Texas Road Signs: 85 mph Limits, Wireless School Zone Ban & DPS Exam

What is the speed limit on Texas highways. can it really be 85 mph? Are cell phones banned in Texas school zones? What is the penalty for driving around a flood barricade in Texas? The TX DPS Driver License Division at dps.texas.gov/DriverLicense requires classroom driver education, knowledge exam, and driving exam. Limited-access highways post up to 85 mph. Wireless devices are prohibited in school zones. Driving around a flood barricade is a Class B misdemeanor. up to $2,000 fine and/or 180 days in jail. Work zone fines double when workers are present.

Table of Contents

1. Texas Speed Limits Reach 85 mph: and the DPS Driver Exam Tests Every Sign Between the Gulf Coast and the Panhandle

Texas has the most diverse road environment in the project: Houston elevated freeway network, the Hill Countrys winding US-290, the Panhandles flat US-87, the Gulf Coasts US-77, and the trans-Pecos desert routes. The TX DPS Driver License Division at dps.texas.gov/DriverLicense or Austin TX 78773-0300 requires a classroom driver education course, knowledge exam, and driving exam. The handbook includes practice questions at the end of each chapter. study them all. Many limited-access Texas highways have speed limits of 75 up to 85 mph, the highest legally posted limit in the country.

2. Texas Sign Shapes: What the DPS Knowledge Exam Tests About Colors, Symbols and Slow-Moving Vehicle Emblems

Texas uses a reflective orange triangle on the rear of vehicles traveling at 25 mph or less, a slow-moving vehicle emblem that is tested on the TX exam. On the state vast highway network from El Paso to Beaumont, shape and color identify a signs message before the text is readable at high speed. Know every row in this table before your DPS knowledge exam.

Shape	Diagram	Meaning	Example Sign
Octagon (8-sided)		STOP. always and only
Triangle (inverted)		Yield to other traffic
Diamond		Warning - hazard ahead
Rectangle (vertical)		Regulatory - rules of the road
Rectangle (horizontal)		Guide or informational
Pentagon (5-sided)		School zone or crossing - exclusively
Round (circle)		Railroad crossing advance warning - exclusively
Pennant		No passing zone - exclusively
Orange (any shape)		Construction and work zone warnings
Blue (any shape)		Motorist services - gas, food, lodging, hospitals
Brown (any shape)		Recreation areas, parks, and scenic routes

3. Texas Regulatory Signs: School Zone Wireless Ban, School Bus Fines and What Goes on Your TX DPS Driving Record

Regulatory signs carry legal force in Texas. Key TX-specific rules: wireless communication devices are prohibited in school zones; barricade violations at flooded roads = Class B misdemeanor (up to $2,000 + 180 days jail); passing a stopped school bus can result in serious consequences up to criminal charges if bodily injury occurs. White rectangular signs, prohibitory signs, and lane-control signs are tested on the TX knowledge exam.

STOP Sign

Come to a full stop; yield to all traffic and pedestrians before proceeding

YIELD Sign

Slow down and give right-of-way to cross traffic or pedestrians

Speed Limit Sign

Maximum legal speed under ideal conditions

Do Not Enter Sign

You are going the wrong way; do not proceed

Wrong Way Sign

You have entered a one-way road going against traffic

No U-Turn Sign

U-turns are prohibited at this location

No Left Turn Sign

Left turns are not allowed

No Right Turn Sign

Right turns are not allowed

One Way Sign

Traffic moves in one direction only

Keep Right Sign

Stay to the right of an island or obstruction

No Passing Zone Sign

Passing is forbidden in this stretch. pennant-shaped sign

Do Not Pass Sign

Passing prohibited. do not overtake vehicles ahead

No Turn on Red Sign

No turns permitted on a red light at this intersection

No Left Turn on Red Sign

Left turn on red is prohibited here

No Right Turn on Red Sign

Right turn on red is prohibited here

Turn Left Only Sign

You must turn left from this lane

Turn Right Only Sign

You must turn right from this lane

Straight or Turn Right Sign

You may go straight or turn right from this lane

Minimum Speed Limit Sign

You must drive at least this speed on this road

Slower Traffic Keep Right Sign

Slower vehicles must use the right lane

No Parking Sign

Parking is prohibited in this area

No Trucks Sign

Commercial trucks are prohibited on this road

No Bicycles Sign

Bicycles are not permitted on this road

No Pedestrian Crossing Sign

Pedestrians must not cross here

Reserved Parking Sign

Parking reserved for designated users (e.g., accessible parking)

