Travel Information In Texas | Driving Laws & Resources

Highway Information

The winding roads and wide-open spaces of Texas are calling. Here is some information to help guide you on your trip across Texas.

Travel Information Centers

The Texas Department of Transportation operates travel information centers for the convenience of the traveling public. Uniformed, professional travel counselors welcome visitors and provide a wealth of free literature, information, and suggestions to make every Texas trip more pleasant.

Travelers may receive road condition information by visiting our Web site at www.drivetexas.org or by calling 800/452-9292 for 24-hour automated road condition information. Travelers may also call daily from 8 a.m.–6 p.m. central time, to speak to a professional travel counselor for travel information and trip planning assistance. (TDD for the deaf 800/687-5288.)

Amarillo: I-40 (from Oklahoma & New Mexico)

Anthony: I-10 (from New Mexico)

Austin: Capitol Visitor Center

Denison: U.S. 69/75 (from Oklahoma)

Gainesville: U.S. 77, I-35 (from Oklahoma)

Langtry: U.S. 90, Loop 25

Laredo: I-35 & U.S. 83

Orange: I-10 (from Louisiana)

Texarkana: I-30 (from Arkansas)

Valley: U.S. 77 & U.S. 83 in Harlingen

Waskom: I-20 (from Louisiana)

Wichita Falls: I-44/U.S. 287, Exit 1C (from Oklahoma)

Highway Rest Areas

Throughout the superb system of Texas highways, motorists find bonuses of travel pleasure in highway rest areas. Click here for more information.

Wireless Internet Service (Wi-Fi) Access

Wi-Fi is available at all Texas Safety Rest Areas and Travel Information Centers. Stop by and connect to www.textreks.com.

Speed Limits

In Texas, speed limits can range from 25 mph to 85 mph on all numbered highways. Find out more information here.

Toll Roads

Using toll roads can provide quick and convenient travel through and around several of Texas' metropolitan areas. To learn more about toll roads in Texas, visit www.txtag.org.

Traffic Signs

Speeds, caution areas, stops and directions are marked along the more than 80,000 miles of Texas highways by more than half a million signs. Click here for more information.

Auto Safety Belts and Child Seats

All people in a passenger vehicle, regardless of age or seating position, are required to wear a seat belt. Children up to 8 years old, unless taller than 4 feet 9 inches, must ride in child safety seats. Read more here.

Auto Insurance

A motor vehicle may not be operated in Texas unless a policy of liability insurance is in effect. Evidence of insurance must be furnished when requested by a police officer.

Airport Information

Amtrak Information

Amtrak, the nation’s passenger train service, offers three lines that run through Texas. For more information on additional stops, prices or reservations, call 800/USA-RAIL or visit www.amtrak.com.

Bus Lines

Arrow Trailways of Texas (www.arrowtrailways.com), Greyhound Bus Lines (www.greyhound.com), Kerrville Bus Co. (www.iridekbc.com) and Valley Transit Co. (www.valleytransitcompany.com) have scheduled service to and within the state.

Mexico

If you are planning to cross into Mexico during your stay in Texas, consider a stop at a Texas Travel Information Center or a Texas border city’s chamber of commerce or convention and visitors bureau for useful tips. Information for crossing into Mexico can be obtained from a Mexican consulate or by visiting www.aduanas.gob.mx. For the current travel documents required to enter or re-enter the United States, visit www.getyouhome.gov.

Before going, learn as much as possible about Mexico and use common sense during the trip. Visit the U.S. Department of State, www.travel.state.gov to see any applicable Travel Alerts and Tips for Traveling Abroad.

People who plan to travel outside the 26-mile border area will need to obtain a tourist permit. Driving beyond the border zone also requires a permit. For information about obtaining a vehicle permit, visit www.aduanas.gob.mx, or to apply online, go to www.banjercito.com.mx. Make sure you are properly insured to drive in Mexico.

For more travel information about Mexico, go to www.visitmexico.com.

WARNING: Possession/importation of any type of firearm, weapon or ammunition is a felony in Mexico without advance written authorization from the Mexican Embassy in Washington, D.C., or from a Mexican Consulate in the United States. It does not matter if you are licensed to carry the weapon in the United States, are a law enforcement or military official, or unintentionally transport it. Mexico has severe penalties for this offense, which is punishable by stiff fines, confiscation of the weapon, jail time and more. Ignorance of the law cannot be used as a defense. Even a few shotgun shells in the trunk can cause a big problem. Some cities, such as Nuevo Laredo, also have ordinances prohibiting the possession of knives of any kind or anything that might be considered a knife.