Speed limits are low in residential areas of Dallas to help protect pedestrians, cyclists, and other road users. By forcing drivers to go slower in residential areas, city leaders and state officials aim to reduce potentially catastrophic or fatal accidents.
Unfortunately, car accidents still happen in residential parts of Dallas despite the lower speed limits. These collisions often occur because drivers exceed the speed limit or drive dangerously. Understanding residential speed limits in Texas and your rights after a crash is vital if you want to seek fair compensation.
Default Residential Speed Limit in Dallas
Texas law sets the default speed limit in “urban areas,” including most residential districts, at 30 mph. This default limit is called a “prima facie” speed limit, meaning it’s the rule unless otherwise specified.
It’s crucial to understand that this speed limit applies even when there isn’t a speed limit sign or other warnings. Drivers should assume the speed limit in residential areas is 30 mph to avoid a speeding ticket or other legal consequences.
When Is the Speed Limit Lower Than 30 MPH?
The Texas Transportation Code spells out a few situations where the default speed limit in a residential neighborhood or nearby area is lower than 30 mph. Those situations include:
- Alleys – The default speed limit in alleys is 15 mph.
- Beaches – The standard speed limit when driving on a beach is 15 mph.
- School zones – Drivers in active school zones (usually indicated by a speed limit sign with a flashing yellow light) must slow down to 20 mph or less.
The law also requires all Texas motorists to drive at a speed that is reasonable and safe for the conditions. This means drivers should slow down in bad weather, low visibility, and other poor conditions, no matter the speed limit.
How Are Residential Speed Limits Enforced in Dallas?
Dallas police officers enforce residential speed limits through patrols, radar, and speed traps. Officers often focus on busy areas, neighborhoods, and school zones – especially during peak hours when children are present.
In Texas, speeding is typically a misdemeanor under state law. The general penalty is a fine of $1 to $200 plus a $50 state fee. The City of Dallas imposes local fines that increase based on how far over the limit you’re driving. For most residential areas in Dallas, the fines are:
- 1–10 mph over – $97
- 11–15 mph over – $122
- 16–20 mph over – $147
- Over 20 mph over – $200
Violators must also pay $135 in court fees. Fines increase for speeding in Dallas school zones.
Speeding can add moving traffic violations to driving records. If a driver gets four or more moving violations in 12 months, officials can suspend their driver’s license.
Going over the speed limit can also lead to civil consequences. When speeding drivers cause collisions, they can be held liable for any resulting injuries and losses.
Why Speed Limits Are Lower in Residential Zones
Speed limits are lower in residential zones to protect the people who live and visit there. In these areas, children play, people walk their dogs, and cars pull out of driveways without warning. Lower speeds give drivers more time to react and help prevent serious crashes. Slower traffic also reduces the chances of severe injuries if an accident does happen.
Can Residents Request a Lower Speed Limit?
Residents can request lower speed limits in their neighborhoods. However, the process involves specific legal steps and requirements. Under the Texas Transportation Code, a city can reduce a speed limit if an engineering and traffic investigation shows the current limit is unreasonable or unsafe for that specific road. The city must consider factors like pavement width, road conditions, and typical traffic.
If you think there should be a lower speed limit in your neighborhood, you can send a traffic-speed control request to the city of Dallas. You can call 311, visit the 311 website, or use the Dallas 311 mobile app. The request may trigger a speed study or neighborhood traffic review. However, a lower speed limit doesn’t take effect until authorities post official signs.
Does Speeding in a Residential Area Make a Driver At Fault for a Car Accident?
If the other driver was speeding, that alone does not automatically make them at fault for a car wreck. You still need to prove that their speeding – or other negligent behavior – led to the collision. However, you can use evidence of speeding to support your car accident claim.
For example, imagine you’re driving, and traffic starts to slow. You are going at a safe speed, so you gently apply your brakes. However, the car behind you is going over the speed limit. Because they’re going so fast, they don’t have time to stop, causing them to rear-end you. In this case, their negligence makes them at fault for the crash. If a police officer cited them for speeding, this can be compelling evidence for your claim.
To prove the other driver was speeding and caused the crash, you may use evidence such as:
- Surveillance and traffic cameras
- Police reports
- Skid marks at the scene
- Dashcam footage
- Black box data
- Accident reconstruction expert testimony
- Witness testimony
Even if you were the one speeding, you may still be entitled to compensation if the other driver is mostly at fault – although the amount may be reduced. Your Dallas car accident attorney can conduct a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the collision and protect your rights throughout the process.
Need Legal Help? Call Our Dallas Car Accident Attorneys Today!
Kraft & Associates, Attorneys at Law, P.C. has helped countless people injured in residential car accidents recover fair compensation. With over 50 years of combined experience, we know what evidence to look for and what arguments to use to show the other driver caused the collision. We’re also proud of our many positive reviews from our clients, like this one:
“Kraft & Associates is a world-class law firm. They put the client’s interest first, and they are easy to work with. I highly recommend Kraft & Associates.” — Karl. B.
We’re here to help you rebuild your life after a collision. Call now at (214) 999-9999 or complete our contact form for a free consultation.