Four Way Stop Sign

All four directions must stop at this intersection

Stop Except Right Turn Sign

All traffic must stop except those turning right

Left Turn Yield on Green Sign

Left-turning vehicles must yield to oncoming traffic on green

Lane Use Control Sign

Indicates which movements are permitted or prohibited from a specific lane

Restricted Lane Ahead Sign

An upcoming lane has restrictions on who may use it

4. Texas Warning Signs: Hill Country Curves, Gulf Coast Flood Zones, High-Speed Work Areas and Slow-Moving Farm Equipment

Diamond-shaped yellow warning signs flag hazards before you reach them. on Texas roads that means curve warnings on Hill Country routes, flood-warning barricades on low-water Gulf Coast crossings, railroad crossing advances on rural branch lines, and slow-moving vehicle triangles on farm roads where equipment travels at 25 mph or less. Orange marks work zones where fines double when workers are present.

Left Curve

A curve to the left is ahead; reduce speed

Right Curve

A curve to the right is ahead; reduce speed

Sharp Left Turn

A very sharp left turn is coming; slow down significantly

Sharp Right Turn

A very sharp right turn is coming; slow down significantly

Winding Road

Series of curves ahead

Set of Curves (Left-Right)

Multiple curves ahead, first curving left then right

Set of Curves (Right-Left)

Multiple curves ahead, first curving right then left

Sharp Turns (Left-Right)

Successive sharp turns ahead. left then right

Slippery When Wet

Road surface becomes slick in rain; reduce speed

Deer Crossing

Wildlife frequently cross here. white-tailed deer, javelinas, and wild hogs are common road hazards on Texas Hill Country routes, East Texas piney woods, and Brush Country highways

Pedestrian Crossing

Crosswalk ahead; watch for foot traffic

Bicycle Crossing

Cyclists frequently cross here; slow down and yield to bikes

School Zone / Crossing

Texas school zones carry special posted speed limits; use of a wireless communication device is prohibited in school zones; slow down and obey all posted signs

School Crossing Ahead

A school crosswalk is approaching; watch for children and crossing guards

Divided Highway Begins

Road splits into two one-way sections; keep right

Divided Highway Ends

Two-way traffic resumes

Merging Traffic

Another lane of traffic is joining yours

Added Lane

A new lane is being added ahead. merging traffic does not need to yield

Lane Ends Ahead

Your lane ends ahead. merge safely into the adjacent lane

Lane Ends Merge Left

Your lane ends. move to the left lane

Left Lane Ends

The left lane ends ahead. merge right

Road Narrows

The road becomes narrower ahead; stay alert

Narrow Bridge Ahead

Bridge ahead is narrower than the road. proceed carefully

Low Clearance

Bridge or overhead obstruction with limited height clearance

Railroad Crossing (RR)

Tracks ahead; look and listen for trains

Hill / Steep Grade (Downgrade)

Downgrade ahead; trucks should check brakes

Bump

A raised bump or speed hump is ahead; slow down

Dip

A dip in the road is ahead; reduce speed

Loose Gravel

Road surface has loose gravel. reduce speed and increase following distance

Pavement Ends

Paved road ends ahead; expect gravel or dirt surface

Shoulder Drop Off

Road shoulder drops off steeply. avoid driving on the edge

Watch for Ice on Bridges

Bridges freeze before road surfaces. reduce speed in cold weather

Two Way Traffic Ahead

Divided road ends. two-way traffic begins ahead

Cross Road

An intersection with a crossing road is ahead

Cross Traffic

Traffic crosses your path ahead. be prepared to yield

T Intersection

The road ends at a T. you must turn left or right

Side Road

A side road enters the highway ahead at an angle

Highway Intersection Ahead

A highway intersection is approaching; be prepared to yield or stop

Road Entering Curve

A road enters from the side on a curve ahead. watch for merging traffic

Roundabout

A roundabout is ahead. yield to circulating traffic and travel counterclockwise

Truck Rollover

High risk of truck rollover on this curve or ramp. trucks reduce speed significantly

Weave Area

Traffic is entering and exiting simultaneously. expect lane changes and merging

Advisory Speed

Recommended safe speed for a curve or hazard. not legally enforced but strongly advised

Traffic Signal Ahead

A traffic light is ahead. be prepared to stop

5. Texas Guide Signs: I-10, I-35, I-45 and the Routes Connecting Houston, San Antonio, Dallas and El Paso

Guide signs do not regulate driving. they show destinations, distances, and services. Green = highway navigation. Blue = motorist services. Brown = parks and recreation.

