New Texas Driving Laws 2026
The January 2026 revision of the Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7) is the source of truth for the DPS knowledge test. This guide summarizes the rules in DL-7 most likely to come up on the exam, plus process changes that DPS has published on dps.texas.gov outside the manual itself. Every numeric claim below cites the DL-7 chapter where it appears so you can verify it yourself.
1. Passing Score: 70 Percent
DL-7 (Chapter 1) reaffirms the passing standard: "You must score a grade of 70 percent or better to pass any knowledge exam." If you do not pass on the first attempt, your application is held for 90 days, and after 90 days or three failures a new application and fee are required.
2. License Validity and Fees (Chapter 1)
A standard non-commercial Class C driver license issued to applicants 18 and older is valid for eight years at a fee of $32 plus a $1 administrative fee = $33 total (DL-7, Chapter 1, Tables 4–7). Drivers 79 and older are required to renew in person, and one in-person visit is required at least once every 16 years for a vision exam and updated photo.
3. Liability Insurance Minimums (Chapter 2)
DL-7 Chapter 2 lists the Texas minimum liability insurance amounts that must be maintained on every registered vehicle:
Driving without insurance is a Class C misdemeanor on a first offense and escalates on subsequent offenses (DL-7 Chapter 2 references the SR-22 financial responsibility certificate for high-risk drivers).
4. Driving While Intoxicated — Adult (Chapter 10)
For drivers age 21 and over, a Blood Alcohol Concentration of 0.08 or more is the legal limit for DWI (DL-7 Chapter 10, Table 31). First-offense penalties: fine up to $2,000, jail 72 hours to 180 days, license suspension 90 days to 365 days. Repeat and aggravated offenses scale up — including DWI with a passenger under 15 (state jail felony, fine up to $10,000), intoxication assault, and intoxication manslaughter.
5. Zero Tolerance — Under 21 (Chapter 10)
Texas's Zero Tolerance law applies to anyone under 21 with any detectable amount of alcohol, regardless of BAC. The statute charges this as Driving Under the Influence (DUI) by a minor — a Class C misdemeanor on first offense, fine up to $500, 8 to 12 hours of community service, mandatory alcohol awareness course, and a 60-day license suspension (DL-7 Table 29). Even a minor's purchase, possession, or consumption of alcohol carries similar penalties under non-driving Zero Tolerance rules.
6. ALR Reinstatement Fee (Chapter 1)
Administrative License Revocation (ALR) is the civil license suspension that follows a failed or refused chemical test. DL-7 Chapter 1 confirms the $125 reinstatement fee applies to all ALR suspensions. For drivers 21 and over who refuse a breath or blood test, the first refusal carries a 180-day suspension.
7. Following Distance: 2 / 4 Seconds (Chapter 8)
DL-7 Chapter 8 says: "For speeds 30 mph or less, the minimum time with good road conditions is 2 seconds. For speeds above 30 mph, maintain 4 seconds (more for adverse conditions) of following time. Developing a four-second following interval is the best practice for a beginning driver." This wording is unchanged in 2026 but commonly missed on the test.
8. Speed Limits (Chapter 8)
Default Texas speed limits from DL-7 Chapter 8:
- Alley — 15 mph
- Urban district / residential — 30 mph
- Numbered TX or US highway outside an urban district — 70 mph passenger cars, 60 mph trucks (refer to posted signs)
- "Many limited access highways have speed limits of 75 up to 85 mph" (DL-7 Chapter 8)
The 85-mph maximum is set by Texas's freeway-design rules and applies on certain limited-access toll roads. Always obey the posted sign — these are defaults, not absolutes.
9. Distracted Driving and Texting Ban (Chapter 1, Chapter 9)
DL-7 reaffirms: drivers under 18 are restricted from using a wireless communication device, including a hands-free device, except in an emergency. For all drivers, the manual recommends pulling over rather than using a phone (Chapter 9). The Texas state texting ban prohibits reading, writing, or sending an electronic message while driving — an explicit statewide rule referenced throughout DL-7's distracted-driving discussion.
10. Headlights and Visibility (Chapter 9)
Use headlights "30 minutes after sunset and ending 30 minutes before sunrise, or anytime when individuals or vehicles cannot be seen clearly for at least 1,000 feet" (DL-7 Chapter 9). Use low beams within 500 feet of an approaching vehicle and within 300 feet when following another vehicle.
11. Vehicle Inspection — Still Required (Chapter 2)
DL-7 Chapter 2 states: "All motor vehicles registered in Texas must be inspected each year at an official motor vehicle inspection station." This includes motorcycles, mopeds, scooters, and autocycles. The vehicle owner must present evidence of financial responsibility at the time of inspection. The Vehicle Inspection Report (VIR) is valid for 90 days from the month of inspection for registration purposes.
12. Online Renewal Eligibility (Chapter 1)
DL-7 says you may be eligible to renew online at https://txapps.texas.gov/tolapp/txdl/, by mail, or by phone at 1-866-DL-RENEW. Eligibility rules (which renewal cycle, fees, and any vision-test waiver) are determined by DPS and posted at the renewal portal. The rule that an in-person visit must occur at least once every 16 years for a vision exam and photo update is in DL-7 Chapter 1.