Texas driving guide

Understanding the driving rules in Texas is essential when traveling in the state. We’ll talk you through all the essentials, including how much toll roads cost in Texas, the maximum speed limits and general driving rules.

Jump to a section:

• Quick rules of the road
• Speed limits
• Toll roads
• Driving ages
• Essential equipment
• Speed violations
• Driving with children
• Gas prices
• Electric car charging
• Driving between Texas and other states
• Driving conditions

Quick rules of the road

• When changing lanes on a multi-lane highway, you must give way to any vehicle attempting to enter the same lane from the left.
• At an intersection, you must give way to traffic approaching from the right.
• When turning left at an intersection, right-of-way goes to the vehicle approaching from the opposite direction.
• You must give right-of-way to emergency vehicles. 
• You must use headlights from 30 minutes after sunset until 30 minutes before sunrise.
• During the day, you must use your headlights when visibility is limited to 1,000ft.
• It is illegal to text when driving in Texas. Some cities in the state also outlaw using a cell phone in any way when driving. 

Speed limits in Texas

If you're driving in and around Texas, you should bear in mind the below speed limits for different types of roads.

Toll roads in Texas

There are approximately 30 toll roads in Texas, and many of them are managed by different local authorities. To help make sense of the toll road network and the cost of toll roads in Texas, we’ve divided them into their designated areas. 

Austin Toll Roads

SH130 Pickle Parkway (Segments 1-4)

Running along the east side of Austin, State Highway 130 bypasses the busy I-35 and runs for 49 miles.

From: 1-35, Georgetown

To: 183 SE, Austin

Cost for two axle vehicles: The cost to use the SH130 Pickle Parkway in a two axle vehicle ranges between $0.55 - $3.00 depending on which ramp you enter and exit from.

Cost for three axle vehicles: The cost to use this toll road in Texas increases the more axles you have on your vehicle, ranging between $1.10 - $9.00 depending on your entry and exit point.

Loop 1

Loop 1 has tolled segments known as the MoPac. It covers four miles in central Austin.

From: Parmer Lane, Austin

To: SH 45N, Austin

Cost for two axle vehicles: The cost to use Loop 1 in a car or two axle truck can range from $0.80 to $1.82, depending on how you pay and whether you join using the ramps or plazas. 

Cost for three axle vehicles: The cost to use this toll road in Texas increases the more axles you have on your vehicle, ranging from $1.60 to $9.10 depending on your entry and exit point.

SH 45N

The 13-mile-long State Highway 45 North connects a series of communities in North Austin and offers a key connection to Loop 1 and the I-35.

From: 183 NW, Cedar Park

To: SH 130, Pflugerville

Cost for two axle vehicles: The cost to use Loop 1 in a car can range from $0.80 - $1.82, depending on how you pay and where you enter and exit the road. 

Cost for three axle vehicles: The cost to use SH 45N increases the more axles you have on your vehicle, ranging from $1.60 - $9.10 depending on where you join and leave the highway.

SH 45SE

This seven-mile stretch of the SH 45 connects the SH 130 to the I-35 near Buda.

From: SH 130, Southeast Austin

To: I-35, Buda

Cost for two axle vehicles: The cost to use SH 45SE in a two axle vehicle can vary from $0.78 to $1.79, depending on how you pay and where you enter and exit the road. 

Cost for three axle vehicles: The cost to use SH 45SE increases the more axles you have on your vehicle, starting at $1.56 and increasing to $5.57 depending on whether you use the plazas or ramps.

SH 130 (Segments 5 & 6)

These newest segments of the SH 130 cover 41 miles and make up the southern-most parts of the highway.

From: Mustang Ridge

To: Seguin

Cost for two axle vehicles: The cost to use segments 5 and 6 of the SH 130 in a two axle vehicle can range between $0.97 and $7.42, depending on how you pay and which areas of the road you use. 

Cost for three axle vehicles: The cost to use SH 130 (segments 5 and 6) increases the more axles you have on your vehicle, starting at $1.92 and increasing to $24.62 depending on which entrance and exit you use.

