Cutting Through Parking Lots to Avoid Red Lights? Yep, It’s Illegal in Texas

We're all in a hurry, I get it. Sometimes you just don't want to wait until that packed red light turns green and MAYBE you get a chance to drive through before it switches to red again.

In Texas, there's a big no-no when it comes to cutting corners (literally), because it is, in fact, illegal to cut through that gas station parking lot in order to skip a red light or a traffic jam. Let me explain.

No Cutting in Line!

Take a page from your kindergarten class: line-cutters will be punished. This is how Texas treats this traffic violation, and The Wilhite Law Firm right here in the Lone Star State has some things to say on the matter.

You see, it's viewed as dangerous to both you and other drivers if you cut through parking lots. Certain risks like hitting cars who are backing out of parking spaces, having limited visibility, and pedestrian hazards can occur.

Fun Fact: Did you know that cutting through parking lots at intersections is also known as "rat running" or "cut-through driving?"

Penalties for Violating Texas Traffic Laws

If you choose to cut through a parking lot on an unfortunate day when a nearby police officer skipped his morning coffee, then there is a strong chance that you will be slapped with a fine.

It may not be as much as other traffic violation fines, but any unexpected expense is never a good thing. Plus, these fines can add up quickly and can drive up insurance rates (pun intended).

Exceptions to the Rule

The only times cutting through parking lots to avoid intersections is legal are if the driver had no other choice in order to avoid imminent danger like steering away from a car accident or allowing an emergency vehicle with their lights flashing to pass.

The other exception is if there is construction or any other reason that a cop specifically directs you to take a detour through a parking lot.

That's pretty much it. If you choose to cheat and skip the line at the light for any reason besides these, prepare to get a not-so-happy visit from a nearby officer who's just itching to hand out tickets.