The Texas DOT Speed Limits
Speed limits vary over the state of Texas and unlike most states are not absolute, though the basic highway limit is 70 mph. The Texas Department of Transportation, or DOT, determines the highway speed limits.
Other People Are Reading
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Basic Speed Law
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The Basic Speed Law collectively describes the DOT sections covering Texas speed limits and laws. Simply put, it assumes motorists can be trusted to modify their driving patterns in response to the environment and conditions around them.
Prima Facie Concept
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Prima facie is a term that suggests that speed limits are evident and clear and at face value reasonable under normal circumstances. All Texas speed limits are prima facie and as such exceeding them is not in and of itself necessarily an infraction.
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Burden of Proof
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While prima facie speed laws assume that prudent driving behavior can sometimes exceed the posted maximum, you could still face a ticket should you be caught doing it. Its illegality is not absolute but the burden of proof is on you to determine if your conduct was reasonable and safe.
Higher Daytime Maximums
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While nighttime highway driving remains at reduced speed statewide, daytime maximums vary across the state. This is usually determined by the low population of the area. In 2006 the speed limit on portions of Interstate 20 and Interstate 10 west of Odessa was raised to 80 mph.
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References
- Photo Credit Speedometer image by Sirena Designs from Fotolia.com
