Mark Anderson | August 13, 2026 | Car Accidents
Yes, you can legally run a yellow light in Texas. However, if you enter the intersection after the light turns red, you could face a citation. Additionally, speeding up to beat the red light could also get you into trouble, so keep reading below to learn everything you need to know about running yellow lights in Texas.
What Does Texas Law Say About Running a Yellow Light?
Most people know that the law prohibits running a red light. But what exactly does the law say about running a yellow light? The Texas Transportation Code § 544.007 touches on this subject. According to the code, a yellow light warns drivers that a red signal is coming and that their movement authorized by the green signal is about to be terminated.
The code says their authorized movement is “about” to be terminated, but it does not expressly prohibit a continuation of that movement during the yellow light. So, it is perfectly legal to run a yellow light as long as you do not break any other traffic rules while doing so.
However, while it is legal to run a yellow light, you could get a ticket if you:
- Speed up to beat the red light
- Ran the yellow light because of a distraction, like your cell phone
- Enter the intersection after the light turns red
If an officer witnesses any of the behavior above, they may choose to pull you over and issue a citation.
What Happens If You Run a Red Light in Texas?
Texas law is also pretty clear that running a red light is illegal. Under the same section mentioned above, the transportation code states that “An operator of a vehicle facing only a steady red signal shall stop at a clearly marked stop line.” If no line is present, the vehicle must stop before entering the crosswalk.
If you decide to run the red light, you could face some traffic penalties. In most cases, drivers found guilty of running a red light will face:
- Fines of $150 to $300
- Two points on your license
- Increased auto insurance rates
- Criminal charges if you cause a car accident resulting in severe injuries or wrongful death
If you see a red light, you should never enter the intersection, and the yellow light serves as your warning that the red light is coming. While you can legally go through the intersection on a yellow light, you should always stop before the red light appears.
Could Running a Yellow Light Create Liability After an Accident?
Yes, running a yellow light could cause you to have liability after a car accident. Remember that most accident claims are based on negligence. If you chose to run a yellow light and your actions resulted in an accident, you could be held responsible for any injuries that you caused.
To determine whether you are liable, the court will examine what a reasonable driver would have done in that situation.
You are likely to face liability if the court determines that you:
- Could have safely stopped before entering the intersection
- Were speeding
- Were distracted
If a traffic ticket was issued, this could be crucial evidence in a personal injury claim. However, just because no ticket was issued doesn’t mean that liability does not exist.
What Should I Do If I Am Hit by a Driver Who Ran a Yellow Light?
If you were hit by a driver who ran a yellow light, knowing what to do can help preserve your claim. Evidence at the scene will disappear quickly, so it is important to document everything.
After the accident, you should:
- Call 911 right away to report the accident
- Take photos of all the vehicles, the intersection, and the traffic signal
- Get names and contact information from witnesses
- Seek medical care right away for any injuries, even if they seem minor
- NOT give a statement to the insurance company until you seek legal help
After an accident, the team at Anderson Injury Lawyers can help you gather the evidence necessary to prove your claim. Call us today to schedule a free consultation and let us go to work for you.
Contact a Texas Car Accident Lawyer at Anderson Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation
If you were injured in a Texas car accident, you do not have to navigate the claims process alone. Anderson Injury Lawyers can review your case, explain your legal options, and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Contact a Texas car accident lawyer at Anderson Injury Lawyers today to schedule a free consultation. We proudly serve Tarrant County, Dallas County, Travis County, and throughout Texas.
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About the Author
Mark A. Anderson is the founder of Anderson Injury Lawyers and a Board Certified Personal Injury Trial Lawyer—an honor held by only a small percentage of Texas attorneys. He earned his law degree from Baylor University School of Law and has spent more than 20 years helping injury victims across Dallas, Fort Worth and Austin. Mark handles cases involving car accidents, truck accidents, product liability, wrongful death, catastrophic injuries, and more. Click here to view some of the successful case results Mark has achieved for his clients.
Location: Dallas, Fort Worth, and Austin, Texas
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