Rule 680.Temporary Restraining Order

Last verified June 28, 2026

In one sentenceRule 680 bars a temporary restraining order without notice unless it clearly appears from specific sworn facts that immediate and irreparable injury will result before notice can be given, and limits the order's duration.

Full Text of Rule 680

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No temporary restraining order shall be granted without notice to the adverse party unless it clearly appears from specific facts shown by affidavit or by the verified complaint that immediate and irreparable injury, loss, or damage will result to the applicant before notice can be served and a hearing had thereon. Every temporary restraining order granted without notice shall be endorsed with the date and hour of issuance; shall be filed forthwith in the clerk's office and entered of record; shall define the injury and state why it is irreparable and why the order was granted without notice; and shall expire by its terms within such time after signing, not to exceed fourteen days, as the court fixes, unless within the time so fixed the order, for good cause shown, is extended for a like period or unless the party against whom the order is directed consents that it may be extended for a longer period. The reasons for the extension shall be entered of record. No more than one extension may be granted unless subsequent extensions are unopposed. In case a temporary restraining order is granted without notice, the application for a temporary injunction shall be set down for hearing at the earliest possible date and takes precedence of all matters except older matters of the same character; and when the application comes on for hearing the party who obtained the temporary restraining order shall proceed with the application for a temporary injunction and, if he does not do so, the court shall dissolve the temporary restraining order. On two days' notice to the party who obtained the temporary restraining order without notice or on such shorter notice to that party as the court may prescribe, the adverse party may appear and move its dissolution or modification and in that event the court shall proceed to hear and determine such motion as expeditiously as the ends of justice require. Every restraining order shall include an order setting a certain date for hearing on the temporary or permanent injunction sought.

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Plain-English Summary

Rule 680 governs the temporary restraining order. No TRO may be granted without notice to the adverse party unless it clearly appears from specific facts, shown by affidavit or by the verified complaint, that immediate and irreparable injury, loss, or damage will result before notice can be served and a hearing held.

A TRO granted without notice is limited in duration and must be set for an early hearing on a temporary injunction, tracking the federal safeguards against ex parte relief.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you get a TRO without notice in Texas?

Only if specific sworn facts show immediate, irreparable injury before notice can be given (Rule 680); the order is short and set for a prompt hearing.

How long can a Texas TRO last?

Rule 680 caps it at fourteen days, though the court can grant one extension for a like period on good cause, or a longer extension if the other side agrees.

Can the other side fight a TRO before the injunction hearing in Texas?

Yes. Rule 680 lets the adverse party move to dissolve or modify the TRO on two days' notice — or shorter notice the court allows — and the court must hear that motion promptly.

Source & verification. Rule text and the official Notes and Comments are reproduced verbatim from the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure (Tex. R. Civ. P. 680), published by the Texas Judicial Branch (txcourts.gov). Promulgated by the Supreme Court of Texas. The plain-English summary is original and draws on official sources. Last verified June 28, 2026. · Official source

Also known as: temporary restraining orderTROex parte injunctionTRCP 680