Latest news with #TexasTransportationCode
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Will Texas Enforce FMCSA English Proficiency Rules for Intrastate CDL Drivers?
In Texas, drivers who cannot read or speak English may still be issued commercial driver's licenses if they operate solely within the state's borders. This policy is not new. Per Texas Transportation Code § 522.043(b), the state prohibits requiring English language proficiency for intrastate-only CDL holders. The Texas Administrative Code and the official Texas Commercial Motor Vehicle Driver Handbook support this stance, noting that ELP only applies to interstate drivers. But a new enforcement directive from FMCSA, effective June 25, states that any commercial motor vehicle (CMV) driver failing to meet the English proficiency standard under 49 CFR 391.11(b)(2) will be placed out of service if operating in interstate commerce. The issue? Texas isn't enforcing this for intrastate fleets and never really has. Federal Funds at Risk? MCSAP Says Maybe This enforcement discretion may violate the Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program (MCSAP), a federal grant program that gives states funding for enforcement in exchange for aligning with FMCSA safety regulations. 49 CFR 350.305 outlines the limited list of allowable state-level variances. English proficiency isn't one of them. So, unless Texas has formally petitioned FMCSA for a variance – and DPS leadership confirms the state hasn't – Texas' refusal to enforce this could jeopardize MCSAP funding. TDPS Says No to ELP Enforcement, But FMCSA Says That's Changing The Playbook directly messaged leadership at Texas DPS, and the agency stated that it does not have a formal FMCSA-approved exemption. However, historically, FMCSA has turned a blind eye. That leniency may be coming to an end. Texas never enforced English proficiency for Intrastate drivers before the 2014-2015 FMCSA enforcement directive and still hasn't. But now, with FMCSA saying ELP violations will result in out-of-service orders, the conversation is shifting. Texas may be forced to act if FMCSA chooses to enforce funding eligibility under MCSAP. What's at Stake for Fleets? For now, fleets operating intrastate in Texas may continue employing non-English-speaking drivers with a restricted CDL if they stay within the state. But carriers need to be extremely careful: Interstate operations are subject to federal ELP enforcement. That includes for-hire and private carriers operating across state lines or hauling loads that begin or end outside Texas. MCSAP enforcement could force Texas to revise its policies or risk losing significant federal funding. Border state complications may emerge. As a border state, Texas is uniquely exposed to federal scrutiny, especially given the broader political climate and FMCSA's evolving enforcement stance. Compliance Is No Longer Optional The key takeaway? Carriers must evaluate whether their drivers are genuinely intrastate and ensure their CDL designations, load documentation and operational areas support that claim. The days of looking the other way on English proficiency may be numbered. As the FMCSA steps up enforcement and grant eligibility becomes more stringent, states like Texas may be forced to close the gap between state law and federal expectations or risk the financial and regulatory fallout. The post Will Texas Enforce FMCSA English Proficiency Rules for Intrastate CDL Drivers? appeared first on FreightWaves.
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Is it illegal to park in front of someone else's house in Texas? Here's what the law says
A stranger parking in front of your house or driveway can be a nuisance, but is it illegal? If your neighbor is hosting a party on your block with visitors parked in front of your house, are they allowed to do so? You might have the urge to get them towed or feel angry and confrontational (don't do that), but first, it's important to understand what Texas transportation laws say. In Texas, parking in front of someone's house is generally legal, as public streets are open for use by anyone unless local ordinances state otherwise. However, there are restrictions. Here's what the Texas Transportation Code (§545.302) says about parking in public places: An operator may not stop, stand, or park a vehicle: On a sidewalk. At an intersection. On a crosswalk. Within 15 feet of a fire hydrant or 20 feet of a crosswalk is prohibited. By blocking someone's driveway is prohibited. Or "double parking," a vehicle may not park in a way that blocks or obstructs the path of another vehicle. If a vehicle is left unattended for over 24 hours, the city or a neighbor may have it towed. To avoid issues, it's best to review local city ordinances or talk with the neighbor before leaving the vehicle for an extended period. According to the Texas Transportation Code (§545.305), here's what you need to know about towing unwanted vehicles. A vehicle could be moved by force or be required by the owner to move for the following: Is unattended on a bridge, viaduct, or causeway, or in a tube or tunnel and the vehicle is obstructing traffic. It is unlawfully parked and blocking the entrance to a private driveway. Has been reported as stolen. It is unattended, and an officer has reasonable grounds to believe that the vehicle has been abandoned for longer than 48 hours. If you need to park in front of someone's house, it's best to inform the homeowner that it's only temporary. If you're the homeowner, consider speaking with the vehicle owner before resorting to a tow truck. This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Is it illegal to park in front of someone else's house in Texas?
