Can you drive out of state with a permit? Texas law allows drivers to cross state lines with a permit, but you must also follow the other state’s local laws.
If you or a loved one have been involved in an accident with someone from another state, let our hometown Arlington car accident lawyer help you navigate this legal situation and recover the compensation you deserve.
How to Drive Out of State with a Permit in Texas
It can become confusing when trying to figure out how you can drive across state lines with a permit in Texas. The rules can overlap one another throughout different states. Before you travel, you should familiarize yourself with the rules.
How a Learner’s Permit Works in Texas
In Texas, you must be at least 15 years old to get a Texas learner’s license as a teen. You must always have an adult with you when you drive, and they must be at least 21 years old. The adult must always be in the passenger seat next to the driver.
How to Get a Texas Permit
If you have a valid permit in another state and plan to move to Texas, you will not have to take the knowledge exam again. If you are moving to Texas from another country other than the United States or Canada, you will need to take and pass the exam. Texas law states that if you have a Texas permit, you must hold it for at least six months or until you turn 18, whichever one comes first.
If you drive out of state with a permit, you must follow both Texas laws and the state you are visiting, or vice-versa. The laws change a lot between states. They have their own regulations that you will need to follow.
For a free legal consultation, call (817) 775-5364
What is the Non-Resident Motorist Act in Texas?
The Non-Resident Motorist Act, Transportation Code Chapter 601, was put into place so that out-of-state permit drivers in Texas can be held liable if they cause an accident in the state. If someone from out of state drives on Texas roads, they are essentially agreeing to follow the rules and regulations. If they do not, they can be brought to court in Texas. This is vital because it makes sure that only Texas laws apply, no matter where the driver is originally from.
When you are in an accident with an out-of-state driver, things can get complicated. Despite Texas courts having jurisdiction since the accident happened in the state, adding a non-resident to the situation when filing a claim can make things tricky. You must make sure you follow Texas laws while also making sure that the other driver is held accountable, which is the role of car accident lawyers, so it is helpful to have legal representation.
Texas law also makes the process a bit simpler when it comes to handling cases as it allows the service of legal documents through the Secretary of State, who acts as the non-resident’s agent. This is important because it ensures that non-resident drivers are still held liable even if they leave the state after the accident. This can give you peace of mind as you are handling all the legal details.
How Liability Works in a Car Accident with an Out-of-State Permit
Texas is considered an at-fault state according to the Texas Transportation Code Chapter 550. This means that the driver who causes the accident will be responsible for the damages. After being injured in an accident for which someone was at fault, you can file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance.
What if the Driver Doesn’t Have a Valid Permit?
If the driver that caused your accident did not have a valid permit at the time of the incident, it is technically the same as driving without a license. This is illegal, and that driver can face various penalties. Despite the driver not having a valid permit, you can still file a claim against their insurance because they are still at fault.
What if Their Insurance Doesn’t Cover All My Damages?
In some cases, the at-fault driver’s insurance will not be enough to cover all of the damages, especially if they only have the minimum coverage required. If you endure a situation like this, there can be other potential ways to seek compensation.
If the driver is a minor, you can look into parental liability per Family Code Chapter 41 of Texas statutes and possibly hold their parents financially responsible, but keep in mind that every situation is different, so how this plays out will depend on your specific circumstances.
What if a Car Hits Me, and I Only Have a Permit?
Regardless if you only have a learner’s permit, you still have the same right as everyone else to file a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance. As long as you were not at fault, your permit status will not affect your ability to achieve compensation. You should still be able to receive compensation for property damage, medical expenses, and other related costs.
One of the mistakes to avoid after a car accident is not having all of the information you need to move forward properly. Whether you are the driver with the permit or the driver with a valid license, you should get proper documentation to prove the other party was at fault. Keep logs of everything so you can discuss it with the lawyer and insurance company as well.
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Work With an Arlington Car Accident Attorney
Let The Texas Law Dog answer any of your permit-related questions; with his history with insurance, you can feel confident about the advice.
Avoid any confusion so you do not put your driving record at risk. Reach out today to schedule a consultation and see how we can help you with any situation or if you have questions.
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