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ASK 2 TRAFFIC

Ask 2: Is it illegal to cross through a parking lot to avoid traffic light?

Ask 2: Is it illegal to cross through a parking lot to avoid traffic light? As part of our new Ask 2 series, the newsroom will answer your questions about all things Houston. Question: Is it illegal to cross through a parking lot to avoid traffic lights? Answer: It is definitely illegal to cut through a parking lot to avoid a light and turn from one highway to another. If you’re wondering, the rule is in place for safety, because of the amount of pedestrian traffic in a parking lot.

Ask 2: What’s the proper way to cross a median?

The confusion comes when the crossover is not striped - people aren’t sure which side of the crossover they should use. If the crossover is at an intersection and the median is *less than 30 feet wide, both ends of the crossover are part of the same intersection. If the crossover is not at an intersection with another highway, the vehicle is not considered to be turning “at an intersection”. When they turn into the crossover, they are simply entering another roadway that is part of the same highway. The crossover is essentially a short roadway that traverses the median.

Ask 2: Can you get highway video for insurance purposes?

As part of our Ask 2 series, the newsroom will answer your questions about all things Houston. Question: Cypress viewer Amy Bailey asks: Can you get highway video for insurance purposes? Answer: For this answer, we contacted Joshua Shideler PIO, Senior Staff Analyst for Houston TranStar who said, “Houston TranStar has a system of approximately 1,000 closed-circuit television cameras within its freeway system. These cameras are used for monitoring freeway incidents and real-time traffic conditions. We don’t record video, but we do keep an eye on all of our cameras every single day.

Ask 2: Who is in charge of fixing street signs?

Question: Who is in charge of fixing street signs? Answer: You can visit the City of Houston’s 311 website to report a street sign that needs maintenance. You’ll need to provide your email address, so the city can contact you. MobilityHouston is a city-wide conversation created by the City of Houston that invites you to share your ideas and solutions for Houston mobility with your city leaders and other Houstonians. If you have any insight, suggestions or ideas regarding anything transportation, you can call 713-837-0311.

Ask 2: When is the road going to be reopened on Loop 494 north of FM1485?

As part of our Ask 2 series, the newsroom will answer your questions about all things Houston. Question: When is the road going to be reopened on Loop 494 north of FM1485? Answer: According to the Texas Department of Transportation, this project should be active into the third quarter of 2021. It is taking a little longer than expected due to utility work that needed to be completed in the area. Loop 494 will be expanded from two lanes to four lanes between Sorters McClellan Road and Northpark Plaza.

Ask 2: Is there a violation for putting on makeup (or other distractions) while driving?

HOUSTON – Question: Is there a violation for putting on makeup in traffic? Woodard with the Texas Department of Public Safety, there are no specific traffic laws in Texas regarding applying cosmetic products while driving, but any kind of distracted driving, is highly discouraged. Applying make-up while driving is considered a manual and visual distraction. If you cause a crash because you were putting on makeup, Woodard says you can get a ticket. This is why: The driver failed to control their speed.

Ask 2 Traffic: What is recycled asphalt?

Question: What is recycled asphalt? Answer: After speaking with The Texas Department of Transportation, reclaimed asphalt pavement, or RAP for short, is defined as salvaged, milled, pulverized, broken or crushed asphalt pavement. There’s also recycled asphalt shingle or RAS, which is defined as processed asphalt shingle material from the manufacturing of asphalt roofing shingles or from re-roofing residential structures. TxDOT uses RAP and RAS in their hot mix asphalt. The maximum allowable percentages of RAP or RAS vary depending on the hot mix types.

Ask 2: Can you still use your arm to make a turn?

HOUSTON – At KPRC 2, we’re dedicated to keeping Houstonians informed. As part of our new Ask 2 series, the newsroom will answer your questions about all things HoustonQuestion: Can you still use your arm to you’re making a turn? Answer: According to Sec. 545.106 of the Texas Transportation Code that talks about signaling, “Except as provided by Subsection (b), an operator required to give a stop or turn signal shall do so by:using the hand and arm; orlighting signal lamps approved by the department.”So yes, it is legal to signal with your arm to indicate that you are turning.

Ask 2: Why is the bridge is still closed on Lawndale near Brays Bayou?

