Section 1: Overview

Introduction

Speed zones on the state highway system, including turnpikes under TxDOT’s authority, may be set by Transportation Commission minute order or by the city, depending on the circumstance (as shown in the following table).
Authority to Set Speed Zones on State Highway System
(including on turnpikes under TxDOT’s authority)
If the speed zone is...
Then it is established by...
outside a city
Transportation Commission minute order
inside a city
city ordinance or resolution or Transportation Commission minute order
This chapter covers the speed zone approval process for each of these circumstances.

Regional Mobility Authorities and Regional Tollway Authorities

This chapter does not cover the speed zone approval process for turnpikes under the control of a regional mobility authority (RMA) or regional tollway authority (RTA). An RMA is an authority created under Transportation Code, Chapters 361 or 370, at the request of one or more counties and authorized by the Transportation Commission for the purpose of constructing, maintaining, and operating transportation projects. An RTA is an authority created under Transportation Code, Chapter 366, consisting of two or more counties for the purpose of acquisition, design, financing, construction, operation, and maintenance of a turnpike project or system.
Speed zone approval for roadways under the control of RMAs or RTAs are set according to the conditions outlined in the following two tables.
Authority to Set Speed Zones on Turnpikes under Control of an RMA
If the speed zone is...
Then it is established by...
outside a city
RMA order
inside a city
city ordinance or RMA order
Authority to Set Speed Zones on Turnpikes under Control of an RTA
If the speed zone is...
Then it is established by...
outside a city
RTA order
inside a city
city ordinance or RTA order