Sandra: My mother recently forgot to include her current insurance card in the vehicle, and she is worried about driving without it. I thought she might not have it, but I was unclear if she would be infringing the law if she could not produce it. Is it illegal to drive with an expired insurance card?

Today, police officers are asking individuals to present a valid insurance card, which may be shown on a phone or as a picture. If a parent’s insurance card has expired, most law enforcement agencies have access to the state insurance system, enabling them to quickly verify the validity of a vehicle's insurance. If the police can establish that the insurance is valid through this system, there should be no reason to issue a citation.

Ty: Since radar detectors are permitted in Texas, are there any devices that are restricted from being utilized alongside a vehicle's radar detector?

Yes, there are devices called radar jammers or laser jammer that are completely illegal in Texas. The Texas Traffic Code states: (b) No person shall use, attempt to use, install, operate, or attempt to operate a radar jammer in a motor vehicle except when a law enforcement officer is performing his or her official duties. So, in Texas, if you have a radar jammer, it's best to keep it on your bookshelf at home next to your best read novel! These radar signal jammers cannot be legally purchased anywhere in Texas. Because the statute further states: (c) No person shall purchase, sell, or offer for sale a radar jamming device. Of course, these devices are only for the benefit of extreme speed offenders. Drivers need to be notified that these devices may not work as advertised. Thank you, life would be a lot simpler if we followed the law.

I consistently pray for the protection of all police officers. I recognize the dangers associated with your profession, as you are committed to ensuring the safety and welfare of all citizens, not only in your local community but across the state of Texas. I encounter daily parking challenges on my street. Recently, while trying to back out of my driveway, I discovered a car parked directly behind it, across the street. I have already spoken to my neighbor about parking issues. I aim to avoid causing any trouble for others by parking incorrectly. What course of action should I take? What violation is applicable here?

Parking issues have been an ongoing problem, and your dilemma, as well as many others, should be addressed. First, I must remind you that your neighbor did nothing wrong when they parked their car on the other side of the street behind your driveway. I understand the stress and difficulty that it can take to carefully pull out of a driveway, but the law does not require drivers to park any differently. Your best conclusion is to continue talking to your neighbors, and rather than asking them to do it, you would appreciate them not parking there because you don't want to damage anyone's vehicle. Keep in mind that if you hit one of these vehicles while backing up, you could be charged for unsafe backing. That being said, if you can't back up safely, don't back up.