(I) wanna know how come the bridge is still out on Lawndale between Wayside and 75th Street?”Answer: This project is actually taking care of two bridges in the area: the Lawndale Bridge and the Telephone Road Bridge over Brays Bayou. The Harris County Flood Control District kicked off their construction back in April 2020. Both bridges will be replaced with a newbridge that will have four 11-foot wide lanes and 10-foot sidewalks on both sides of the bridge. The Lawndale bridge will have two 6-feet bike lanes. Construction is expected to wrap up this Spring.

Ask 2: What is the law in Texas about parking on the streets along curbs in residential neighborhoods?

HOUSTON – At KPRC 2, we’re dedicated to keeping Houstonians informed. As part of our Ask 2 series, the newsroom will answer your questions about all things Houston. Question: Our viewer Tracy wants to know: What is the law in Texas about parking on the streets along curbs in residential neighborhoods? Answer: Here is what the Texas law says about where a driver cannot park:A driver can’t temporarily park within 20 feet of a driveway entranceYou also can’t on the roadway side of a vehicle stopped or parked at the edge or curb of a streetOn a sidewalkIn an intersectionOn a crosswalkYou can get more information on the Texas Department of Transportation’s road manual here.

Ask 2: Who has the right-of-way at a four-way traffic stop?

As part of our new Ask 2 series, the newsroom will answer your questions about all things Houston. Question: Who has the right-of-way at a four-way traffic stop? Signaling is very important in order to avoid crashes at a four-way stop. Also, think about this, if two cars arrive at the same time across from each other and both are planning to turn, who goes first? Another scenario involves a yellow blinking light at a four-way intersection, the same scenario, two cars arrive across from each other at the same time, who goes first?

Ask 2: I have a RV and am only in Texas part of the year. What do I do about registering my vehicle?

As part of our new Ask 2 series, the newsroom will answer your questions about all things Houston. Question: Ask 2: I have a RV and am only in Texas part of the year. Answer: Are you a person who loves to take long, cross-country road trips and usually camps out in their RV? These drivers may title and register their car/RV in Texas if they have a Texas address. Once you return to the state, you must complete a Texas vehicle inspection within three days of arrival at your home, duty station, or destination.”

Ask 2: Why do many drivers drive with no headlights on? Shouldn’t their headlights be on if their wiper blades are on?

As part of our new Ask 2 series, the newsroom will answer your questions about all things HoustonQuestion: Jeff Linhart: Why do many drivers, drive with no headlights on? Shouldn’t their headlights be on if their wiper blades are on? Answer: Great question Jeff. If you would like me to answer your traffic question, send me your video! Just visit my page Facebook page: KPRC 2 Anavid Reyes and send me a message with your video.

Ask 2: Can you tell me if car inspections are still waived due to COVID? What about registrations?

Question: Connie H Schiller asks, “Can you tell me if car inspections are still waived due to COVID? Since we’re still battling this pandemic, the waiver for vehicle registration, which first went into effect on March 16, is still active. Though, this buys drivers time to take care of their vehicle registration, if you want to go ahead and get it done now you can. Taking the bottom portion of your registration renewal letter, accompanied by your payment and mailing it to your county tax office is another option. Remember, when DPS announces their new timeline for vehicle registrations, you’ll still have a 60-day period before you must renew.

Ask 2: What are crews doing on Fountain View Drive between Westheimer, Richmond?

HOUSTON – At KPRC 2, we’re dedicated to keeping Houstonians informed. As part of our new Ask 2 series, the newsroom will answer your questions about all things Houston. Question: George asks, What are crews doing on Fountain View Drive between Westheimer, Richmond? Answer: Traffic Expert Anavid Reyes reached out to the City of Houston, and according to Houston Public Works, crews are will be installing sanitary sewer lines, manholes, reinforce concrete pavement, improving curbs, and adjusting water and sanitary sewer lines. Fountain View Drive constructionThe project has two phases:Phase 1: Fountain View Drive from Gulfton to Schumber Lane - Spring 2020 to Spring 2021Phase 2: Fountainview from Schumber Lane to Westheimer - Spring 2021 to Spring 2022

Ask 2: Why are there so many potholes on Houston streets?

As part of our Ask 2 series, the newsroom will answer your questions about all things Houston. Question: Why are there so many potholes on Houston streets? Answer: The City of Houston says, we have about 16,000 lane miles of city streets and potholes are bound to happen at any point. The City of Houston also says, because of our weather, Houstonians can expect to see potholes all year round. In other cities, more potholes happen in the winter and spring after cold temperatures, rain or snow.

Ask 2: Why do they keep closing 59 between Gessner and Fondren?

