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Texas Law Reference

Texas Transportation Code §544.007: traffic signals, stop signs and the red-light camera ban

The official text of the Texas statutes on what green, yellow, red and flashing signals and stop and yield signs require of a driver, and on the 2019 ban on cities and counties using red-light cameras, with a plain-language explanation and how a Texas crash report records them. Text last checked October 30, 2026.

12 min readPublished October 30, 2026Last updated October 30, 2026Edited by Joseph Budzinski, CTO, InjuryClaimGuide

The short answer

Texas Transportation Code §544.004(a) says "The operator of a vehicle or streetcar shall comply with an applicable official traffic-control device placed as provided by this subtitle" (Transp. Code §544.004). Section 544.007 explains what green, yellow and red signals require, §544.008 covers flashing signals, and §544.010 requires a stop at a stop sign and, if safety requires, at a yield sign. Separately, Chapter 707 says a local authority "may not implement or operate a photographic traffic signal enforcement system" (§707.020), so Texas cities and counties cannot use red-light cameras.

This entry provides general informational guidance and is not legal advice.

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Key facts (as of October 30, 2026)

  • Red. A driver facing only a steady red signal stops at the marked stop line (or before the near-side crosswalk) and stays stopped until an indication to proceed is shown, unless turning as the section allows (§544.007(d)).
  • Green. A driver facing a circular green signal may proceed or turn, but must yield to vehicles lawfully in the intersection and stop and yield to pedestrians or sidewalk users lawfully in the intersection or an adjacent crosswalk (§544.007(b)).
  • Dark signal. A signal that shows no indication in any signal head is treated as a stop sign (§544.007(i)).
  • Flashing and signs. Flashing red and stop signs require a stop at a set place; flashing yellow requires caution; a yield sign requires a stop if safety requires (§544.008, §544.010).
  • No red-light cameras. Local authorities may not operate a photographic traffic signal enforcement system or charge anyone based on its images (§707.020, §707.021).
  • On the crash report. Codes 15, 16, 25 and 29 are in list 38 (CR-3CS).
  • Last amended in 2025. The history line for §544.007 lists Acts 2025, 89th Leg., R.S., ch. 207 (S.B. 2039) as its most recent amendment.

What does §544.004 say about traffic-control devices?

The official text of Tex. Transp. Code §544.004, as published by the Texas Legislature:

Sec. 544.004. COMPLIANCE WITH TRAFFIC-CONTROL DEVICE. (a) The operator of a vehicle or streetcar shall comply with an applicable official traffic-control device placed as provided by this subtitle unless the person is:

(1) otherwise directed by a traffic officer, police officer, or escort flagger; or

(2) operating an authorized emergency vehicle and is subject to exceptions under this subtitle.

(b) A provision of this subtitle requiring an official traffic-control device may not be enforced against an alleged violator if at the time and place of the alleged violation the device is not in proper position and sufficiently legible to an ordinarily observant person. A provision of this subtitle that does not require an official traffic-control device is effective regardless of whether a device is in place.

Source: Tex. Transp. Code §544.004, statutes.capitol.texas.gov. Text last checked October 30, 2026.

The Code defines the terms. An "official traffic-control device" is a sign, signal, marking or device that is consistent with the subtitle, placed or erected by a public body or officer having jurisdiction and used to regulate, warn or guide traffic, and a "traffic-control signal" is "a manual, electric, or mechanical device that alternately directs traffic to stop and to proceed" (§541.304).

What does §544.007 say about traffic-control signals?

Subsections (b), (d), (e) and (i) of §544.007:

Sec. 544.007. TRAFFIC-CONTROL SIGNALS IN GENERAL.

(b) An operator of a vehicle facing a circular green signal may proceed straight or turn right or left unless a sign prohibits the turn. The operator shall, while the signal is exhibited:

(1) yield the right-of-way to other vehicles lawfully in the intersection when the signal is exhibited; and

(2) stop and yield the right-of-way to pedestrians or sidewalk users lawfully in the intersection or an adjacent crosswalk.