Interstate Route Marker

Identifies the interstate number (e.g., I-10, I-35, I-45, I-30, I-20)

US Route Marker

Marks US highways (e.g., US-290 Hill Country, US-77 Gulf Coast, US-87 Panhandle, US-83 Brush Country)

State Route Marker

Identifies Texas state routes (e.g., TX-130 toll, TX-16, TX-TX FM roads. Farm-to-Market routes unique to Texas)

Exit Sign (Exit Only)

Shows upcoming freeway exit and distance

Mile Marker

Indicates distance from the state line or route origin

Services Sign

Points to nearby gas, food, lodging, or medical facilities

Hospital Sign (H)

Indicates direction to the nearest hospital

Diesel

Indicates diesel fuel is available at the next service area

Park / Recreation Sign

Directs to state parks, campsites, and scenic areas

6. Texas Traffic Signals: Church Bus Lights, School Zone Wireless Ban and What the DPS Exam Covers

Flashing red = stop sign. Flashing yellow = yield. The TX DPS exam covers all signal types: standard lights, arrow signals, flashing signals, and pedestrian signals. Texas uses church bus flashing lights. same legal meaning as school bus lights. Wireless device use is prohibited in school zones regardless of signal status.

Standard Traffic Lights

Steady Red

Come to a complete stop behind the stop line. Wait until green.

Steady Yellow

Prepare to stop. the light is about to turn red. Do not speed up to beat it.

Steady Green

Proceed if the intersection is clear. You must still yield to pedestrians and cross traffic.

Green Arrow (left)

You may proceed only in the direction of the arrow. Oncoming traffic is stopped.

Yellow Arrow (no left)

The protected turn is ending. Prepare to stop or yield if you have not yet entered the intersection.

Red Arrow (no left)

Do not turn in the direction of the arrow. Wait for a green arrow or green light.

Green. no left arrow

Proceed straight or right. left turn not permitted on this phase.

Opposing Traffic Extended Green

Oncoming traffic has an extended green phase. wait before turning left.

Flashing Signals

Flashing Red

Treat as a STOP sign, come to a complete stop, then proceed when safe.

Flashing Yellow

Treat as a YIELD sign, slow down, look carefully, and proceed with caution.

Flashing Red Beacon

Overhead flashing red beacon. treat as a stop sign. Come to a full stop, then proceed when safe.

Flashing Green Arrow

You may turn in the direction of the arrow after yielding to oncoming traffic and pedestrians.

Pedestrian Signals

WALK / White Walking Figure & DONT WALK / Orange Hand

White walking figure = pedestrians may cross. Orange hand = do not start crossing; if already crossing, finish quickly.

Flashing Orange Hand + Countdown

Crossing phase is ending. Pedestrians who have started may finish; others should not begin.

Key test point: Flashing red = stop sign. Flashing yellow = yield. Church bus flashing red lights = same stop requirement as school buses. Wireless devices prohibited in school zones. All tested on the TX DPS exam.

7. Texas Pavement Markings: Shared Left-Turn Lanes, Bicycle Lane Rules and Railroad Crossing No-Parking Zones

Yellow lines separate opposing traffic. White lines separate same-direction traffic. The TX DPS exam covers lane lines, road arrows, curb markings, and pavement symbols. including shared left-turn (center) lane rules for mid-block turns into businesses, bicycle lane markings, and no-parking zones within 50 feet of railroad crossings.

Line Colors

Yellow lines

Separate traffic moving in opposite directions

White lines

Separate traffic moving in the same direction, or mark the edge of the road

Line Types

Broken yellow line (Single)

Passing allowed when safe on your side

Solid yellow + broken yellow

Passing allowed only on the broken-line side

Double solid yellow lines

No passing in either direction

Broken white line

Lane changes permitted when safe

Solid white line

Do not cross. lane edge, crosswalk, or stop line

Double solid white lines

Do not change lanes. often used near intersections or toll areas

Center Turn Lane

Shared left-turn lane. used to begin or complete a left turn only

Center Turning Lane (sign)

Overhead or posted sign marking a shared center left-turn lane

Pavement Symbols & Special Markings

Arrows in lane

Indicate which direction(s) you may travel from that lane

Stop line (wide white bar)

Stop your vehicle completely behind this line at red lights and stop signs

Stop Here on Red

Painted instruction on pavement. stop at this marked line on red

Crosswalk lines

Mark the pedestrian crossing area. yield to pedestrians within these lines

Broken white line (pavement)