As part of our Ask 2 series, the newsroom will answer your questions about all things Houston. Question: Why do they keep closing 59 between Gessner and Fondren? Answer: Terrence lives on the Southwest part of town and wanted to know why the Southwest Freeway keeps getting shut down for construction on the weekends. I spoke to the Department of Transportation and they said, the construction taking place between Gessner and Fondren is not part of the interchange project with the West Loop. The project is planned to be complete by the end of December/beginning of next year, weather depending.

Ask 2: How many City Pride Signs can a city have?

HOUSTON – At KPRC 2, we’re dedicated to keeping Houstonians informed. As part of our new Ask 2 series, the newsroom will answer your questions about all things Houston. Question: How many City Pride Signs can a city have? Answer: A city may install one City Pride Sign per highway entering the city. The Texas Department of Transportation developed the “City Pride Sign Program” to give cities the opportunity to display the names and logos of their civic organizations along state highways without interfering with official highway signs.

Ask 2: What do police consider to be aggressive driving?

As part of our new Ask 2 series, the newsroom will answer your questions about all things Houston. Question: What do police consider to be aggressive driving? Answer: Operating a vehicle in a way that endangers people or property is aggressive driving. If you get caught you can be fined up to $200 for each violation, according to the Texas Department of Transportation. Don’t yell obscenities or make inappropriate hand gestures, and don’t respond to drivers who do.

Ask 2: What’s up with the folded sign on Southwest Freeway near Sugar Land?

As part of our Ask 2 series, the newsroom will answer your questions about all things Houston. Question: What’s up with the folded sign on Southwest Freeway near Sugarland? Answer: According to the Texas Department of Transportation, many people were wondering about the folded overhead sign on the Southwest Freeway that directs traffic to exit Sugar Land and Stafford. TXDOT responded to these multiple reports and has contacted their Fort Bend and west Harris County maintenance teams to quickly fix the issue. Send it our way, and we will try to hunt down an answer.

Ask 2: How do you designate a highway?

As part of our Ask 2 series, the newsroom will answer your questions about all things Houston. Question: How do you designate a highway? Answer: According to the Texas Department of Transportation, the Texas Legislature established several memorial sign programs to honor certain individuals, places or organizations. Knowing that TXDOT’s top priorities are focusing limited taxpayer dollars on highway safety and maintenance, reducing congestion and connecting Texas communities, state law requires outside resources to cover the costs of constructing and installing these signs. For more information on the Memorial Sign Program visit www.txdot.gov and search keyword “Memorial Sign."

Ask 2: How will a traffic ticket affect my insurance rates?

Question: How will a traffic ticket affect my insurance rates? Answer: According to different traffic entities, it is likely that your insurance will be impacted by certain traffic tickets. For example, getting a speeding ticket may increase the amount you pay for car insurance. Speeding tickets are considered part of your driving record and insurance companies can check your driving record. The companies can then use the information to help determine your risk of having an accident or making an insurance claim.

Ask 2: Who decides whether a stop sign is needed?

As part of our new Ask 2 series, the newsroom will answer your questions about all things Houston. Question: Who decides whether a stop sign is needed? Answer: According to traffic experts, the City of Houston in combination with the city’s planning department, usually determines where to place stop signs, so that they provide the best benefit to the neighborhood as a whole. Also keep in mind, determining where to place a stop sign is a methodical process that requires a lot of planning, so often the city’s engineering in conjunction with Houston Public Works and the Houston Police Department are also involved. Details that play a factor in where to place a stop sign include traffic flow, volume, intersection configuration, and traffic accident reports.

Ask 2: Can I turn right on a red signal if I am on the second lane from the right that allows right turns?

As part of our Ask 2 series, the newsroom will answer your questions about all things Houston. Question: Can I turn right on a red signal if I am on the second lane from the right that allows right turns? According to Thelma Rasmus, driving instructor for Broussard Driving School in Houston, in order to legally turn right on red, you must be on the farther right lane. It is illegal to turn right on the second lane if the traffic signal is red. Rasmus said drivers must adhere to traffic signs that prohibit turning on a red traffic light.

Ask 2: Is it illegal to cross a parking lot to avoid a traffic light?

At KPRC 2, we’re dedicated to keeping Houstonians informed. As part of our Ask 2 series, the newsroom will answer your questions about all things Houston. Question: Is it illegal to cross a parking lot to avoid a traffic light? Section 545.423 of the Texas Transportation Code stated that drivers “may not cross a sidewalk or drive through a driveway, parking lot, or business or residential entrance without stopping the vehicle.”Drivers also cannot cross or drive in or on a sidewalk, driveway, parking lot, or residence at an intersection to turn from one highway to another, especially when avoiding a traffic light. Send it our way, and we will try to hunt down an answer.

