Tex. Transp. Code Section 729.001
Operation of Motor Vehicle by Minor in Violation of Traffic Laws; Offense


(a)

A person who is younger than 17 years of age commits an offense if the person operates a motor vehicle on a public road or highway, a street or alley in a municipality, or a public beach in violation of any traffic law of this state, including:

(1)

Chapter 502 (Registration of Vehicles), other than Section 502.282 or 502.412 (Operation of Vehicle at Weight Greater than Stated in Registration Application);

(2)

Chapter 521 (Driver’s Licenses and Certificates), other than an offense under Section 521.457 (Driving While License Invalid);

(3)

Subtitle C, other than an offense punishable by imprisonment or by confinement in jail under Section 550.021 (Collision Involving Personal Injury or Death), 550.022 (Collision Involving Damage to Vehicle), 550.024 (Duty on Striking Unattended Vehicle), or 550.025 (Duty on Striking Structure, Fixture, or Highway Landscaping);

(4)

Chapter 601 (Motor Vehicle Safety Responsibility Act);

(5)

Chapter 621 (General Provisions Relating to Vehicle Size and Weight);

(6)

Chapter 661 (Protective Headgear for Motorcycle Operators and Passengers); and

(7)

Chapter 681 (Privileged Parking).

(b)

In this section, “beach” means a beach bordering on the Gulf of Mexico that extends inland from the line of mean low tide to the natural line of vegetation bordering on the seaward shore of the Gulf of Mexico, or the larger contiguous area to which the public has acquired a right of use or easement to or over by prescription, dedication, or estoppel, or has retained a right by virtue of continuous right in the public since time immemorial as recognized by law or custom.

(c)

An offense under this section is punishable by the fine or other sanction, other than confinement or imprisonment, authorized by statute for violation of the traffic law listed under Subsection (a) that is the basis of the prosecution under this section.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 30.167, eff. Sept. 1, 1997; Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 167, Sec. 30.167, eff. Sept. 1, 1997; Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 822, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1997; Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1086, Sec. 40, eff. Sept. 1, 1997; Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1477, Sec. 36, eff. Sept. 1, 1999; Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 283, Sec. 58, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.

Source: Section 729.001 — Operation of Motor Vehicle by Minor in Violation of Traffic Laws; Offense, https://statutes.­capitol.­texas.­gov/Docs/TN/htm/TN.­729.­htm#729.­001 (accessed Apr. 20, 2024).

Accessed:
Apr. 20, 2024

§ 729.001’s source at texas​.gov