What Texas Says About a ‘California Stop’ at a Parking Lot Stop Sign

(Austin, Texas) - I need to get on my soapbox for a moment, new driver's need to take an official driver's education course. This parent taught driver's education is the worst thing ever. So many young drivers are learning the myths of driving versus the actual laws of driving. Stop parent taught driver's education.

*Steps off soapbox*

Rolling through a stop sign on a blacktop road is one of those myths. "No cop, no stop," right? But what if you roll through one of those stop signs in a parking lot? Can you get ticketed for it?

Texas Law and Stop Signs

If you look up Texas Transportation Code 544.010, it states that a driver is required to stop at a stop sign. There is no mention of public roadway or private property. This would indicate that at any stop sign, no matter where it's placed, a driver is required to stop before proceeding.

Any other stop sign laws would also apply here as well. If it's a four way stop and multiple vehicles stop at the same time, the drivers yield to the person on the right. Same goes if it's a three way stop or just a two way.

READ MORE: Texas Law and Smoking with Kids in Your Vehicle

Can You Get a Ticket for Rolling Through a Parking Lot Stop Sign?

Yes, you could technically get a ticket for rolling through a stop sign in a parking lot. Of course, this would all depend on if an officer is watching that intersection. It's rare, yes, but could happen.

It's actually more important to follow traffic laws in a parking lot simply because you're dealing with people walking. Those people could have little kids with them who aren't the best at paying attention so you, the driver, needs to watch out for them.

Stay Off Your Phone in a Parking Lot

Just like on the roadway, get off the phone while driving in a parking lot. Pay attention to the pedestrians around you because they legally have the right of way. Don't turn that shopping trip into a nightmare situation for you or another family.

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