Anderson Injury Lawyers | April 4, 2025 | Texas Law
Texas Transportation Code §544.010 requires drivers to stop at an intersection controlled by a stop sign. Motorists must come to a complete stop unless directed by a police officer or traffic-control signal to proceed. Therefore, a rolling stop or “California Roll” as it is sometimes referred to is not legal in Texas.
Understanding Texas stop sign laws can help you avoid a traffic ticket. It could also help you avoid causing a car accident that could result in personal liability for damages.
Penalties for a Rolling Stop at a Stop Sign in Dallas, TX
If a police officer charges you for failing to stop at a stop sign, you are charged a fine. The fines vary depending on where the stop sign is located. For example, the City of Dallas charges a $201.10 fine for disregarding a stop sign at a non-intersection. The fine for running a stop sign at a crosswalk is $226.10.
In addition to fines, running a stop sign can result in points on your driver’s license. Your insurance company may increase your insurance premiums because of the traffic ticket.
An “Idaho Stop” refers to a rolling stop by a bicyclist. It is named after the first state that allowed bicyclists to treat a stop sign as a yield sign. Other states have since enacted similar laws, but not Texas. A bicyclist can be charged and fined for a rolling stop at a stop sign in Dallas.
Common Reasons for Rolling Stops in Dallas, TX
Negligence is the most common reason for rolling stops. A driver may not see a stop sign because they are texting while driving or otherwise distracted. A motorist may be in a hurry, and they believe they can save time by running a stop sign.
Whatever the reason, rolling stops are dangerous. A stop sign controls traffic to avoid accidents. Running a stop sign can cause an intersection accident because a driver fails to yield the right of way. Rolling stops can also result in a pedestrian accident or bicycle accident.
The few seconds a driver saves by rolling through a stop sign is not worth the potential risk of a car accident. A negligent driver can be legally liable for damages if they cause an accident.
How Do I Prove Liability for a Rolling Stop Accident in Texas?
Texas is a fault state for car accident claims. The injured party must prove that the other driver’s conduct caused a car crash. Proving negligence for a car accident at a stop sign requires you to establish:
- The driver who failed to stop owed you a duty of care. All Texas drivers have a duty of care to follow traffic laws.
- The driver breached the duty of care. A breach occurs when a person fails to use reasonable care. Failing to stop completely at a stop sign and ensure the intersection is clear would likely be a failure to use reasonable care.
- The driver’s actions are the proximate and direct cause of the car accident. Had it not been for the driver failing to stop at the stop sign, the accident would not have occurred.
- You sustained injuries and damages because of the driver’s negligent conduct. Damages include pain and suffering and financial losses.
Evidence used in a car accident case may include video of the crash from traffic cameras, dash cams, and other surveillance cameras. Eyewitness statements, physical evidence, and expert opinions may also be used as evidence in a car accident case.
What Damages Can I Receive if a Driver Causes an Accident Because of a Rolling Stop?
Personal injury claims seek compensation for economic and non-economic damages. Examples of damages in a car accident case include:
- The cost of past and future medical treatment, including physical, occupational, and rehabilitative therapies
- Loss of enjoyment of life and quality of life
- Loss of employment benefits, lost wages, and earning capacity
- Impairments, disfigurement, scarring, and disability
- Out-of-pocket expenses, including childcare, household services, and personal care
- Mental anguish, emotional distress, and pain and suffering
Texas tort laws provide for punitive damages in some lawsuits. A plaintiff (injured party) must prove that the defendant (at-fault party) acted with gross negligence, malice, or fraud. If so, the jury may award punitive damages to punish the defendant for their conduct. The plaintiff receives the punitive damages.
Filing an Accident Claim for a Rolling Stop Accident in Texas
Proving fault for a rolling stop accident could be challenging, especially when both drivers tell a different version of the accident. A car accident lawyer can help victims gather the evidence to prove their claim and recover damages.
Contact Our Car Accident Law Firm in Texas
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Fort Worth or Dallas and need legal help, contact our car accident lawyers at Anderson Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation. We proudly serve Tarrant County, Dallas County, and throughout Texas.
Anderson Injury Lawyers – Fort Worth Office
1310 W El Paso St, Fort Worth, TX 76102
(817) 294-1900
Anderson Injury Lawyers – Fort Worth Office (Secondary)
6618 Fossil Bluff Dr # 108, Fort Worth, TX 76137
(817) 631-4113
Anderson Injury Lawyers – Dallas Office
408 W Eighth St Suite 202, Dallas, TX 75208
(214) 327-8000
Anderson Injury Lawyers – Dallas Office (Secondary)
6301 Gaston Ave suite 820, Dallas, TX 75214
(469) 457-4711
