Dallas driving guide

Dallas is a mesmerizing city, with glorious weather and breath-taking views around every corner. But to enjoy it as much as you can, it can be beneficial to know how to drive here effectively. And there’s a lot more to know about driving in the ‘Big D’ than just where the toll roads are. It can also help to know the speed limits you need to stick to, as well as where to park to enjoy the best of the city.

We want to equip you with all the knowledge you’ll need to drive around the city, so you can relax ahead of your journey and enjoy it when you get there, exploring everything Dallas has to offer without struggling to find a parking spot or getting stuck in sudden rush hour traffic. Prepare for any Texas adventure with Hertz car hire.

At-a-glance info:

In this guide:

• Driving rules in Dallas
• Speed limits in Dallas
• Toll roads in and around Dallas
• Dallas’s driving license requirements
• Parking in Dallas
• Electric car charging in Dallas
• Quick driving tips for Dallas
• Frequently asked questions

Driving rules in Dallas

Dallas falls under Texas law, so the rules that apply across the rest of the state will also be upheld here. Here are some of the key rules to keep in mind so you stay on the right side of the law in Dallas:

• You’ll need to give way to traffic when turning onto a paved road from an unpaved one.
• Give way to cars on your right and those already crossing if intersections don’t have any signs.
• Always give way to school buses and emergency services vehicles that have the sirens activated.
• Give way to through traffic at four-way intersections.
• You should always signal 100 feet before you turn, change lanes, or emerge from a parking position in the state of Texas.  
• You need to turn your headlights on if you are driving any time between 30 minutes after sunset until 30 minutes before sunrise in Dallas.
• Headlights must also stay on when visibility is less than 1,000 feet during the day.
• You’re not allowed to text anyone or look at text messages you’ve received. However, you can use a hands-free kit while driving.
• Learning permit holders aren’t allowed to use a cellphone for the first six months of driving.

Speed limits in Dallas

Dallas speed limits vary according to the type of road you’re driving on. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the speed limits you should follow at all times when driving in and around Dallas.

Toll roads in and around Dallas

You’re likely to encounter a number of toll roads when driving in and around Dallas. These are often found at points where you are entering or exiting the city. It’s important to know where they are and to ensure you always have the means to make a payment when you come across them so your journey isn’t delayed.

I-35E TEXpress Lanes

This road is 18 miles long, with 15 entrances and exits. It extends from Dallas County to Denon County, with two reversible express lanes and a variable price based on how busy it is at the time of driving.

From: Swisher Road, Corinth

To: I-635, Dallas

Cost for two-axle vehicles: Costs range from $0.30 to $1.16.

Cost for three-axle vehicles: Three-axle vehicles have the same minimum rates as two-axle vehicles.

There’s a half price toll fee for motorcycles during peak hours – Monday-Friday, 6:30am to 9am and 3pm to 6:30pm.

I-30 TEXpress Lanes

The I-30 is 18 miles long and stretches from Dallas to Tarrant Country, with both parallel and reversible lanes.

From: Center Street, Arlington

To: Beckley Avenue, Dallas

Cost for two-axle vehicles: The cost for using the toll road varies according to how busy the road is. Prices range from $0.53 to $1.23.

Cost for three-axle vehicles: If the three-axle vehicle weighs a ton or more, you can’t use them on this toll road.

Midtown Express Managed Lanes

This toll road stretches across five cities, covering many roads in Dallas. These include the SH 114, Loop 12 and SH 183.

From: Grapevine/Euless

To: Irving

Cost for two-axle vehicles: The prices vary according to the number of vehicles using the road, and the time of day. Rates will display at road entry and exit points in real time.

Cost for three-axle vehicles: Three-axle vehicles are likely to be more expensive than those with two axles.

Dallas North Tollway (DNT)

This toll road is one of the longest in Dallas, reaching across a whopping 32 miles of road, and ongoing construction work means the tollway continues to grow. It connects the ‘Big D’ to cities such as Addison, Plano and Frisco.

From: I-35E, Dallas

To: Highway 380, Frisco

Cost for two-axle vehicles: Two-axle vehicles normally cost between $0.31 and $2.94, depending on where you enter and exit.

Cost for three-axle vehicles: Using a three-axle vehicle costs more. Each addition of axles increases the price, which starts at $0.62, all the way to $14.70

President George Bush Turnpike (PGBT)

This turnpike is roughly 52 miles long and connects the east and west of Dallas to Fort Worth.

From: 1-20, Grand Prairie

To: 1-30, Garland

Cost for two-axle vehicles: Two-axle vehicles usually cost between $0.31 and $3.00, depending on the entrance and exit. Payment type can also factor into the pricing.

Cost for three-axle vehicles: Three-axle vehicle users can expect to pay anywhere between 0.62 to $15.00, with prices increasing for each additional axle.

Addison Airport Toll Tunnel

This toll road helps to ease traffic around north Dallas, linking the DNT and I-35E.

From: Addison Road, Addison

To: Midway Road, Addison

Cost for two-axle vehicles: Two-axle vehicles travelling on the Chisholm Trail usually cost between $0.70 and $1.05. The payment type can affect the price.

Cost for three-axle vehicles: Three-axle vehicle users can expect to pay between $1.40 and $5.25.

