Texas Driver's Handbook, Section 8: Speed and Speed Limits
Following distance, stopping distances, the Texas speed limits and the Slow Down or Move Over law.
Summary written by MyPermitExam from the official handbook, Revised January 2026. Not a copy of the handbook. Checked Oct 2026. Not affiliated with the DMV. Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7)
Key rules
- Keep 2 seconds at 30 mph or less and 4 seconds above 30 mph, more in poor conditions. p. 45
- Reaction takes about 1½ seconds; at 60 mph a car needs about 303 feet to stop on dry pavement. p. 45
- Default limits: 30 mph in urban districts, 15 mph in alleys, 70 mph on numbered highways and 60 mph on other highways outside cities, unless posted otherwise. p. 46
- Some limited-access highways are posted from 75 up to 85 mph; always obey the posted limit. p. 46
- Slow Down or Move Over: for police, fire, ambulance, tow, utility and TxDOT vehicles stopped with lights on, slow to 20 mph below the limit or leave the nearest lane. p. 46