Lane changes permitted when safe

Solid white line (pavement)

Do not cross. lane edge, crosswalk, or stop line

Double solid white lines (pavement)

Do not change lanes. often used near intersections or toll areas

Railroad crossing markings (X + RR)

Advance warning of tracks ahead. painted on pavement before the crossing

Diagonal yellow lines (gore area)

Do not drive in this area. marks a traffic island or diverging zone

Bicycle lane marking

White painted lane reserved for cyclists. do not drive or park in it

HOV / Carpool lane diamond

Lane restricted to vehicles with 2 or more occupants during posted hours

Yellow curb

No parking or stopping at any time

Red curb

No stopping, standing, or parking. fire zone

White curb

Passenger loading/unloading only. brief stops permitted

Key test point: Yellow lines always separate opposing traffic. White lines always separate same-direction traffic. This is a foundational rule that appears on nearly every DMV exam.

8. Texas Work Zone Signs: Fines Double When Workers Are Present: and Barricades at Flooded Roads Can Mean Jail Time

Orange warning signs mark every active construction and maintenance work zone in Texas. Fines double in a work zone when workers are present anywhere in the construction zone. A separate and more serious rule: driving around a barricade placed at a location where water is over any portion of a road is a Class B misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $2,000 and/or up to 180 days in jail.

Road Work Ahead

Construction zone begins ahead. reduce speed and be alert

Flagger Ahead

A person is directing traffic. obey their signals immediately

Workers Ahead

Road workers are present. slow down and be prepared to stop

Active Work Zone

You are in an active work zone. fines doubled, drive with extra caution

End of Active Work Zone

Work zone ends. normal speed and rules resume

Work Zone Headlights

Headlights required in this work zone

Lane Closed Ahead

A travel lane ends ahead. merge early and do not pass in the closed lane

Road Closed

Road is completely closed. do not enter, follow detour signs

Orange barrels / cones

Mark lane boundaries and closures in active work zones

Channelizing devices (barricades)

Direct traffic around obstacles or closed areas

• You must obey warning signs, signals, and flag person instructions in Texas work zones.
• Texas work zone fines double when workers are present anywhere in the construction zone.
• Driving around a barricade placed where water is over the road = Class B misdemeanor, up to $2,000 fine and/or up to 180 days in jail. Never drive around these barricades.
• Disobeying any warning sign or barricade is a misdemeanor punishable by a $1-$200 fine even outside active work zones.

Key test point: Orange always means construction or work zone. If you see orange, reduce speed and increase following distance immediately.

9. Texas Railroad Crossings: Stop 15 to 50 Feet From the Nearest Rail and No Parking Within 50 Feet

At Texas railroad grade crossings, stop within 15 to 50 feet of the nearest rail when directed to do so by a flag person, flashing red lights, warning bells, or any other warning device indicating a train is coming. No parking within 50 feet of the nearest rail of a railroad crossing. Never stop on the tracks.

Advance Warning Sign

Railroad crossing ahead. the first sign you see. Begin slowing down.

RR Crossbuck Sign (X-shaped)

Located at the crossing itself. yield to trains. Treat as a yield sign if no gates or lights.

Railroad Crossing (at crossing)

Marks the exact railroad crossing location

Crossing Gates

Lower when a train is coming. never drive around or under a lowered gate

Pavement markings (X + RR)

Painted on the road surface before the crossing as an advance warning

Flashing Red Lights

A train is approaching, stop and wait. Do not proceed until lights stop and it is fully clear.

Stop Line

Texas requires stopping within 15 to 50 feet of the nearest rail; no parking within 50 feet of the nearest rail; stop before the gate lowers and remain until it raises

• Stop before the gate lowers when lights begin to flash. Remain stopped until the gates are raised and the lights stop flashing.
• Stop within 15 to 50 feet of the nearest rail when: directed by a flag person, flashing red lights or warning bells are active, or any warning device indicates a train is coming.
• No parking within 50 feet of the nearest rail of a railroad crossing.
• Never stop on or drive around a crossing gate while it is down.

Key test point: Texas stop zone = 15 to 50 feet from the nearest rail. No parking within 50 feet. Stop before the gate lowers. All tested on the TX DPS exam.

10. Texas School Zone Rules: Wireless Devices Prohibited and Fines for Passing a Stopped School Bus

Pentagon-shaped school zone signs in Texas designate areas subject to special speed limits. Use of a wireless communication device is prohibited in Texas school zones. When a school bus displays alternately flashing red lights, stop from either direction until the bus resumes motion, the lights stop flashing, or the driver signals you to proceed. Exceptions apply only for buses on a different road or in a controlled-access highway loading zone where pedestrians cannot cross.

