The default in most other states is that opposite direction traffic on a divided highway don't have to stop. The states differ in what constitutes a divided highway, but generally at least 5 feet of space or a physical barrier between the lanes would qualify. In Texas, however, there is no exception for divided highways, and the key definition is "controlled-access highway," which requires on/off ramps and physical barriers between traffic directions, or "different roadways,"

So for a 5-lane road where there are 2 lanes going in each direction with a center lane for left turns, Texas requires opposite direction traffic to stop, while most other states do not.