Ask 2: How can I get a handicap parking sticker for my car?

As part of our Ask 2 series, the newsroom will answer your questions about all things Houston. Question: How can I get a handicap parking sticker for my car? You can get more information from the Mayor’s Office for People With Disabilities, and the City of Houston Parking Management Division. There are consequences if you are illegally parked in an Accessible Parking Space. The City of Houston’s website says:A vehicle parked in an accessible parking space without a valid placard or plate is subject to a $500 fine.

Ask 2: What sort of roadwork is going on on State Highway 3 south, beginning at El Dorado?

As part of our Ask 2 series, the newsroom will answer your questions about all things Houston. Question: What sort of roadwork is going on on State Highway 3 south, beginning at El Dorado? Answer: Mayor Pro Tem Dave Martin and Harris County Precinct 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia announced that construction on the El Dorado Boulevard widening project began May of this year. “This is a vital road infrastructure project that will address mobility issues in this fast-growing region,” said Mayor Pro Tem Martin. “With the help of Harris County Precinct 2, we are glad to officially break ground on this long-awaited project.

Ask 2: How can I have a ‘Quiet Zone’ study done in my area to prevent train-horn noise?

Question: How can I have a “Quiet Zone” study done in my area to prevent train-horn noise? Answer: According to the city of Houston’s website, the “Quiet Zone” program was developed to address train-horn noise near neighborhoods. There is currently a list of 31 areas that are petitioning for a “Quiet Zone” and the process is lengthy. Unfortunately, there is no funding for “Quiet Zone” projects at this time. You can learn more about “Quiet Zone” requirements here.

Ask 2: What do I do if I have a water main break?

As part of our Ask 2 series, the newsroom will answer your questions about all things Houston. Question: What do I do if I have a water main break? Answer: Residents are asked to call the 3-1-1 service request line or fill out the online form available at Houston 3-1-1 Service Request Index to report a minor water main break. To follow up on the request, residents are asked to call 832-393-3004 or e-mail the office at districtc@houstontx.gov with your 3-1-1 service number. Fill out the form below and we will try to get you answers.

Ask 2: Does the Americans with Disabilities Act require the city of Houston to provide sidewalks?

As part of our Ask 2 series, the newsroom will answer your questions about all things Houston. Question: Does the Americans with Disabilities Act require the city to provide sidewalks? Answer: According to Houston Public Works, the answer is no. However, when the City of Houston builds a sidewalk, it must be accessible to persons with disabilities to the extent technically feasible. You can apply to request a sidewalk to be built near your neighborhood through the Houston Public Works Sidewalk Program.

Ask 2: I parked my vehicle in a non-city owned parking lot and it’s been booted? What do I do?

As part of our new Ask 2 series, the newsroom will answer your questions about all things Houston. Question: I parked my vehicle in a non-city owned parking lot and it’s been booted? Answer: If you paid to park in the lot and can provide a copy of your receipt, the lot owner must release your vehicle, but an administrative fee may be charged. If you cannot provide proof of payment for the parking, you may be charged up to $100 plus the parking fees to remove the boot. If you feel you were unfairly booted, you may request a boot hearing in the Harris County Justice of the Peace Court.

Ask 2: Why is Kuykendahl pronounced ‘kEr ken-dAHl?'

As part of our Ask 2 series, the newsroom will answer your questions about all things Houston. Question: Why is Kuykendahl pronounced “kEr ken-dAHl?”Answer: Kuykendahl Road was named after settlers who emigrated from Germany in the 1800s, according to Houston History Magazine. When “Kuykendahl” is translated from German to English, the u and y produce an -er sound. The last two syllables of the word are pronounced how it is spelled. Send it our way, and we will try to hunt down an answer.

Ask 2: I’ve ordered my EZ Tags, can I still use the toll roads while I wait for them to arrive?

Question:Answer: There are a few ways to use the toll roads while waiting for your new EZ Tags to arrive by mail. You can download the EZ Tag app on your smartphone to temporarily add your vehicle’s plate number and the mininum amount of tolls you plan to use. On your EZ Tag account, you are able to add your vehicle as an “EZ Plate” account for a limited time. You may only use your vehicle in toll lanes marked “EZ Tag” only, and rates are based on cash lanes. Otherwise, no action is needed and you may continue to use the toll roads as usual, as the Harris County Toll Road Authority is billing toll drivers by mail in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

ASK2: Will the city fix a sidewalk in my neighborhood?