(d) An operator of a vehicle facing only a steady red signal shall stop at a clearly marked stop line. In the absence of a stop line, the operator shall stop before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection. A vehicle that is not turning shall remain standing until an indication to proceed is shown. After stopping, standing until the intersection may be entered safely, and yielding right-of-way to pedestrians and sidewalk users lawfully in an adjacent crosswalk and other traffic lawfully using the intersection, the operator may:

(1) turn right; or

(2) turn left, if the intersecting streets are both one-way streets and a left turn is permissible.

(e) An operator of a vehicle facing a steady yellow signal is warned by that signal that:

(1) movement authorized by a green signal is being terminated; or

(2) a red signal is to be given.

(i) An operator of a vehicle facing a traffic-control signal, other than a freeway entrance ramp control signal or a pedestrian hybrid beacon, that does not display an indication in any of the signal heads shall stop as provided by Section 544.010 as if the intersection had a stop sign.

Subsection (c) covers a green arrow, which allows an operator to "cautiously enter the intersection" in the direction the arrow shows and requires yielding to pedestrians or sidewalk users in an adjacent crosswalk and to other traffic lawfully using the intersection. Subsection (f) lets the Texas Transportation Commission, a municipal authority or a county commissioners court prohibit a turn on a steady red signal "by posting notice at the intersection that the turn is prohibited". Subsection (g) applies the section to a signal placed somewhere other than an intersection. Subsection (j) defines a "pedestrian hybrid beacon" as "a pedestrian-controlled traffic-control signal that displays different colored lights successively only when activated by a pedestrian" (§544.007).

Source: Tex. Transp. Code §544.007, statutes.capitol.texas.gov. Text last checked October 30, 2026.

What do §544.008 and §544.010 say about flashing signals and stop signs?

Sec. 544.008. FLASHING SIGNALS. (a) The operator of a vehicle facing a flashing red signal shall stop at a clearly marked stop line. In the absence of a stop line, the operator shall stop before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection. In the absence of a crosswalk, the operator shall stop at the place nearest the intersecting roadway where the operator has a view of approaching traffic on the intersecting roadway. The right to proceed is subject to the rules applicable after stopping at a stop sign.

(b) The operator of a vehicle facing a flashing yellow signal may proceed through an intersection or past the signal only with caution.

(c) This section does not apply at a railroad crossing.

Source: Tex. Transp. Code §544.008, statutes.capitol.texas.gov.

Sec. 544.010. STOP SIGNS AND YIELD SIGNS. (a) Unless directed to proceed by a police officer or traffic-control signal, the operator of a vehicle or streetcar approaching an intersection with a stop sign shall stop as provided by Subsection (c).

(b) If safety requires, the operator of a vehicle approaching a yield sign shall stop as provided by Subsection (c).

(c) An operator required to stop by this section shall stop at a clearly marked stop line. In the absence of a clearly marked stop line, the operator shall stop before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection. In the absence of a clearly marked stop line or crosswalk, the operator shall stop at the place nearest the intersecting roadway where the operator has a view of approaching traffic on the intersecting roadway.

Source: Tex. Transp. Code §544.010, statutes.capitol.texas.gov. Text last checked October 30, 2026.

Section 544.0075 adds that the detector for a traffic-actuated electric traffic-control signal "must be capable of registering the presence of a motorcycle or moped" (§544.0075(b)).

What do §707.020 and §707.021 say about red-light cameras?

Chapter 707 is a short chapter whose title says a photographic traffic signal enforcement system is prohibited. Its two operative sections, added in 2019:

Sec. 707.020. PHOTOGRAPHIC TRAFFIC SIGNAL ENFORCEMENT SYSTEM PROHIBITED. (a) Notwithstanding any other law, a local authority may not implement or operate a photographic traffic signal enforcement system with respect to a highway or street under the jurisdiction of the authority.

(b) The attorney general shall enforce this section.

Source: Tex. Transp. Code §707.020, statutes.capitol.texas.gov.