183A Toll Road

The 183A is an 11-mile-long toll road that runs through Cedar Park and Leander in northwest Austin.

From: RM 620

To: Leander

Cost for two axle vehicles: It can cost between $0.47 and $2.52 to use the 183A toll road in a car or small truck. The exact cost depends on how you pay and which areas of the road you use. 

Cost for three axle vehicles: The cost to use the 183A toll road increases the more axles you have on your vehicle. Prices start at $0.94 and increase to $12.60.

183 Toll Road

The 183 runs through Williamson County in Texas and covers approximately seven miles.

From: Lampasas

To: Georgetown

Cost for two axle vehicles: It can cost between $0.62 and $1.95 to use the 183 toll road in a car or small truck. The exact cost depends on how you pay and which areas of the road you use. 

Cost for three axle vehicles: The cost to use the 183 toll road increases the more axles you have on your vehicle. Prices start at $1.24 and increase to $9.75 depending on the entrance and exit you use.

SH 45SW

The 3.6-mile-long 45SW state highway is a four-lane highway that opened in 2016.

From: Loop 1

To: Farm to Market Road

Cost for two axle vehicles: It can cost between $1.06 and $1.59 to use the SH 45SW toll road. The exact cost depends on how you pay and which areas of the road you use. 

Cost for three axle vehicles: The cost to use the SH 45SW toll road increases the more axles you have on your vehicle. Prices start at $2.12 and increase to $7.95.

MoPac Express Lanes

Express lanes are specific lanes on non-tolled sections of the Loop 1 that you can pay to use, helping to reduce traffic and cut travel times.

From: Cesar Chevez

To: Parmer Lane

Cost for all vehicles: The cost to use Express Lanes in a car or three axle vehicle varies depending on demand. Base rates start at $0.45 per segment but can increase if the demand is higher than normal.   

71 Toll Road

This four-mile stretch of road connects Austin drivers to Austin-Bergstrom International Airport and the city of Bastrop. It has tolled and non-tolled lanes to help ease traffic congestion.

From: President Blvd, Austin

To: SH 130, Austin

Cost for two axle vehicles: Cars and small trucks using the 71 Toll Road can expect to pay between $0.99 and $1.49, depending on their chosen payment method.

Cost for three axle vehicles: If you’re driving in a three axle vehicle, you’ll pay between $1.98 and $7.45. The more axles your vehicle has, the higher the fee.

290 Toll Road

This six-mile stretch of road is in eastern Austin.

From: President Blvd, Austin

To: SH 130, Austin

Cost for two axle vehicles: Cars and small trucks using the 290 Toll Road will pay between $0.63 and $1.94, depending on their chosen payment method.

Cost for three axle vehicles: If you’re driving in a three axle vehicle, you’ll pay between $1.26 and $9.70. The more axles your vehicle has, the higher your fee.

How to pay for toll roads in Austin, Texas

You can pay for any toll road in Austin using the TxTag system and pay your bill online before a set due date. You can also pay by mail, but this will typically be more expensive. If you don’t pay on time, you will be charged additional late fees.

Dallas/Fort Worth Toll Roads

I-35E TEXpress Lanes

This 18-mile-long road has nearly 15 entrances and exits, covering the distance between Denton County and Dallas County. It’s made up of two reversible express lanes and uses a variable pricing system based on demand.

From: Swisher Road, Corinth

To: I-635, Dallas

Cost for two axle vehicles: The minimum cost to use the I-35E TEXpress Lanes ranges from $0.30 to $1.16 depending on which entrances and exits you use.  

Cost for three axle vehicles: If you’re driving in a three axle vehicle, the minimum toll rates will be the same as those paid by a two axle vehicle.

Motorcycles pay half price toll fees during peak hours – Monday-Friday, 6:30am to 9am and 3pm to 6:30pm.

I-30 TEXpress Lanes

At 18 miles long, the I-30 travels from Tarrant Country across to Dallas and has both concurrent and reversible lanes available to drivers. 

From: Centre Street, Arlington

To: Beckley Avenue, Dallas

Cost for two axle vehicles: The I-30 TEXpress lanes have variable costs depending on demand. I-30 TEXpress Lanes range from $0.53 to $1.23 depending on which entrances and exits you use. 

