Texas Slowpoke Law: Speed Up Or Get A Ticket

I have personally been continually victimized in Texas by slowpoke drivers. This new breed of driver is inattentive and slows traffic flow throughout the state.

There are 5 types of drivers on the road according to Unitruck:

The Speeder
The Student Driver
The Angry Driver
The Multi-Tasker
The Weaver

I think there is one more driver that they left out, as it is a fairly new situation: The Super Slowpoke.

During the pandemic, everyone stopped driving as much for a year. Once back on the road, I have noticed many more people driving 10 MPH or more under posted speed limits.

Rationalize It All You Want, But You Need To Speed Up

On my way to work every morning, the posted speed limit is 40 - 50 MPH. I rarely get near these speeds because of slow drivers in a single lane.

This is not an age-related situation. I see people of all ages happily driving close to the posted speed limit.

These slow drivers are purely inattentive, some likely scrolling social media or texting while driving. They do not know or care what the posted speed limit is, especially if it's a single-lane road.

They also have never looked in a rear-view mirror.

Pay Attention Or Get Pulled Over In Texas

Texas Transportation Code 545.363 states that a vehicle may not be driven so slowly as to impede the normal and reasonable movement of traffic, except when reduced speed is necessary for safe operation.

A driver found guilty of impeding traffic may be charged with a misdemeanor and could be fined up to $200.

Driving slowly can lead to traffic congestion, potential road rage incidents, and even accidents. Drivers who consistently go 10+ miles an hour under the speed limit are likely the same ones who camp in the left lane when there are two lanes.

Keep Reading: Is It Illegal To Pull Though A Parking Space In Texas?

Speeding is never a great idea, but driving way under the speed limit can be just as dangerous.

What Its Like To Be Stuck Behind A Slow Driver

It happens every day to some unlucky Texans It doesn't have to be on a highway many times it isn't. This is what it feels like, and you know you can relate.

Gallery Credit: Vinnie Martone