Texas Transportation Code 552.010 – Blind Pedestrians
Current as of: 2024 | Check for updates
|
Other versions
(a) No person may carry a white cane on a public street or highway unless the person is totally or partially blind.
(b) The driver of a vehicle approaching an intersection or crosswalk where a pedestrian guided by an assistance animal or carrying a white cane is crossing or attempting to cross shall take necessary precautions to avoid injuring or endangering the pedestrian. The driver shall bring the vehicle to a full stop if injury or danger can be avoided only by that action.
Terms Used In Texas Transportation Code 552.010
- Person: includes corporation, organization, government or governmental subdivision or agency, business trust, estate, trust, partnership, association, and any other legal entity. See Texas Government Code 311.005
- Trial: A hearing that takes place when the defendant pleads "not guilty" and witnesses are required to come to court to give evidence.
- Year: means 12 consecutive months. See Texas Government Code 311.005
(c) If it is shown on the trial of an offense under this section that as a result of the commission of the offense a collision occurred causing serious bodily injury or death to a blind person, the offense is a misdemeanor punishable by:
(1) a fine of not more than $500; and
(2) 30 hours of community service to an organization or agency that primarily serves visually impaired or disabled persons, to be completed in not less than six months and not more than one year.
(c-1) A portion of the community service required under Subsection (c)(2) shall include sensitivity training.
(d) For the purposes of this section:
(1) “Assistance animal” has the meaning assigned by § 121.002, Human Resources Code.
(2) “White cane” has the meaning assigned by § 121.002, Human Resources Code.
(e) If conduct constituting an offense under this section also constitutes an offense under another section of this code or the Penal Code, the actor may be prosecuted under either section or both sections.