Last Updated on June 6, 2025 by Beltz Law Group
Got a Ran Stop Sign Ticket in Dallas? Know the Law & Protect Your Record.
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Expert Legal Defense for Traffic Violations. Call The Beltz Law Group: 214-321-4105
A ticket for “Running a Stop Sign” in Dallas is a common traffic offense, but its implications can be significant. Many drivers aren’t aware of the precise legal requirements for stopping at a stop sign, and a conviction can lead to fines, increased insurance rates, and potential impacts on your driver’s license.
At The Beltz Law Group, we specialize in defending traffic tickets in Dallas Municipal Court and across the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. We understand the nuances of the law and are dedicated to protecting your driving record.
What Does Texas Law Say About Stopping at a Stop Sign?
The requirements for stopping at a stop sign are clearly defined in the Texas Transportation Code, Section 544.010. STOP SIGNS AND YIELD SIGNS.
(a) Unless directed to proceed by a police officer or traffic-control signal, the operator of a vehicle or streetcar approaching an intersection with a stop sign shall stop as provided by Subsection (c).
(b) If safety requires, the operator of a vehicle approaching a yield sign shall stop as provided by Subsection (c).
(c) An operator required to stop by this section shall stop before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection. In the absence of a crosswalk, the operator shall stop at a clearly marked stop line. In the absence of a stop line, the operator shall stop at the place nearest the intersecting roadway where the operator has a view of approaching traffic on the intersecting roadway.
Key takeaways from the law:
- Complete Stop is Required: The law mandates a stop – not a “rolling stop” or “California roll.” Your vehicle must come to a complete cessation of movement.
- Where to Stop:
- At the crosswalk: If there’s a marked crosswalk on your side of the intersection, you must stop before entering it.
- At the stop line: If there’s no crosswalk but a clearly marked white stop line, you must stop before the line.
- Where you have a clear view: If there’s neither a crosswalk nor a stop line, you must stop at the point nearest the intersecting roadway where you can see approaching traffic safely. This often means “creeping” forward after the initial stop to get a better view, but the initial stop must occur at the appropriate legal point.
- Exceptions: You are only excused from complying if a police officer or traffic control signal directs you otherwise.
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Penalties for a “Ran Stop Sign” Conviction in Texas
A conviction for running a stop sign is typically a Class C misdemeanor in Texas. While the specific fines can vary slightly by municipality (e.g., Dallas Municipal Court fines are generally around $200-$300, including court costs), the major penalties stem from the long-term impact on your driving record and insurance:
- Fines and Court Costs: You will be responsible for the base fine assessed by the court, plus various court costs and fees.
- Driving Record Conviction: A conviction will appear on your official Texas driving record. This is a permanent mark that can follow you.
- Increased Insurance Premiums: Your auto insurance company will see this moving violation on your record. Insurers often view a stop sign violation as an indicator of increased risk, leading to significant increases in your insurance rates for several years. These increases can often outweigh the initial cost of the ticket itself.
- Driver’s License Suspensions: While the state’s “points system” for surcharges was repealed in 2019, accumulating too many moving violations (e.g., four or more in a 12-month period, or seven or more in a 24-month period) can still lead to a driver’s license suspension by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS).
- Enhanced Penalties in Certain Zones: If the stop sign was in a school zone or construction zone with workers present, the fines may be higher, and dismissal options might be more limited.
- Civil Liability in Accidents: If running a stop sign results in an accident, you could also face civil liability for damages and injuries caused.
Ran Stop Sign Ticket
Why You Need The Beltz Law Group for Your Dallas Stop Sign Ticket
If you’ve received a “Ran Stop Sign” ticket in Dallas, simply paying it means admitting guilt and accepting all the associated penalties. Don’t let this happen. The Dallas traffic attorneys at The Beltz Law Group can help you fight to protect your record.
We will:
- Review Your Case: We’ll discuss the circumstances surrounding your ticket, including your belief of whether you stopped properly.
- Explain Your Options: We will clearly outline your legal options, including seeking a dismissal or negotiating for deferred disposition.
- Negotiate with Prosecutors: Our attorneys regularly appear in Dallas Municipal Court and are skilled at negotiating with prosecutors to achieve the best possible plea or outcome for your case.
- Fight for Dismissal or Deferred Disposition: Our primary goal is to get the ticket dismissed or secure a deferred disposition, which allows the ticket to be removed from your record upon successful completion of a probationary period.
- Attend Court on Your Behalf: In most situations, you won’t need to appear in court, saving you time and hassle.
If you believe you stopped at the stop sign, or even if you made a mistake, call The Beltz Law Group today to explain what our Dallas attorneys can do for you. Get more information on how our Dallas lawyers can help you in your case today or fill out our online questionnaire.
