent contact the insurance company or be on speakerphone.
- Seek Legal Advice:
- If there are injuries, consult with a personal injury attorney.
- An attorney can help protect your rights and ensure you receive fair compensation if you’re not at fault.
- They can also assist in dealing with insurance companies and navigating any potential legal proceedings.
- Many attorneys offer free initial consultations, so don’t hesitate to seek professional advice.
- Follow Up:
- Keep a file with all accident-related documents and information.
- Follow your doctor’s instructions if you’ve been injured.
- Keep track of any medical treatments and expenses related to the accident.
- Stay in touch with your insurance company and respond promptly to any requests for information.
- If you’re pursuing a claim, keep detailed records of all communications with insurance companies and other parties involved.
If a teen driver is injured in an accident, it is crucial to contact Varghese Summersett immediately. Our experienced attorneys can help navigate the complex legal landscape, ensuring your teen’s rights are protected and that they receive the compensation they deserve.
Texas Family Purpose Doctrine: Liability for a Texas Teen Driving Accidents
The Texas Family Purpose Doctrine, also known as “negligent entrustment,” allows victims to hold parents or guardians financially responsible for damages when their teen drivers cause an accident. Under this doctrine:
- Vehicle owners can be held liable for damages caused by family members using their vehicle, even if the owner was not present during the accident.
- Parents or guardians may be held responsible if they:
- Allowed a teen to drive knowing they were reckless, unlicensed, or intoxicated
- Gave express or implied consent for the teen to use the vehicle
- Maintained control and ownership of the vehicle used for family activities
- The doctrine applies not just to parents and children, but to any family member who owns the vehicle.
- Liability can extend even if:
- The teen exceeded the scope of permission (e.g., driving beyond allowed hours or locations)
- The vehicle was originally bought for business purposes but used for family activities
- The owner explicitly told the family member not to allow others to drive the vehicle5. For the doctrine to apply, it generally must be shown that:
- The owner maintained control of the vehicle
- The vehicle was used for family purposes
- The driver was a family member
- The owner gave consent for its use
It’s important to note that while this doctrine exists, in many cases it may not be necessary to invoke it if the owner’s insurance policy automatically extends coverage to household members or those given permission to drive.
Tips for Staying Safe on the Road
To ensure safety on the road, teens should adhere to the following tips:
- Avoid Distractions: Stay focused on the road and avoid using phones or other distractions while driving.
- Follow Speed Limits: Adhere to speed limits and adjust speed according to road conditions.
- Use Seatbelts: Always wear seatbelts and ensure all passengers do the same.
- Avoid Alcohol and Drugs: Never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Practice Defensive Driving: Be aware of other drivers and anticipate potential hazards.
By understanding and following Texas’ teen driving laws, young drivers can enjoy the freedom and independence of driving while staying safe and responsible.
Teen Injured in a Car Accident? Contact Us.
If your teen has been injured in a car accident, you need experienced legal representation to protect their rights and secure the compensation they deserve. At Varghese Summersett, our dedicated personal injury team is here to help. We understand the unique challenges faced by young drivers and their families, and we are committed to providing compassionate and effective legal support.
Don’t wait—contact us today at 817-203-2220 for a free consultation. Let us handle the legal complexities so your teen can focus on recovery. Your family’s peace of mind is our top priority.