HOUSTON At KPRC 2, were dedicated to keeping Houstonians informed. As part of our new Ask 2 series, the newsroom will answer your questions about all things HoustonQuestion: Will the city fix a sidewalk in my neighborhood? Answer: According to the City of Houston, maintenance and repair of neighborhood sidewalks is the responsibility of the abutting property owner, and the city will only replace sidewalks in very specific circumstances, such as on a busy thoroughfare, near a school, or for citizens with mobility impairments. If you have any questions about your particular sidewalk in the City of Houston, visit the website Safe Sidewalks web page for more information about the Safe Sidewalk Program.

Ask 2: Are truck drivers who have a not responsible for broken windshields or damage to vehicle sign really not held liable?

As part of our Ask 2 series, the newsroom will answer your questions about all things Houston. Question: Are truck drivers who have a not responsible for broken windshields or damage to vehicle sign really not held liable? Answer: No, a warning sign does not protect the vehicle operator or trucking company from being held legally responsible for the damages they cause, according to one expert. However, drivers should be aware the ruling could go against them, the attorney said. According to Bonilla, while Texas truck drivers do have a high duty of care and responsibility to attempt to keep drivers around them safe, other motorists assume some risk if following too closely behind trucks carrying a load of rocks.

ASK 2: Who do I call if the street lights on my block have gone out?

As part of our new Ask 2 series, the newsroom will answer your questions about all things Houston. Question: Who do I call if the street lights on my block have gone out? Answer: According to the city of Houston, street light outages should be reported directly to CenterPoint Energy at 713-207-2222 or online at the CenterPoint Energy website Electric Outage Center. Please note, if there is a City construction project in the area, CenterPoint Energy will frequently disconnect power to the street lights for the duration of the project. CenterPoint will not re-energize the lights until the project has been completely finished.

ASK 2: Where did Kuykendahl get its name from?

As part of our new Ask 2 series, the newsroom will answer your questions about all things Houston. Question: Where did Kuykendahl get its name from? Answer: Mister McKinney with Mister McKinneys Historic Houston told KPRC 2, Kuykendahl Road is named after early Texas German immigrant Henry A. Kuykendahl, who lived with his family along Cypress Creek. The road went through his property and he owned large tracks of land in the area. He was also active in the Houston community and was the founder of the German Society of Texas in 1840.

Ask 2: If you get a red light camera ticket do you still have to pay it even if they have been outlawed?

As part of our Ask 2 series, the newsroom will answer your questions about all things Houston. Question: Humble still has them, but if you get a red light camera ticket do you still have to pay it even if Abbott outlawed them? Answer: Effective June 2, 2019, per HB 1631, 86th Texas Legislature, local authorities are no longer permitted to install or operate photographic traffic signal enforcement systems, or red light cameras, and use of evidence from photographic enforcement systems is prohibited. So, what this means is, if a municipality is under contract with an entity to enforce the red light camera system, and cant break it, they are legally allowed to continue using red light cameras until the contract is terminated. Now, since the ticket is a civic violation and not a criminal violation, there is no language that can force you to pay.

Ask 2: Is the mandatory 14-day quarantine for people traveling to Texas still ongoing?

As part of our new Ask 2 series, the newsroom will answer your questions about all things Houston. Question: Is the mandatory 14-day quarantine for persons traveling to Texas still ongoing? Answer: Road and air travelers entering Texas from Louisiana will no longer have to self-quarantine for 14 days starting May 1, according to Gov. Any mandatory self-quarantine already in effect as a result of these executive orders, to the extent applicable to travelers from the City of New Orleans or the State of Louisiana, is terminated immediately," Abbotts latest order reads. For more information you can visit the Texas Department for Health and Human Services website.

ASK2: How can I get to a testing center if I dont have a car?

HOUSTON At KPRC 2, were dedicated to keeping Houstonians informed. As part of our new Ask 2 series, the newsroom will answer your questions about all things Houston. Question: How can I get to a testing center if I dont have a car? Answer: For those who are elderly, disabled or simply dont have the proper means of transportation, you can call the COVID-19 testing center at: 832-493-4220. All you have to do is indicate you are a person with disabilities or you simply do not have proper transportation to get to a testing site and they will take it from there.