Sec. 707.021. USE OF EVIDENCE FROM PHOTOGRAPHIC TRAFFIC SIGNAL ENFORCEMENT SYSTEM PROHIBITED. Notwithstanding any other law, a local authority may not issue a civil or criminal charge or citation for an offense or violation based on a recorded image produced by a photographic traffic signal enforcement system.

Source: Tex. Transp. Code §707.021, statutes.capitol.texas.gov. Text last checked October 30, 2026.

A "local authority" means "a county, municipality, or other local entity authorized to enact traffic laws under the laws of this state" (§541.002(3)). The two sections limit what a local authority may do with a camera system; they do not say anything about a private camera, such as a dash camera or a business's security camera.

What does it mean in plain language?

  • A signal applies to the people it faces. Each rule in §544.007 is written for an "operator of a vehicle facing" a particular signal.
  • Red means stop at a place. The stopping place is the stop line, then the near-side crosswalk. A vehicle that is not turning stays standing until an indication to proceed is shown.
  • Green does not end the duty to yield. Even on a circular green, the operator must yield to vehicles lawfully in the intersection and to pedestrians or sidewalk users lawfully in the intersection or an adjacent crosswalk.
  • Yellow is a warning. Section 544.007(e) describes what the signal warns of. It does not say how many seconds a yellow light lasts or when a driver must stop.
  • A dark signal is a stop sign. If no signal head shows an indication, the operator stops as at a stop sign, with two exceptions the statute names: a freeway entrance ramp control signal and a pedestrian hybrid beacon.
  • A missing or unreadable device. Under §544.004(b), a provision requiring an official traffic-control device "may not be enforced against an alleged violator" if the device is not in proper position and sufficiently legible to an ordinarily observant person. That sentence is about enforcement of the provision; a provision that does not require a device is "effective regardless of whether a device is in place".
  • A traffic offense. Chapter 544 is part of the rules of the road; failing to perform an act the subtitle requires is an offense, generally a misdemeanor (§542.301).

How does a crash report record signals and signs?

  • Four codes. In list 38 of the code sheet, code 15 is "Disregard Stop and Go Signal", code 16 is "Disregard Stop Sign or Light", code 25 is "Failed to Heed Warning Sign or Traffic Control Device" and code 29 is "Failed to Stop at Proper Place" (CR-3CS, 4/1/2023).
  • How TxDOT defines them. TxDOT's CR-100 instructions describe code 15 as when a vehicle "fails to stop or comply with a traffic light exhibiting alternating red, yellow, or green lights for controlling traffic and the action contributes to the crash", citing "Section 544.007". They describe code 16 as when a driver "fails to stop for a stop sign or a flashing red light used in lieu of or in conjunction with a stop sign and the action contributes to the crash", citing "Section 544.008 (a), 545.151 and 545.153", and add "If a vehicle stops, then fails to yield right-of-way, refer to factor 35" (CR-100, Version 29.0).
  • Codes 25 and 29. CR-100 describes code 25 as when "failure to use proper caution in obedience to an official traffic control device or a warning sign contributes to the crash", citing "Section 544.004", and code 29 as when a vehicle "fails to stop at the required place in compliance with a stop sign, yield sign, flashing red light, traffic control signal, or a R.R. grade crossing", citing "Section 544.007 (d), 544.007 (g), 544.008 (a), 544.010 (c), and 545.251 (a)".
  • A signal cannot be both. The CR-100 rule: "If Traffic Control is set to 5 - Signal Light, then FACTOR 1, FACTOR 2, or FACTOR 3 for a unit cannot be set to 16 - Disregard Stop Sign or Light." For a signal, the matching code is 15.
  • An opinion, not a charge. The contributing factors on a CR-3 are the investigating officer's opinion. The guide to reading a Texas crash report explains the other fields and code lists, and the right-of-way entry covers codes 32 to 39.
  • Civil claims are separate. Sections 544.004 to 544.010 say what a driver must do. They do not say whether or how a violation matters in a civil injury claim; Texas's rules on dividing responsibility among the people involved are in chapter 33 of the Civil Practice and Remedies Code, which the §33.001 entry quotes.