Cost for three axle vehicles: Three axle vehicles weighing over a ton are not allowed on the I-30 TEXpress Lanes.  

I-635 East HOV/TEXpress Lanes

Only solo drivers using the I-635 East TEXpress Lanes must pay toll fares. Registered high occupancy vehicles (HOVs) can use the lanes for free.

From: US 75

To: I-30

Cost for two axle vehicles: The cost to use the I-635 TEXpress Lanes varies for two axle cars depending on demand. The minimum rate starts at $0.29 to $1.59 depending on which entrances and exits you use. 

Cost for three axle vehicles: Three axle vehicle costs will be higher than the minimum rates for two axle vehicles but will still vary based on traffic volume.

Midtown Express Managed Lanes

The Midtown Express project spans five cities and covers portions of several major roads in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, including the SH 114, Loop 12 and SH 183.

From: Grapevine/Euless

To: Irving

Cost for two axle vehicles: The cost to use Midtown Express Managed Lanes varies depending on demand and time of day. The current rate will always be displayed on signs at your entry point to the lanes.

Cost for three axle vehicles: Three axle vehicles will be higher than the minimum rates for two axle vehicles but will still vary based on traffic volume.

360 Tollway

The 360 Tollway opened in May 2018 and extending the existing State Highway 360 as part of a partnership between Texas Department of Transportation and the NTTA.

From: Camp Wisdom, Arlington

To: US 287, Mansfield

Cost for two axle vehicles: You’ll need to pay between $0.31 and $1.86 to drive along the 360 Tollway in a passenger car or truck. The exact costs will depend on the entrance and exit used and your chosen payment method.

Cost for three axle vehicles: Three axle vehicles face a higher charge on the 360 Tollway. This can range between $0.93 to $9.25.

Dallas North Tollway (DNT)

At around 32 miles long - and still growing - the Dallas North Tollway connects Dallas to several other cities, including Addison, Plano and Frisco.

From: I-35E, Dallas

To: Highway 380, Frisco

Cost for two axle vehicles: Drivers using two axle-vehicles on the DNT can expect to pay between $0.31 and $2.94, depending on the entrance and exit used.  

Cost for three axle vehicles: Three axle vehicles face a higher charge on the DNT, with the price steadily increasing with the number of axles. This can range from $0.62 to $14.70.

President George Bush Turnpike (PGBT)

Connecting the east and west of Dallas and Fort Worth, the President George Bush Turnpike (PGBT) is around 52 miles long.

From: 1-20, Grand Prairie

To: 1-30, Garland

Cost for two axle vehicles: Drivers using two axle vehicles on the PGBT will need to pay between $0.31 and $3.00, depending on the entrance and exit used and your chosen payment method. 

Cost for three axle vehicles: If you’re driving a vehicle with more than three axles, you may be charged for using the PGBT, with the price steadily increasing with the number of axles. This can range from $0.62 to $15.00.

Chisholm Trail Parkway

This 27.6-mile toll road was more than 50 years in the making and connects Fort Worth with Cleburne.

From: Summit Ave, Westover Hills

To: Country Rd. 1125, Cleburne

Cost for two axle vehicles: Drivers using two axle vehicles on the Chisholm Trail will need to pay between $0.34 and $3.87, depending on the entrance and exit used and your chosen payment method. 

Cost for three axle vehicles: If you’re driving a vehicle with three or more axles, you’ll pay between $0.84 and $19.35. The more axles your vehicle has, the higher your fee.

Addison Airport Toll Tunnel

The Addison Airport Toll Tunnel was built to help ease congestion around northern Dallas and Addison, providing an additional route between the DNT and I-35E under the airport runway.

From: Addison Road, Addison

To: Midway Road, Addison

Cost for two axle vehicles: Drivers using two axle vehicles on the Chisholm Trail will need to pay between $0.70 and $1.05, depending on their chosen payment method. 

Cost for three axle vehicles: If you’re driving in a three axle vehicle, you’ll pay between $1.40 and $5.25. The more axles your vehicle has, the higher your fee.

