There not a legal basis (currently) for lane sharing in TX (it was proposed but didn't come to the floor for a vote).
There *IS* the "developed shoulder rule though. By using a combination of existing TxDOT rules, you can head to the "developed" shoulder and move around traffic jams (on interstates and highways) under limited conditions. The best way to avoid tickets is to do it when traffic is stopped, you cautiously proceed at about 25 mph, and take the next available exit. This avoids the appearance of "line jumping" and if a fellow motorist tries to make an issue of it, you can simply say your bike's overheating and that usually calms their uneducated brains.
as I posted elsewhere in this forum the last time it came up:
The short version:
1. on secondary roads, slower traffic should move to the developed shoulder to let you past.
2. on secondary roads, you can use the developed shoulder to pass a left-turning vehicle when you only have one marked lane in your direction.
3. you can move to the developed shoulder on an interstate when the main traffic is stopped (with the intent to take the next exit as your explanation if asked). keeping it to 25 mph (or under) on the shoulder and watch for self-appointed line blockers.
[Texas] TRANSPORTATION CODE - CHAPTER 545
TRANSPORTATION CODE
CHAPTER 545. OPERATION AND MOVEMENT OF VEHICLES
SUBCHAPTER A. GENERAL PROVISIONS
§ 545.001. DEFINITION. In this chapter, "pass" or
"passing" used in reference to a vehicle means to overtake and
proceed past another vehicle moving in the same direction as the
passing vehicle or to attempt that maneuver.
§ 545.057. PASSING TO THE RIGHT. (a) An operator may
pass to the right of another vehicle only if conditions permit
safely passing to the right and:
(1) the vehicle being passed is making or about to make
a left turn; and
(2) the operator is:
(A) on a highway having unobstructed pavement not
occupied by parked vehicles and sufficient width for two or more
lines of moving vehicles in each direction; or
B on a one-way street or on a roadway having
traffic restricted to one direction of movement and the roadway is
free from obstructions and wide enough for two or more lines of
moving vehicles
( B ) An operator may not pass to the right by leaving the main
traveled portion of a roadway except as provided by Section
545.058.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
§ 545.058. DRIVING ON IMPROVED SHOULDER[0]. (a) An
operator may drive on an improved shoulder[0] to the right of the main
traveled portion of a roadway if that operation is necessary and may
be done safely, but only:
(1) to stop, stand, or park;
(2) to accelerate before entering the main traveled
lane of traffic;
(3) to decelerate before making a right turn;
(4) to pass another vehicle that is slowing or stopped
on the main traveled portion of the highway, disabled, or preparing
to make a left turn;
(5) to allow another vehicle traveling faster to pass;
(6) as permitted or required by an official
traffic-control device; or
(7) to avoid a collision.
( B ) An operator may drive on an improved shoulder[0] to the
left of the main traveled portion of a divided or limited-access or
controlled-access highway if that operation may be done safely, but
only:
(1) to slow or stop when the vehicle is disabled and
traffic or other circumstances prohibit the safe movement of the
vehicle to the shoulder[0] to the right of the main traveled portion of
the roadway;
(2) as permitted or required by an official
traffic-control device; or
(3) to avoid a collision.
© A limitation in this section on driving on an improved
shoulder[0] does not apply to:
(1) an authorized emergency vehicle responding to a
call;
(2) a police patrol; or
(3) a bicycle.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
https://tlo2.tlc.state.tx.us/statutes/docs/....htm#545.001.00
