Cut through a parking lot to avoid a red light in Texas? These are the consequences

If you’ve ever stopped at a red light that seemed to be running too long, you’ve most likely considered cutting through a nearby parking lot to avoid the wait.

Texas is a busy state with plenty of traffic that triggers this idea, but is it legal?

No, according to state law.

Cutting through a parking lot to avoid delayed traffic is called rat-running, which is a violation of Texas Transportation Code 545.423, which says:

• 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.

The offense is classified as a misdemeanor and carries a fine that ranges from $25 to $99 or $100 to $200 for repeat offenders.

Why is rat running illegal?

Driving through a parking lot is similar to driving on a different surface, so your driving technique might not be appropriate for the same road conditions, according to Thompson Law Injury Lawyers.

About 20% of all auto accidents occur in parking lots, which pose a significant threat because they are typically congested with vehicles, pedestrians, and consumers searching for parking spots.

Are there any exceptions to the law?

There are a few instances where cutting through a parking lot is acceptable, such as in an emergency or to avoid an accident.

In such situations, people should drive carefully and heed traffic signs, Thompson Law Injury Lawyers said.