Texas Driver Handbook 2017

Chapter 11: Motor Vehicle Crashes 

Texas Driver Handbook

Table 36: Penalties for Failure to Stop

Offense

Penalty

1st offense (Less than $200 in damages)

Class C misdemeanor and is punishable by a fine not to exceed $500.

1st offense ($200 or more in damages)

Class B misdemeanor and is punishable by a fine not to exceed $2,000, confinement in jail 

for up to 180 days, or both.

Crash Involving an Unattended Vehicle

If you are operating a motor vehicle that collides with and damages an unattended vehicle, you must immediately stop and either:

1.  Locate the operator or owner of the unattended vehicle and give your name and address

2.  Securely attach a written notice in a visible way, to the unattended vehicle providing:

•  Your name and address

•  A statement of the circumstances of the collision.

Table 37: Penalties for Failure to Stop

Offense

Penalty

1st offense (Less than $200 in damages)

Class C misdemeanor and is punishable by a fine not to exceed $500.

1st offense ($200 or more in damages)

Class B misdemeanor and is punishable by a fine not to exceed $2,000, confinement in jail 

for up to 180 days, or both.

Crash Resulting in Damages to a Fixture, Landscaping, or Structure

If you are driving a motor vehicle involved in a crash resulting ONLY in damage to a fixture, landscaping, or structure legally on 

or adjacent to a highway, you must:

1.  Take reasonable steps to locate the owner (or person in charge) of the property and notify him/her of the crash 

2.  Provide your name, address, and registration number of the vehicle you were driving

3.  If requested and available, you must show your driver license to the owner or person in charge of the property

4.  If the crash is not investigated by a law enforcement officer and the crash has not resulted in injury to or the death of a person or 

damage to the property of any one person to an apparent extent of $1,000 or more you must make a written report of the crash 

and file it with the TxDOT no later than the 10th day after the crash.

Table 38: Penalties for Failure to Comply with Damages

Offense

Penalty

1st offense (Less than $200 in damages)

Class C misdemeanor and is punishable by a fine not to exceed $500.

1st offense ($200 or more in damages)

Class B misdemeanor and is punishable by a fine not to exceed $2,000, confinement in jail 

for up to 180 days, or both.

Hit-and-Run Crashes

If you are involved in a hit-and-run crash, report this crash to law enforcement for investigation. The Texas Department of Insurance 

advises uninsured motorist coverage will pay for damages in hit-and-run crashes reported to a law enforcement agency.

Aiding the Injured

In the event you are involved in a crash that injures another person, consider the information below:

1.  When calling a doctor or ambulance, ensure you take notice of your surroundings and state the location of the crash clearly and 

correctly.

2.  Do not assume people are not injured simply because they say they are not. Send for skilled help as quickly as possible. Un-

skilled handling can do more harm than good.

3.  Do not move or lift the victim(s) unless it is absolutely necessary. If a victim must be moved, get help and try not to change the 

position in which the victim was found.

4.  Stop serious bleeding with thick cloth pads, as clean as possible, apply with pressure by hand or by bandaging.

5.  Keep the victim(s) comfortable. If it is hot, cool the victim(s) and provide shade as much as possible. If it is cool, cover the victim 

with blankets or coats if necessary and if available.

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Chapter 12: Pedestrian Safety 

Texas Driver Handbook

Chapter 12: Pedestrian Safety

A driver should always pay special attention to pedestrians (persons on foot). However, there are certain safety rules pedestrians 

should follow.

Laws and Safety Tips for Pedestrians

1.  Obey traffic control signals unless otherwise directed by a pedestrian control signal.

2.  Do not cross the street between two intersections. It is dangerous to cross in the middle of a street.

3.  Use sidewalks when available, and do not walk in the street.

4.  Walk on the left side of the road if there are no sidewalks. Step off the pavement when a car approaches.

5.  If you cross a street at any point other than within a crosswalk at an intersection, you (the pedestrian) must yield 

the right-of-way to all vehicles.

6.  If you cross a street without using a pedestrian tunnel or overhead pedestrian crossing which has been provided, you (the pedes-

trian) must yield the right-of-way to all vehicles.

7.  When crossing at a crosswalk, keep right if possible.

8.  Blind, partially blind, or disabled individuals may carry a white cane while walking. Others must not display a cane on any 

public street or highway.

9.  No person may stand in the road for the purpose of soliciting a ride, contributions, or business. A person may stand in a road to 

solicit a charitable contribution if authorized to do so by the local authority having jurisdiction over the road.

10.  Do not suddenly walk or run into the street in the path of a vehicle. These sudden actions may make it impossible for the vehicle 

operator to yield.

11.  Wait on the curb, not in the street, until the traffic signals change to green or read “Walk.”

12.  Always wear white or light colored clothing and/or carry a light or reflector when walking at night.

13.  Look both ways before crossing the street and before stepping out from behind parked cars.

14.  Be extra careful when getting off a streetcar or bus.

15.  Get in and out of cars on the curb side of the road when possible.

16.  Do not walk on a road when you are under the influence or consuming an alcoholic beverage. Alcohol is a contributing factor 

to pedestrian traffic crashes.

17.  Pedestrians should be aware that local authorities may have ordinances which require pedestrians to comply with the directions 

of an official traffic control device (signals, signs, etc.) and prohibit pedestrians from crossing a road in a business district or a 

designated highway, except in a crosswalk.

Laws and Safety Tips for Motorists

1.  If you see a pedestrian crossing or attempting to cross the street, slow down, use your horn if necessary, and be prepared to stop.

2.  Be alert to a pedestrian guided by an assistance animal or carrying a white cane. The white cane indicates the person may be 

blind, partially blind, or disabled. A driver shall take the necessary pre-cautions to avoid injuring or endangering a pedestrian 

crossing or attempting to cross the street. The driver shall bring the vehicle to a full stop if injury or danger can only be avoided 

by that action.

3.  Watch for individuals who are blind at bus stops, intersections, business areas, and near schools for the blind.

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