Is it against the law to cut through a parking lot to avoid a traffic light in Texas?
It may be tempting to cut through an empty parking lot to avoid backed up traffic at a light, but doing so could cost drivers additional time and money.
Traffic congestion and running late were two of the main factors that contributed to speeding in 2021, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Speeding was a contributing factor in 29% of all traffic fatalities last year, according to NHTSA.
Unsafe driving behaviors lowered in 2020 — most likely due to less road travel during the pandemic — however the behaviors rose again in 2021.
Aggressive driving behaviors rose from 21.3% to 22.9% between 2020 to 2021, according to a report from the American Automobile Association Foundation for Traffic Safety.
Drivers who drove through a red light rose from 25.6% in 2020 to 28.2% in 2021, according to the report which was published in December 2022.
Is it against the law to cut through a parking lot in Texas?
Even though driving through an empty parking lot may seem inconsequential, it is actually against the law.
It is a violation of the Texas Transportation Code to cross a sidewalk or drive through a driveway, parking lot, or business or residential entrance without stopping the vehicle.
Crossing through a parking lot is punishable by a fine of at least $25 and not more than $99. If it is a repeat offense, the fine could be between $100 to $200.
