Texas papers, permits and equipment rules
Section 14.1 of the Texas CDL handbook covers the papers you carry, when a load needs a permit, and required equipment. It is tested on the Texas Commercial Rules test.
Key facts
| Part of | the Texas Commercial Rules test (80% to pass) | DL-7C p. iv |
|---|---|---|
| Handbook section | §14.1 Papers, permits and equipment | DL-7C p. 14-1 |
| Questions in CDL Mile's bank | 12 | CDL Mile, checked against DL-7C |
Key rules
- § 14.1p. 14-1
Hazard lights are required on a stopped truck that is at least 80 inches wide or at least 30 feet long. This truck is 34 feet long, so the lights go on immediately even though it is narrower than 80 inches.
Papers, permits and equipment
- § 14.1p. 14-1
Vehicles carrying explosives, cargo tanks of flammable liquid or gas, and vehicles fueled by compressed gas may not use flares, fuses or any flame signal. Reflective triangles approved by the U.S. DOT may be used instead.
Papers, permits and equipment
- § 14.1p. 14-1
Special permits are meant for loads that are too heavy, long, wide or tall to move legally. If the load can reasonably be broken down into smaller pieces, no permit will be issued.
Papers, permits and equipment
- § 14.1p. 14-1
Between a half hour after sunset and a half hour before sunrise, a truck or truck tractor outside city limits or on a divided highway must carry at least three flares, three red electric lanterns or three portable red reflectors.
Papers, permits and equipment
Try two questions
Texas Commercial Rules · Papers, permits and equipment
You drive a bus that carries passengers for hire. What fire extinguisher does the handbook say the bus must carry?
Tap an answer to see the explanation and the handbook page.
Texas Commercial Rules · Papers, permits and equipment
Your truck breaks down at noon on a clear day on a highway outside city limits, a time when lighted lamps aren't required. Under the Texas rule, what warning devices take the place of flares, lanterns or reflectors?
Tap an answer to see the explanation and the handbook page.
More Texas Commercial Rules topics
Sources
Texas Commercial Motor Vehicle Drivers Handbook (DL-7C), revised March 2026, Texas Department of Public Safety. Page references are to its printed page numbers. CDL Mile is independent and not affiliated with Texas DPS.
Updated for the March 2026 Texas CDL handbook (DL-7C). Last checked November 4, 2026.
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