Unveiling The Evolution Of Texas Highway Patrol Vehicles: A Closer Look

Have you ever been traveling down the highway, possibly going a little over the speed limit, and not realized you were about to be in big trouble until you came up on the SUV that was a law enforcement vehicle? It happens. In Texas, it can be tough to spot the highway patrol from a distance. Gone are the days of Smokey and the Bandit. The vehicles blend in more now. So, when you're traveling down the road and see one of these vehicles, know that it could be the Texas Highway Patrol.

What Vehicles Does The Texas Highway Patrol Drive

If you're out on the highway, there are several vehicles that could potentially be patrol vehicles for the highway patrol. Crown Victorias are slowly going the way of the buffalo. They're being phased out and replaced, according to information that's available online. Currently, the vehicles on the road that might be highway patrol in Texas are:

Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor
Dodge Charger
Chevy Tahoe
Ford Police Interceptor Utility
Dodge Durango

In the Texas Panhandle, you're more likely to see the Ford Police Interceptor Utility, which resembles a Ford Explorer. The Chevy Tahoes and Ford Police Interceptor Utilities make up most of what you'll find out there.

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The highway patrol also uses other types of vehicles. They range from helicopters to boats. In Austin, they have motorcycles, bicycles, and horses at their disposal as well.

The Texas Highway Patrol: A Long Legacy Of Evolving To Guard The Road

The Texas Highway Patrol has been around for almost 100 years. In 1929, the Texas Highway Patrol was born under the name Highway Motor Patrol. The Highway Patrol was the first statewide agency formed since the Rangers back in 1823.

It was renamed Texas Highway Patrol in 1935, after being transferred to the recently created Department of Public Safety. This is also the reason why most people don't refer to the Texas Highway Patrol by name, and simply say DPS.

Watch The Speed Limit When Traveling Through Texas

For those who are mindful and pay close attention to following the speed limit, there's little to worry about when traveling through the Lone Star State. For those with a foot that's made partially out of lead, there could be some problems. We've got patrol cars that don't stick out like a sore thumb unless they're parked in the median.

We also have speed trap towns all over the map, one of which was considered the worst speed trap in the nation at one time. When you're on the highway and getting close to a town, the speed limit will drop on you. Sometimes, you don't have long to slow down before you're looking at a costly ticket.

It's best to just drive the speed limit when passing through Texas.

RANKED: America's Top 12 Best-Looking State Trooper Cruisers

Did you know that there is a brotherhood of state troopers called the American Association of State Troopers (AAST)? Their goal: PROTECT. PROVIDE. CONNECT. According to their website the AAST was formed in 1989 when a "small group of Florida state troopers had the vision to create an association that would unite state troopers across the country and assist them by providing valuable benefits and services."

Each year the AAST releases a calendar of the best looking state trooper cruisers. Ranking is determined by their Facebook followers. It's all for a great cause too. Proceeds benefit the AAST Foundation, which provides higher education scholarships for AAST troopers' children dependents. A noble cause by any measure.