Mountain Creek Lake Bridge (MCLB)

Mountain Creek Lake Bridge (MCLB) is the connecting link across the gorgeous Mountain Creek Lake in Dallas. It links Dallas County to Tarrant County.

From: Southeast 14th Street, Grand Prairie

To: Mountain Creek Parkway, Dallas

Cost for two-axle vehicles: Two-axle vehicles usually pay between $0.70 and $1.05, with variation based on payment method.

Cost for three-axle vehicles: For three or more axles, you’ll pay between $1.40 and $5.25.

Sam Rayburn Tollway

Four lanes extending across 26.2 miles of road of the NTTA network.

From: Business SH 121, Dallas County

To: U.S. 75, Collin County

Cost for two axle vehicles: Prices can vary from $0.31 and $3.56 in a small vehicle, such as a car or a small truck. The variation is down to the payment method and section of the toll road used.

Cost for three axle vehicles: Three-axle vehicles usually cost between $0.62 and $17.80.

Dallas’s driving license requirements

The driving regulations in Dallas come under Texas law. And that includes driving licenses. To drive in Dallas, you will need to have a valid and approved driver’s license, or a permit. To obtain a diving license in Texas, you will need to provide:

• Proof of U.S Citizenship
• Evidence of lawful presence (for those that aren’t citizens)
• Identity documents (such as marriage license or court ordered decree)
• Social Security Number
• Car registration.

Please also see our Texas driving guide.

Parking in Dallas

Parking in Dallas is relatively easy, with many parking lots available across the city that allow you to get close to the places you want to see. You can find spaces dotted in and around the city, as well as the surrounding areas, either in purpose built parking lots or on the street. Here’s a selection of the most convenient lots.

Dalpark Garage

Located on Main Street, this parking lot has a huge 960 spaces and sits between Main Street Garden Park and Giant Eye.

Location: Jack Boles Parking, Dalpark Garage, 1600 Commerce Street, Dallas, TX 75201

Cost (per hour): $2.00

How to pay: Cash or card on exit.

One Dallas Center

There are 500 spaces available in this big park car park located next to the Harwood Center and Patriot Tower. It’s the ideal place to park if you’re looking to visit the Downtown area.

Location: LAZ Parking Limited, LLC, One Dallas Center, 350 North St. Paul Street, Dallas, TX 75201

Cost (per hour): $4

Elm Street Garage

There are 1,600 spaces for you to choose from in this garage just off North Cesar Chavez Boulevard.

Location: SP Plus Corporation, Elm Street Garage, 2000 Elm Street, Dallas, TX 75201

Cost (per hour): $6

How to pay: Pay on exit with cash or card.

Street parking in Dallas

There are many on-street parking meters dotted around the Downtown area with parking meters enforced from 7am to 6pm, and a maximum stay of 2-4 hours. There’s a clear enforcement of no parking zones, disabled parking, and fire lanes. Parking meters are common, and some are free. Most metered street parking sports amount to around $2-3 dollars an hour.

Dallas parking app

The main parking app to use in Dallas is ParkMobile. This app enables you to pay for on-street parking or reserve a space in a parking lot before you get there so you always know you’re assured of a spot. It’s also useful for concerts and sporting events. There’s even a notification feature which gives you a nudge when your parking is about to expire. You can use it to top up parking straight from the app.

Electric car charging in Dallas

If you’re driving an electric car, it always pays to know where your nearest charging spot is, so you can be sure you never run out of battery power. Thankfully, there are many EV charging points available in Dallas, such as the Supercharger, Hyatt Regency, Walgreens and Park Seventeen. These are just a few of the 364 charging stations (levels 2 and 3) available across the city. Around 95% of the available ports are level 2, and over half of the ports are free.

With these, you won’t struggle to find a spot to charge your electric vehicle hire from Hertz.

Quick driving tips for Dallas

If you’ve never driven in Dallas before, it can be tricky to find your way around. Here are five simple tips sure to help improve your experience on the roads here.

• Rush hour in Dallas is usually from 7am to 9.30am in the morning, with afternoon traffic peaking from 3pm to 6.30pm. Plan your journeys to avoid these times if you want to ensure you’re not hitting the busiest roads.
• The I-35 connecting Dallas to San Antonio can be very busy. We advise caution using this road.
• Check for events. If it’s gameday at the AT&T Stadium or the American Airlines Center, there’s going to be a lot of traffic around. We recommend checking game schedules ahead of time if you’re planning on driving around those areas.
• You can check the Spectrum News interactive traffic map for real time information. 

Frequently asked questions

1) What is the best time of day to drive in Dallas?

The best times of the day to drive in Dallas are the hours outside of rush hour (7am to 9.30am and 3pm to 6.30pm). Driving during these hours will add on an average extra 20 minutes to your journey.

2) How much is a speeding ticket in Dallas?

Speeding tickets in Dallas range from $97 to $200 depending on the circumstances. For a full list of potential driving fines to look out for, please see the list of possible driving offences and their penalties.

3) Is driving too slow illegal in Dallas?

It is possible to get a ticket for driving too slow in the state of Texas, particularly if you’re traveling 15 mph below the speed limit in good conditions. Rules aren’t as concrete as those when you’re driving too fast, but it’s still something to keep in mind – especially on highways.

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