Most of us have seen someone get out of their vehicle while stopped at a red light in Texas. Is It Illegal to Exit Your Vehicle at a Red Light? Under Texas law, opening a vehicle door while the vehicle is operating or in traffic could lead to a citation. And yes, this applies if you're at a red light -- not only if you're traveling down the road. Even though you may be at a red light, you could still pose a danger to yourself and others around you.