Is it legal to drive on the shoulder in Texas?

It is illegal to drive on the shoulder of the road in Texas, except for in specific situations. These include:

- Pulling off to the side of the road for a safety emergency, such as a flat tire or a medical issue

- Avoiding a collision with another vehicle

- Temporarily using the shoulder to avoid a slow-moving vehicle

- Obeying the directions of a police officer or other authorized traffic control official

- Entering or exiting a highway or freeway using the shoulder

In general, it is not permissible to drive on the shoulder of the road for convenience, such as to avoid traffic or to travel faster than the speed of traffic. Violators may be ticketed and fined by law enforcement.