New laws went into effect: here’s how they affect you.
Key Takeaway:
On September 1, 2025, 835 new Texas laws went into effect. Most won’t affect your daily commute—but six do. From rental car refunds to tougher DWI penalties, here’s what Texas drivers and families need to know.
Police can now execute warrants for blood draws across county lines.
Key Takeaway:
Senate Bill 1886 allows peace officers to execute blood draw warrants across county lines in DWI and intoxication-related cases. The goal is to reduce delays and strengthen evidence collection.
The penalties for DWIs in Texas school zones increased on September 1, 2025.
Key Takeaway:
Under Senate Bill 826, a DWI in a school crossing zone is now a state jail felony if it occurs during reduced-speed hours. Before, most first-time DWIs were misdemeanors. The law raises the stakes significantly when children’s safety is at risk.
Traffic violations can still be dismissed by approved driving safety or motorcycle operator courses.
Key Takeaway:
Yes. Senate Bill 296 keeps ticket dismissals through approved driving safety or motorcycle operator courses, but updates how the process works. Drivers can now submit requests electronically in many courts, and the law clarifies when one course can cover multiple tickets.
Rental car companies in Texas must abide by a new rule as of September 1, 2025.
Key Takeaway:
Yes. Under Senate Bill 72, rental car companies in Texas must refund the unused portion of a damage waiver if you bring the car back before your contract ends.
A significant number of car accidents happen in rainy weather.
Key Takeaway:
Yes — you may still file a claim if bad weather was a factor, but only if the other driver failed to adjust their driving to the conditions and acted negligently.
The right car seat can save your child’s life in an accident.
Car seats are one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect children during a car ride. But using the wrong type of seat—or installing it incorrectly—can make the difference between safety and serious injury in a crash.
Knowing when to stop for a school bus is essential to keep kids safe and avoid penalties.
Key Takeaway:
In Texas, drivers must stop when a school bus has flashing red lights and its stop arm extended—or face steep fines, license suspension, and even possible jail time.
School zone accidents can be complicated.
Key Takeaway:
You can seek compensation for injuries in a Texas school zone accident—even if a public school bus or employee was involved—because certain cases waive government immunity under the Texas Tort Claims Act.
Sudden heavy rain can contribute to car accidents in September.
Driving in bad weather always carries risks, but in Texas, the danger is especially high during storm season. According to the Texas Department of Insurance, about 85% of weather-related crashes in the state are due to heavy rain.
Texas Injury Lawyers Blog