Subchapter E. Streetcars

SUBCHAPTER E. STREETCARS
§ 545.201.  PASSING STREETCAR TO LEFT.  (a)  An operator
may not pass to the left or drive on the left side of a streetcar
moving in the same direction, even if the streetcar is temporarily
at rest, unless the operator:
(1)  is directed to do so by a police officer;                               
(2)  is on a one-way street;  or                                             
(3)  is on a street on which the location of the tracks
prevents compliance with this section.
(b)  An operator when lawfully passing to the left of a
streetcar that has stopped to receive or discharge a passenger:
(1)  shall reduce speed;                                                     
(2)  may proceed only on exercising due caution for
pedestrians;  and      
(3)  shall accord a pedestrian the right-of-way as
required by this subtitle.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.                   
§ 545.202.  PASSING STREETCAR TO RIGHT.  (a)  An
operator passing to the right of a streetcar stopped or about to
stop to receive or discharge a passenger shall:
(1)  stop the vehicle at least five feet to the rear of
the nearest running board or door of the streetcar;  and
(2)  remain standing until all passengers have entered
the streetcar or, on leaving, have reached a place of safety.
(b)  An operator is not required to stop before passing a
streetcar to the right if a safety zone has been established and may
proceed past the streetcar at a reasonable speed and with due
caution for the safety of pedestrians.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.                   
§ 545.203.  DRIVING ON STREETCAR TRACKS.  (a)  An
operator on a streetcar track in front of a streetcar shall move the
operator's vehicle off the track as soon as possible after a signal
from the operator of the streetcar.
(b)  An operator may not drive on or cross a streetcar track
in an intersection in front of a streetcar crossing the
intersection.
(c)  An operator who is passing a streetcar may not turn in
front of the streetcar so as to interfere with or impede its
movement.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.                   
§ 545.204.  STREETCAR APPROACHED BY AUTHORIZED EMERGENCY
VEHICLE.  (a)  On the immediate approach of an authorized
emergency vehicle using audible and visual signals that meet the
requirements of Sections 547.305 and 547.702, or of a police
vehicle lawfully using only an audible signal, the operator of a
streetcar shall immediately stop the streetcar clear of any
intersection and remain there until the authorized emergency
vehicle has passed, unless otherwise directed by a police officer.
(b)  This section does not exempt the operator of an
authorized emergency vehicle from the duty to drive with due regard
for the safety of all persons using the highway.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.                   
§ 545.205.  CROSSING FIRE HOSE.  An operator of a
streetcar may not, without the consent of the fire department
official in command, drive over an unprotected hose of a fire
department when the hose is on a streetcar track and intended for
use at a fire or alarm of fire.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.                   
§ 545.206.  OBSTRUCTION OF OPERATOR'S VIEW OR DRIVING
MECHANISM.  A passenger in a streetcar may not ride in a position
that interferes with the operator's view ahead or to the side or
with control over the driving mechanism of the streetcar.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.