What applies in Houston and Harris County?

  • Statewide rules. Sections 544.004 to 544.010 apply on Houston streets and Harris County roads and freeways as everywhere in Texas.
  • The red-light camera ban reaches both. The City of Houston is a municipality and Harris County is a county, so each is a "local authority" under §541.002(3) and is covered by §707.020(a). Chapter 707 does not name either one.
  • Local no-turn-on-red signs. Section 544.007(f) lets "a municipal authority" or "the commissioners court of a county" prohibit a turn on a steady red signal by posting notice at the intersection; the posted sign at a given intersection shows whether that rule applies there.
  • No City ordinance listed. This entry does not list City of Houston traffic ordinances on signals, signs or signal timing, and no local rule on those subjects was read for it.
  • Same crash report. A crash investigated by the Houston Police Department, the Harris County Sheriff's Office or another agency is reported on the same CR-3 form; the Houston crash report guide lists how each local agency says to request a copy. The study of serious-crash intersections in Houston uses the same crash records.

When was this checked, and can it change?

The text above was last checked on October 30, 2026, against the official text published by the Texas Legislature, and the TxDOT code sheet and instructions were read the same day. The Legislature can amend a statute in any session. It convenes in regular session on the second Tuesday in January of each odd-numbered year (Gov't Code §301.001), so the next regular session begins on January 12, 2027. This entry is scheduled to be rechecked against the official text by April 2027 and again after the 2027 regular session ends.

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Frequently asked questions

What does a red light mean in Texas?
Under Tex. Transp. Code §544.007(d), an operator facing only a steady red signal shall stop at a clearly marked stop line, or before the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection if there is no stop line, and a vehicle that is not turning shall remain standing until an indication to proceed is shown. After stopping and yielding, the operator may turn right, or turn left if the intersecting streets are both one-way streets and a left turn is permissible.
What does a yellow light mean under Texas law?
Section 544.007(e) says an operator facing a steady yellow signal is warned that movement authorized by a green signal is being terminated or that a red signal is to be given. The section does not set a number of seconds or say when a driver must stop.
What must a driver do when a traffic signal is dark or out?
Section 544.007(i) says an operator facing a traffic-control signal, other than a freeway entrance ramp control signal or a pedestrian hybrid beacon, that does not display an indication in any of the signal heads shall stop as provided by Section 544.010 as if the intersection had a stop sign.
What does a flashing red or flashing yellow light mean?
Under §544.008, an operator facing a flashing red signal shall stop and the right to proceed is subject to the rules applicable after stopping at a stop sign. An operator facing a flashing yellow signal may proceed through an intersection or past the signal only with caution. The section does not apply at a railroad crossing.
Can a city or county use red-light cameras in Texas?
No. Under §707.020(a), notwithstanding any other law, a local authority may not implement or operate a photographic traffic signal enforcement system with respect to a highway or street under the jurisdiction of the authority, and the attorney general enforces the section. Section 707.021 adds that a local authority may not issue a civil or criminal charge or citation based on a recorded image produced by such a system.
How does a Texas crash report show a traffic signal or stop sign crash?
TxDOT's code sheet (Form CR-3CS, 4/1/2023) lists contributing-factor codes 15, Disregard Stop and Go Signal, 16, Disregard Stop Sign or Light, 25, Failed to Heed Warning Sign or Traffic Control Device, and 29, Failed to Stop at Proper Place. TxDOT's CR-100 instructions tie code 15 to §544.007, code 16 to §544.008(a), §545.151 and §545.153, code 25 to §544.004 and code 29 to §§544.007(d), 544.007(g), 544.008(a) and 544.010(c) among others.
Does running a red light decide who is responsible for a crash?
No. Sections 544.004 to 544.010 are rules of the road for drivers. They do not decide responsibility for any crash or the outcome of any claim, and a crash report's contributing factors are the investigating officer's opinion. Texas's proportionate responsibility rules are in Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code chapter 33. An attorney can advise you about your specific situation.

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