Texas recently adopted several new driving laws that went into effect immediately. They are designed to make the roadways safer and to encourage motorists to reduce their risks while driving.
House Bill 1020
One law that attracted our attention is House Bill 1020, which allows minors convicted of or put on deferred disposition for specific alcohol-related offenses to complete a TEA approved Drug and Alcohol Driving Awareness Program (DADAP). This new option gives minors the option to complete an alcohol awareness program in an online format since the TEA approves of this delivery method. Texas Drive Safe offers access to the DTAa “Drug and Alcohol Driving Awareness Program” (DADAP. It is compliant with the new law and is an acceptable option for offenses such as Minor in Possession (MIP), or attempt to purchase by a minor, etc.. DADAP online allows drivers to register for and complete the Texas course at their own pace from any Internet-capable device. Students registering for this six-hour course through Texas Drive Safe learn about the effects of drugs and alcohol on the body, especially while someone is driving. After the course has been completed, a certificate will be sent to the student through standard or express shipping.
House Bill 347
Drivers are no longer permitted to use a non-hands-free wireless communications device while on school property or within a school crossing zone while a reduced speed limit restriction is in place. This applies to public schools that teach children elementary through high school age. It doesn’t apply to a vehicle that is stopped.
One purpose of these and other new laws for motorists is to reduce the amount of distracted and impaired driving on the roadways. If you’re interested in reducing your own risks on the road, Texas Drive Safe has an online TX defensive driving course available. Call 1-800-558-9887 to learn more.
