Is Cutting Across A Parking Lot Legal In Texas? Maybe

There are a ton of driving laws in Texas and, it seems, like each one carries a different penalty.

Running red lights, speeding, not coming to a complete stop at a stop sign; the list goes on and on and there is no set penalty for traffic violations.

What you paid or otherwise had to deal with today may not be anywhere near what your next violation brings.

Of all the ways to get fined by the lone star state, most are usually sparked by impatience. You're in a hurry to get somewhere, so you speed. Ditto for not completely stopping at stop signs or trying to bust the occasional red light.

Another act typically rooted in impatience is cutting across parking lots to avoid sitting through a red light. It's to the right and you were going to turn right anyway ... right? Convenience is irrelevant, there are only a few times you can legally do this.

First, let's look at the penalty for cutting corners to get around an intersection, aka "Rat Running". It's a violation of Texas Transportation Code 545.423:

• An operator may not cross a sidewalk or drive through a driveway, parking lot, or business or residential entrance without stopping the vehicle.
• An operator may not cross or drive in or on a sidewalk, driveway, parking lot, or business or residential entrance at an intersection to turn right or left from one highway to another highway. - texas.public.law

I guess technically, if you stop, (see bold print above), you're ok?? At least by the wording in that legal mumbo jumbo. I wouldn't try it though, getting caught can be pricey. From $25 and $99 for first timers, repeat offenders are looking at $100 to $200.

The only time you CAN legally "Rat Run" is in the event of an emergency or to avoid an accident.