Mountain Creek Lake Bridge (MCLB)

The Mountain Creek Lake Bridge (MCLB) is 7,425 feet long, extending across the Mountain Creek Lake in Dallas, linking Dallas County to Tarrant County.

From: Southeast 14th Street, Grand Prairie

To: Mountain Creek Parkway, Dallas

Cost for two axle vehicles: Drivers using two axle vehicles on the MCLB will need to pay between $0.70 and $1.05, depending on their chosen payment method. 

Cost for three axle vehicles: If you’re driving in a vehicle with three or more axles, you’ll pay between $1.40 and $5.25. The more axles your vehicle has, the higher your fee.

Sam Rayburn Tollway

The Sam Rayburn Tollway became part of the NTTA’s network in 2008. It was previously known as State Highway 121, or the 121 Tollway. Its 26.2 miles are split into four lanes in each direction.

From: Business SH 121, Dallas County

To: U.S. 75, Collin County

Cost for two axle vehicles: It can cost between $0.31 and $3.56 to use the Sam Rayburn Tollway in a car or small truck. The exact cost depends on how you pay and which parts of the road you use. 

Cost for three axle vehicles: If you’re driving in a three axle vehicle, you’ll pay between $0.62 and $17.80. The more axles your vehicle has, the higher your fee.

Lewisville Lake Toll Bridge (LLTB)

The 360-foot arch at the center of the Lewisville Lake Toll Bridge (LLTB) is an iconic sight in Denton County. The four lane bridge spans 1.7 miles connecting east and west sides of Denton County.

From: Swisher Road, Denton County

To: Eldorado Parkway, Denton County

Cost for two axle vehicles: It can cost between $1.39 and $2.09 to use the LLTB in a car or small truck. The exact cost depends on how you pay. 

Cost for three axle vehicles: If you’re driving in a three axle vehicle, you’ll pay between $2.78 and $10.45. The more axles your vehicle has, the higher your fee.

How to pay for toll roads in Dallas-Fort Worth

You can pay for any toll road in the Dallas and Fort Worth area online using TollTag or ZipCash. TollTag users typically save 50% compared to those using ZipCash to pay.

Houston Toll Roads

Houston Grand Parkway (SH 99)

One of the longest toll roads in Texas, the Houston Grand Parkway is split into eight segments and covers 184 miles. When complete, it will have 11 segments spanning seven counties. 

From: I-10, Katy

To: SH 146, Baytown

Cost for two axle vehicles: The exact cost to use the Houston Grand Parkway will depend on which segments you drive through and the entrance and exit ramps used. You can expect to pay between $0.51 and $3.32.

Cost for three axle vehicles: If your vehicle has three or more axles, you’ll have to pay a higher toll. This can range from $1.02 to $16.60.

State Highway 249 Project

When complete, State Highway 249 will cover around 26 miles and link suburban Houston communities with major roadways. The second of its two segments is expected to open in 2023.

From: FM 1774, Pinehurst

To: SH 105, Plantersville

Cost for two axle vehicles: The exact cost of SH 249 segment two haven’t been released yet, but to use the first segment you can expect to pay between $0.44 and $3.63 for a two axle vehicle. 

Cost for three axle vehicles: If you’re driving a vehicle with three or more axles, you’ll have to pay a higher toll. This can range from $0.88 to $18.15

Drive288 Express Lanes

The 10-mile long Drive288 Express Lane provides a route between Downtown Houston and Brazoria County.

From: US 59, Houston

To: Harris County Line, Clear Creek

Cost for two axle vehicles: The cost to use Drive288 Express Lanes varies depending on demand and time of day but can range from $1.52 to $6.40.

Cost for three axle vehicles: Three axle vehicles will be higher than the minimum rates for two axle vehicles but will still vary based on traffic volume.

Tomball Tollway

The Tomball Tollway is an all-electric tollway that opened in 2015. It’s around six miles long and has three toll lanes in each direction.

From: Spring Cypress Road, Harris County

To: FM 2920, Harris County

Cost for two axle vehicles: The cost to use Tomball Tollway in a two axle vehicle starts at around $0.50 but can increase to $1.50 depending on the entry ramp used.

