Last Updated on June 26, 2025 by Beltz Law Group
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Failed to Obey a Traffic Signal in Texas? Understanding the Law and Your Defense Options
Navigating the roads of Texas requires adherence to a complex set of rules, primarily laid out in the Texas Transportation Code. Among the most common citations drivers receive is for “failure to comply with a traffic-control device,” often simply referred to as running a red light or stop sign. Understanding the specifics of this law and potential defenses is crucial if you’ve been issued such a ticket.
This article will break down the requirements to comply with traffic signals in Texas, focusing on Texas Transportation Code Section 544.004. If you’ve received a ticket for failing to obey a traffic signal in North Texas, or any surrounding community, and need legal assistance, our experienced traffic ticket lawyers are ready to help.
The Law: Compliance with Traffic-Control Devices in Texas
The core of the law regarding traffic signals is found in Texas Transportation Code Section 544.004, titled “Compliance with Traffic-Control Device.”
(a) The operator of a vehicle or streetcar shall comply with an applicable official traffic-control device placed as provided by this subtitle unless the person is: (1) otherwise directed by a traffic officer, police officer, or escort flagger; or (2) operating an authorized emergency vehicle and is subject to exceptions under this subtitle.
In essence, this subsection states that drivers must obey official traffic-control devices (like traffic lights, stop signs, yield signs, and lane markings) unless a law enforcement officer or authorized flagger directs them otherwise, or if they are operating an emergency vehicle under specific legal exceptions.
(b) A provision of this subtitle requiring an official traffic-control device may not be enforced against an alleged violator if at the time and place of the alleged violation the device is not in proper position and sufficiently legible to an ordinarily observant person. A provision of this subtitle that does not require an official traffic-control device is effective regardless of whether a device is in place.
This subsection is particularly important for potential defenses. It explicitly states that a traffic-control device cannot be enforced if it’s not properly positioned or clear enough for a typical driver to see and understand. However, if a law doesn’t require a device to be in place (e.g., certain speed limits are effective even without a sign), then the absence of a faulty device isn’t a defense.
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Key Issues in Defending a Traffic Ticket in Farmers Branch
When facing a “failure to comply with traffic signal” ticket, two primary areas often come into play during a defense: the legality of the initial traffic stop and the actual validity of the ticket itself.
The Stop: Reasonable Suspicion
An officer only needs “reasonable suspicion” to pull you over. This is a lower legal standard than “probable cause” required for a conviction. Even if a traffic sign or signal appears defective or displaced, and you later argue that you couldn’t reasonably comply, the officer may still have had reasonable suspicion to initiate the stop based on their observation of what appeared to be a violation. The validity of the stop itself is a separate issue from the validity of the ticket. The question for the stop is whether the officer reasonably believed a law was violated at that moment.
The Ticket: Validity of the Device
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While the stop might be valid, the ticket’s enforceability hinges on the traffic-control device meeting legal requirements. As per Section 544.004(b), the device must be:
- In proper position: Was the sign or light placed correctly according to state guidelines (e.g., the Texas Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices)? Was it obscured by trees, buildings, or other obstacles?
- Sufficiently legible to an ordinarily observant person: Was the sign faded, covered in graffiti, or otherwise unreadable for a typical driver? This is an objective standard, meaning it’s not about whether you personally saw it, but whether an “ordinarily observant person” would have.
If the traffic control device fails either of these criteria, a strong legal argument can often be made for the dismissal of the ticket. It’s important to gather evidence such as photographs or videos of the intersection at the time of the alleged violation to support such a defense.
The Impact of a Traffic Ticket on Your Record
It’s vital to understand that simply paying a traffic ticket in Texas is an admission of guilt. This can lead to a conviction on your driving record, which may have several negative consequences:
- Increased Insurance Rates: Insurance companies regularly check driving records, and even a single traffic conviction can lead to higher premiums. Multiple violations can significantly increase your rates or even lead to policy cancellation.
- Potential License Suspension: If you accumulate too many moving violations within a certain period (e.g., 4 or more within 12 months, or 7 or more within 24 months), your driver’s license could be suspended.
- Criminal Record: In Texas, most traffic tickets are classified as Class C misdemeanors, meaning a conviction goes on your criminal record, though these are generally considered minor.
Why Hire a Farmers Branch Traffic Ticket Attorney?
Given the complexities of Texas traffic laws and the potential long-term impacts of a conviction, consulting with a qualified attorney is highly recommended. A Farmers Branch traffic ticket lawyer can:
- Evaluate your case: They can assess the specifics of your stop and the traffic device in question to determine if any valid defenses apply.
- Negotiate with the prosecutor: Attorneys often have established relationships with local prosecutors and can negotiate for deferred disposition (probationary period leading to dismissal), defensive driving courses, or even dismissal of the charges.
- Represent you in court: If necessary, your attorney can represent you in court, present evidence, cross-examine witnesses, and argue on your behalf.
- Protect your driving record: Their primary goal is to resolve your ticket in a way that avoids a conviction on your driving record, thereby protecting your insurance rates and driving privileges.
Don’t let a traffic ticket for failure to comply with a traffic signal jeopardize your driving record and finances. Contact our office today to discuss your case with a knowledgeable North Texas ticket lawyer. We are prepared to assist you and can be reached by calling 214-321-4105.