School Zone

School ahead. be alert for children, reduce speed

School Speed Limit

Texas school zones carry special posted speed limits; wireless devices prohibited in school zones; school bus alternating red lights = stop from both directions

Speed Limit Lights Flashing

Speed limit applies only when the flashing lights are active

School Crossing Ahead

Crosswalk used by schoolchildren ahead. yield to crossing guard and students

• Texas school zones carry special posted speed limits. obey what is posted, not just a standard number.
• Use of a wireless communication device is prohibited in Texas school zones. This includes texting, calling, and any other wireless device use.
• When a school bus displays alternately flashing red lights, stop from either direction until: the bus resumes motion; the lights stop flashing; or the driver signals you to proceed.
• Exceptions: Bus is on a different road, OR on a controlled-access highway where the bus is stopped in a loading zone and pedestrians are not permitted to cross.
• Violating the school bus law can result in substantial fines and, if bodily injury results, criminal charges.

Key test point: The pentagon shape is used exclusively for school signs. No other sign category uses this shape. making it one of the easiest shapes to identify on the exam.

11. Texas Pedestrian and Bike Signs: Full-Lane Rights for Cyclists, FM Road Sharing and the Right-Turn Merge Rule

Pedestrians have right-of-way in Texas crosswalks. Texas cyclists have full-lane rights when the lane is too narrow for a car and bicycle to share side by side. and motorists must yield to cyclists the same as to other vehicles. When making a right turn, merge into the bicycle lane rather than turning across cyclists. Both sign types use fluorescent yellow-green and are tested on the TX DPS exam.

Pedestrian Crossing Sign

A marked crosswalk is ahead. watch for pedestrians crossing

Bicycle Crossing Sign

Cyclists frequently cross here. reduce speed and yield to bikes

No Bicycles

Bicycles are prohibited on this road or path

No Pedestrian Crossing

Pedestrians must not cross here

• Pedestrians always have right-of-way in Texas crosswalks. yield before entering the crosswalk area.
• Texas cyclists may take the full lane when: overtaking another vehicle, preparing to turn left, there are road hazards, or the lane is too narrow for a car and bike to share safely.
• When making a right turn, merge into the bicycle lane first rather than turning across bicycle traffic. This prevents the most common car-bicycle crash in Texas.
• At intersections, right-of-way rules apply equally to motor vehicles and bicycles. yield to cyclists as you would to any vehicle.
• Fluorescent yellow-green is used for both school and pedestrian/bike signs. the shape distinguishes between them.

Key test point: Pedestrians always have right-of-way at crosswalks. marked or unmarked. This rule appears on virtually every state DMV exam.

12. How to Pass Texas DPS Driver Exam: Practice Questions in Every Chapter and 4 TX-Specific Rules That Are Tested

• Practice questions in every chapter. The Texas Driver Handbook includes practice questions at the end of each chapter. Answer all of them. The actual DPS exam covers the same material. Visit dps.texas.gov/DriverLicense for the latest information.
• Wireless devices are prohibited in school zones. period. Not just while the flashers are active. The Texas sign reads "use of wireless communication device is prohibited in the school zone." This is a separate offense from the school zone speed limit violation.
• Work zone fines double when workers are present. Texas specifically ties the doubling to worker presence anywhere in the zone. not just when you see a worker. Drive as if workers are always present.
• Never drive around a flood barricade. A barricade placed where water covers the road is not a suggestion. driving around it is a Class B misdemeanor in Texas (up to $2,000 fine + up to 180 days jail). This is Texas-specific and tested.
• Texas has 85 mph speed limits. Many limited-access highways have speed limits of 75 up to 85 mph. the highest legally posted in the country. Always look for posted limits; do not assume a default speed.
• FM roads are unique to Texas. Farm-to-Market (FM) and Ranch-to-Market (RM) routes connect rural Texas. obey their posted limits and watch for farm equipment with slow-moving vehicle triangles (25 mph or less).
• Merge into bike lanes before right turns. Texas requires merging with bicycle traffic before turning right. not turning across it. This is tested.
• Railroad: stop 15 to 50 feet from nearest rail. No parking within 50 feet. Stop before the gate lowers.
• Flashing signals. Flashing red = full stop. Flashing yellow = slow and yield.
• Church buses same as school buses. Texas law treats church bus flashing red lights identically to school bus lights. stop required from both directions.

Texas DPS Driver License