Cost for three axle vehicles: Vehicles with three or more axles will face a higher charge, which could range from $1.25 to $8.75.

Katy Managed Lanes

Covering 12 miles, Katy Managed Lanes are made up of the middle four lanes of IH 10 with two lanes in each direction.

From: SH 6, Harris County

To: IH 610, Harris County

Cost for two axle vehicles: The cost to use Katy Managed Lanes in a two axle vehicle starts at around $0.40 but can increase to $3.20 depending on the time and day.

Cost for three axle vehicles: Vehicles with three or more axles will carry an asset charge of $7.00.

Sam Houston Tollway

The second-most outer loop around the city of Houston and Harris County covers 13 miles and crosses the tolled Ship Channel Bridge.

From: SH 6, Harris County

To: IH 610, Harris County

Cost for two axle vehicles: The cost to use Sam Houston Tollway in a two axle vehicle starts at around $0.50 but can increase to $1.50 depending on the entry ramp used.

Cost for three axle vehicles: Vehicles with three or more axles will face a higher charge, which could range from $1.25 to $8.75.

Westpark Tollway

The Westpark Tollway opened in 2004 and spans around 19 miles. It was the nation’s first all-electric tollway providing a barrier-free journey between Galleria and Katy.

From: I-60, Harris County

To: FM 1464, Harris County

Cost for two axle vehicles: The cost to use Sam Houston Tollway in a two axle vehicle starts at around $0.50 but can increase to $1.50 depending on the entry ramp used.

Cost for three axle vehicles: Vehicles with three or more axles will face a higher charge, which could range from $1.25 to $8.75.

Hardy Toll Road

Running parallel to the I-45, the Hardy Toll Road covers around 12 miles. It was converted into an all-electric toll road in 2016.

From: I-45 North, Harris County

To: I-610, Harris County

Cost for two axle vehicles: The cost to use Sam Houston Tollway in a two axle vehicle starts at around $0.90 but can increase to $1.50 depending on the entry ramp used.

Cost for three axle vehicles: Vehicles with three or more axles will face a higher charge, which could range from $2.00 to $8.75.

Fort Bend Parkway

Covering approximately six miles, the Fort Bend Parkway is a four lane road with two lanes in each direction.

From: Sienna Parkway, Fort Bend County

To: Beltway 8, Fort Bend County

Cost for two axle vehicles: The cost to use Fort Bend Parkway in a two axle vehicle is $0.46 but increases to $0.69 if you use the Fondren Toll Plaza. 

Cost for three axle vehicles: Vehicles with three or more axles will face a higher charge, which could range from $0.92 to $3.45.

Grand Parkway

The Fort Bend County Toll Road Authority covers a 12-mile section of the Grand Parkway, including seven toll plazas.

From: US 59, Fort Bend County

To: Fry Road, Fort Bend County

Cost for two axle vehicles: The cost to use Grand Parkway between US 59 and Fry Road in a two axle vehicle is $0.42.

Cost for three axle vehicles: Vehicles with three or more axles will face a higher charge, which could range from $0.84 to $2.10.

Westpark Tollway

The Westpark Tollway connects the Grand Parkway to Loop 610 in Houston and Fort Bend County Toll Road Authority operates the eight mile stretch of the toll road that runs through Fort Bend County.

From: FM-1464, Fort Bend/Harris County Line

To: Spring Road, Harris County

Cost for two axle vehicles: The cost to use Grand Parkway between US 59 and Fry Road in a two axle vehicle is $0.76.

Cost for three axle vehicles: Vehicles with three or more axles will face a higher charge, which could range from $1.52 to $3.80.

Brazoria County Expressway (SH 288)

Brazoria County operates a five mile stretch of the 288 toll road in Texas and works in conjunction with the TxDOT section of the road.

From: County Road 58 North, Brazoria County

To: Brazoria County/Harris County Line, Clear Creek

Cost for two axle vehicles: The cost to use Brazoria County Expressway will be $1.80.