Time Business News
30-04-2025
- Automotive
- Time Business News
Navigating the Maze: Understanding Texas and Federal Regulations in Katy Truck Accident Claims
The sheer size and force of a commercial truck involved in an accident can lead to devastating consequences. If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident in Katy, Texas, understanding the complexities of your claim goes far beyond the typical car accident scenario. A critical aspect of these cases lies in the intricate web of state and federal regulations governing the trucking industry. These regulations are designed to ensure safety, but when they are violated, they can be a significant factor in causing accidents. Navigating this regulatory maze requires the specialized knowledge of truck accident attorneys in Katy, TX, who are well-versed in both Texas transportation laws and the extensive Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR). Texas has its own set of rules and statutes pertaining to commercial vehicles operating within the state. These regulations cover various aspects, including weight limits for trucks traveling on Katy's highways and local roads, specific inspection requirements for commercial vehicles to ensure they are roadworthy, and the qualifications and licensing required for commercial truck drivers. For instance, Texas Transportation Code outlines specific requirements for commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) and mandates adherence to federal hours-of-service rules. Furthermore, local ordinances in Katy might have specific regulations regarding truck routes or operations within city limits. Understanding these Texas-specific regulations is the first step in building a strong truck accident claim. Truck accident attorneys possess a deep understanding of these state laws and how they apply to accidents occurring in the region. However, the regulatory landscape for the trucking industry is primarily governed by federal law, specifically the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations. These comprehensive rules, administered by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), cover a wide array of safety-critical areas. Hours-of-service rules, for example, dictate the maximum amount of time a truck driver can operate a vehicle and mandate specific rest periods to combat driver fatigue – a significant cause of truck accidents. The FMCSR also outlines stringent requirements for vehicle maintenance and inspection, ensuring that trucks are properly maintained and safe to operate. Regulations concerning cargo securement are in place to prevent loads from shifting or falling, which can lead to serious accidents. Driver qualifications, including background checks and drug and alcohol testing, are also strictly regulated at the federal level. The experienced truck accident attorneys at firms like ours meticulously investigate accidents to determine if any violations of these critical federal regulations contributed to the crash. A thorough investigation is paramount in any truck accident case, and a key component of this investigation involves scrutinizing compliance with both Texas and federal regulations. Evidence of regulatory violations can be compelling in demonstrating negligence on the part of the trucking company or the driver. For example, if a driver exceeded their allowed driving hours in violation of FMCSR, and fatigue is found to be a contributing factor in the accident, this can significantly strengthen the victim's claim. Similarly, if a trucking company failed to properly maintain its vehicles as required by federal regulations, and a mechanical failure caused the accident, this can establish their liability. The ability to identify and leverage these regulatory violations is a hallmark of skilled truck accident attorneys. The high volume of commercial truck traffic in and around Katy, due to its strategic location near major transportation arteries and industrial hubs, underscores the importance of having legal representation with specific expertise in this area. Accidents involving large trucks present unique challenges that differ significantly from typical car accident claims. The potential for severe injuries, the complexity of the regulations, and the involvement of multiple parties (the driver, the trucking company, insurance companies with specialized commercial policies) all necessitate the guidance of experienced truck accident attorneys in Katy, TX. These attorneys have the resources and knowledge to conduct thorough investigations, understand the applicable regulations, and effectively advocate for the rights of accident victims to ensure they receive the full and fair compensation they deserve for their injuries and losses. Don't navigate this complex maze alone; seek the assistance of legal professionals who specialize in Katy truck accident claims. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Yahoo
29-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Bill to block high-speed rail from altering Texas roads heads to subcommittee
PALESTINE, Texas (KETK) — A bill authored by East Texas State Rep. Cody Harris (R-Palestine) to stop high-speed rail projects from altering state roadways has advanced to a public committee hearing. Tyler approves study for train services Harris introduced House Bill 1402 on Nov. 19, 2024. Since then, the bill has been read and referred to the House Subcommittee on Transportation Funding for a public hearing on March 31. 'HB 1402 would stop the use of your hard-earned tax dollars from being spent to alter roadways for this unwelcome project,' Harris said. 'We're one step closer to defending private property rights and protecting Texas taxpayers from this transportation debacle through HB 1402.' H.B 1402 would amend Section 199.003. of the Texas Transportation Code to say the following: 'This state, a state agency, or a political subdivision of this state may not use public money to pay for the alteration of a roadway related to the construction of a high-speed rail project operated by a public or private entity.' That section of the Texas Transportation Code was passed as Senate Bill 977 on Sept. 1, 2017. The bill made it illegal for the state to appropriate any money for planning, constructing, maintaining, securing, promoting or operating high-speed rail operated by a private entity. Trump administration takes aim at $4B in funding for California high-speed rail Texas Rail Advocates, a non-profit dedicated to promoting freight and passenger rail, rated Harris's bill as counterproductive. The nonprofit noted that the bill would prevent public funds from being used to alter roadways on the public's highspeed rail projects. State Rep. John Bucy III, a Democrat representing Austin, has filed House Joint Resolution 58, which proposes a constitutional amendment authorizing the state to spend money on transit-oriented projects. Texas Rail Advocates rated Bucy's resolution as productive. TOWNHALL TENSION: State reps booed off stage during education meeting Both Harris' and Bucy's proposals are scheduled to be discussed by the House Subcommittee on Transportation Funding in room E2.014 at the Texas Capitol in Austin starting at 10 a.m. on Monday. Texas residents can submit their own comments for all the bills and topics the subcommittee will be discussing on Monday through the House Public Comment form online. The hearing will be streamed live on the Texas House website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
04-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Portion of Hwy 6 could be renamed for fallen Navasota officer
TEXAS (FOX 44) – Fallen Navasota officer Sgt. Mark Allen Butler could see a portion of a highway named in his honor. A new bill filed in the Texas Legislature would designate a portion of State Highway 6 in the Brazos and Grimes counties as the Sergeant Mark Butler Memorial Highway. House Bill 3510, authored by Rep. Trey Wharton (R-District 12), proposes renaming the highway stretch between the southern municipal limits of College Station and the northern municipal limits of Navasota. This designation would be in addition to any existing highway names. If this is passed, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) would be required to design and install markers at both ends of the designated section and at intermediate locations along the route. The bill references Section 225.021(c) of the Texas Transportation Code, which outlines state highway naming procedures. The legislation is part of the 89th Texas Legislature's regular session. The bill would take effect on September 1 if it is approved. Sgt. Mark Allen Butler was a member of the Navasota Police Department who died in the line of duty on January 15 while protecting others on Highway 6. He was involved in a head-on collision with a wrong-way driver who ran from a bank while cashing a fraudulent check. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
