If you grew up in Texas, chances are you were told that it was illegal to pick our state flower.
But, was that just one of those Texas Tall Tales we also learned about?
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There actually is no law that specifically prevents picking bluebonnets. However, there are other laws that you could be breaking if you do.
Location Matters
It’s illegal to take any plants, animals or artifacts from State Parks or National Park Service lands.
It’s also illegal to trespass on private property.
The Department of Public Safety warns that there are laws against damaging or destroying rights-of-way and government property.
“So even though picking a few flowers may be okay, individuals should not dig up clusters of flowers or drive their vehicle into a field of flowers,” DPS stated.
Other charges
If you were to drive over a patch of bluebonnets on the side of the road, you could be charged with destruction of a right-of-way.
There are other citations you could face if you break laws as you bask in the beauty of the bluebonnets including failure to signal, impeding traffic and illegal parking.
But all of these scenarios are pretty uncommon.
As long as you’re respecting other people’s property and following traffic laws, you’re unlikely to face any legal troubles for picking a bluebonnet or two.
Other DPS Bluebonnet Safety Tips
- Signal before leaving or entering the roadway.
- Park off the roadway (off of improved shoulders), parallel to the road in the direction of traffic.
- Don’t cross lanes of traffic on foot to get to the flowers.
- Obey signs that prohibit parking on a particular stretch of roadway.
- Remember that failure to follow the rules of the road any time of the year could result in a ticket.
It’s also a good idea to look out for wildlife. Many critters, including rattlesnakes, could be hiding in tall grass and wildflowers.
If you get some wildflower photos you’d like to share, we’d love to see them! Submit your spring bloom photos to KSAT Connect and we may share them on air and online!