Cost for three axle vehicles: Vehicles with three or more axles will be required to pay $1.80 to use the Brazoria County Expressway.

How to pay for toll roads in Houston

You can pay for any toll road in the Houston area online. Some toll roads can also be paid for by mail, but it’s usually cheaper to do so online. You’ll need to use an EZ TAG account to make the payment. 

Other Texas toll roads

SH 550

Spanning 10 miles, the SH 550 toll road connects the Port of Brownsville with major roads like the SH 48 and I-69E.

From: I-69E

To: SH 48, Port of Brownsville

Cost for two axle vehicles: The cost to use the SH 550 toll road in Texas is $0.50 when paid by TxTag or $0.67 when paid by mail or registered plates. 

Cost for three axle vehicles: Vehicles with three or more axles will be required to pay between $1.00 and $3.30 depending on their payment type and number of axles.

How to pay for toll roads in Texas

Toll roads in Texas operate on an electronic tag system that recognizes the number plate of your vehicle and makes a charge to your account. When you rent with Hertz, you’re automatically enrolled in PlatePass, which covers the various electronic tag systems in Texas and charges your toll fees to your rental agreement. 

Driving ages and license requirements in Texas

• The legal age for driving in Texas on a full permit is 18.
• The minimum age to rent a car in Texas with Hertz is 20.
• In Texas, you can apply for your learner’s permit at 15.

If you’re under 25, you can find more information about renting a car with our young driver’s guide.

Essential equipment to carry in your car in Texas

In your vehicle, you must have:

• Your driving permit
• Proof of insurance
• Proof of rental/rental agreement
• At least three flares, red electric lanterns, or portable red emergency reflectors for alerting other drivers to hazards at nighttime (Truck only)
• Two red flags measuring at least 12 inches square (Truck only).

For a list of items that you can’t carry in your Hertz car, please check your rental agreement.

Texas speed violations, infractions and penalties

Breaking speed limit laws in Texas carries a fine. Typically, you’ll be expected to pay that fine plus any court costs you incur due to your charge. The fine can vary between cities, areas and how much you exceed the limit by.

Here’s an example of what you could pay for exceeding the speed limit in Houston.

Driving with children in Texas

• Car seat requirements in Texas apply to any child younger than 8 years old in a motor vehicle, unless that child is taller than 4ft 9in.
• Failing to correctly restrain a child in a car could cost you up to $250 in fines.
• Infants and children under two years old should be in rear-facing car seats, unless they exceed the manufacturer’s maximum height restriction.
• Children over the age of two or who have outgrown a rear-facing car seat can use a forward-facing option.
• Children should not be moved into a booster seat until they outgrow a forward-facing car seat.
• Children under the age of 13 years old should not ride in the front seat of vehicles with active passenger airbags.

Gas prices in Texas

The average gas price in Texas is $3.29 per gallon.

Based on manufacturers’ average fuel figures:

• For a small car like a Ford Focus, that’s about $0.08 per mile.
• For a larger family car like a Chevrolet Malibu, it works out at $0.10 per mile.
• And for an SUV like a Ford Expedition, it’s around $0.12 per mile.

Gas price figure last updated October 17, 2022.

Electric car charging in Texas

There are currently over 2,000 electric charging station in Texas, and that number is still growing. The state plans to put more charging points along its freeways, aiming to support one million electric vehicles and allow for easier long-distance driving with work starting in 2023.

You’ll usually find charging stations in parking lots and at shopping malls, restaurants and hotels.

Driving between Texas and other states

With a Hertz rental, you can drive through Texas to explore neighboring states like Oklahoma, Arkansas and Louisiana to the north-east. Travelling west, you can cross the border into New Mexico too. However, you cannot drive your Hertz rental into Mexico from Texas.

Driving conditions in Texas

As the second-largest state in the US, Texas covers 268,596 square miles. That means the weather conditions and climate can vary from one end of the state to the other.

Temperatures can reach up to 101°F in the summer and drop to around 52°F in the winter. There can be extreme weather events though, including thunderstorms, hurricanes and tornados during late spring through to early summer. This typically tends to be when the state gets the most rain too.