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Texas Statewide Rule

Texas Bars Livestock From Roaming Highway Right-of-Way

Some RestrictionsApplies statewide across Texas (2026)

Key Facts

Statute
Tex. Agric. Code Sec. 143.102
Penalty
Class C misdemeanor, up to $500
Per-day
Separate offense each day
Covered roads
U.S. and state highways
Excluded
Farm-to-market roads not covered
Last verified: July 31, 2026

Summary

Texas Agriculture Code Section 143.102 makes it a statewide offense to knowingly let a horse, mule, donkey, cow, bull, steer, hog, sheep, or goat roam unattended on a highway right-of-way. Each violation is a Class C misdemeanor, chargeable per day.

Sec. 143.102. RUNNING AT LARGE ON HIGHWAY PROHIBITED. A person who owns or has responsibility for the control of a horse, mule, donkey, cow, bull, steer, hog, sheep, or goat may not knowingly permit the animal to traverse or roam at large, unattended, on the right-of-way of a highway. ... Sec. 143.108. PENALTY. (a) A person commits an offense if the person violates Section 143.102 of this code. (b) An offense under this section is a Class C misdemeanor. (c) A person commits a separate offense for each day that an animal is permitted to roam at large in violation of Section 143.102 of this code.

View official code

Full Breakdown

The prohibition covers U.S. and state highways statewide but excludes numbered farm-to-market roads. It applies whether or not the county has adopted a local stock law, so an owner cannot lean on open-range tradition on a state highway. Under Section 143.108, each day an animal is loose is a separate Class C misdemeanor, punishable by a fine up to $500, prosecuted by the county attorney. Herding, leading, or driving livestock along or across a highway stays expressly allowed. Owners who negligently let animals onto the road also face civil liability to motorists who strike them.

Violations & Penalties

Knowingly permitting a listed animal to roam unattended on a highway right-of-way is a Class C misdemeanor with a fine up to $500, and each day the animal is loose is a separate offense.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this apply in open-range counties?
Yes. Section 143.102 bars livestock on U.S. and state highway right-of-way statewide, regardless of whether the county has adopted a local stock law.
Which animals are covered?
Horses, mules, donkeys, cows, bulls, steers, hogs, sheep, and goats. The owner or person responsible for controlling the animal can be charged.
Can I drive cattle across a highway?
Yes. The subchapter expressly permits herding, leading, or driving livestock along or across a highway; it bans only letting them roam unattended.

Sources

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