Texting and handheld cellphone use, has been illegal in all of Texas since the government passed a bill in 2017.
Under Texas Transportation Code § 545.4251, motorists can’t use their phones for any reason unless their vehicle is stopped (parked, not at a stoplight) or they’re using a hands-free method.
If a driver is caught breaking the law, police officers can write you a citation.
What Are Some Exceptions to The State’s Law
There are some exceptions to the hands-free law in Texas, including:
- dialing 911 in emergency situations or;
- using a voice-activated or dashboard-controlled device.
Additionally, you can change your music or GPS settings if you don’t have to type or read while you’re driving. There are other important distracted driving laws Texas motorists should be aware of, we’ll cover next.
Texas Distracted Driving Laws You Need to Know
As discussed previously, texting while driving has been illegal statewide since 2017. But there’s more to it than that. Texting at red lights and stop signs is a common question among drivers, but in many states, including Texas, it is illegal.
Even when stopped at a red light or stop sign, drivers are still deemed to be operating their vehicles. This means that texting or using a handheld device can result in a citation.
And it gets worse. Texting while stopped not only violates the law but also increases the risk of distraction when the light changes, potentially causing accidents or delays. Here’s what Texas law says:
Texas explicitly prohibits sending or reading electronic messages while behind the wheel, regardless of whether the car is moving or stationary at an intersection.
But that’s not all.
Many Texas cities have implemented a complete cell phone ban to ensure safer driving conditions. So, what do you need to know to stay compliant and safe?
There are specific aspects of these laws you need to understand to avoid a traffic ticket—or to protect yourself if you’re hit by a distracted driver. These include:
- You cannot send or read texts while driving. If a law enforcement officer suspects you have been using your phone illegally, they can pull you over and issue a citation.
- Novice drivers with learner’s permits are prohibited from using handheld cell phones. This applies during the first six months of driving.
- Drivers younger than 18 cannot use cell phones in the car at all—even hands-free. Studies show that drivers aged 15-19 are the most likely to engage in distracted driving behaviors, like texting.
- School bus drivers cannot use cell phones while driving if children are present.
- Texting or handheld device use is prohibited in school zones for all drivers.
While there is an exception for emergencies, the best advice is to pull over and stop your vehicle if you need to use your phone. But how widespread is the problem?
Texting While Driving Is Widespread in Texas
Much like drinking and driving, you’d expect that other drivers would realize the danger they’re causing and focus on the road.
Yet, the Texas A&M Transport Institute reports that as many as 20% of Texans admit to sending texts while behind the wheel.
TxDOT reported distracted driving played a part in almost 17% of fatal crashes in 2023. That equals nearly 2,800 serious injuries and close to 400 deaths.
But, why is text messaging while driving result in so many deadly and dangerous collisions?
One of the factors that makes texting while driving so dangerous is that it doubles your reaction time.
This means that if you take 5 seconds to read or send a text, you’re essentially driving blindfolded at 55 mph, or faster, for about the length of a football field, (TxDOT).
This can be extremely dangerous for drivers that do not have a habit of keeping a safe following distance. There are other factors that make texting while driving particularly dangerous we discuss next.
Why is Texting While Driving So Dangerous?
Here’s the truth: texting while driving involves all three types of distractions that you might encounter on the road. But what are these types of distractions?
They are:
- Visual distractions: These occur when something causes you to look away from the road—like your phone, GPS, or any other electronic device.
- Manual distractions: This happens when you take one or both hands off the wheel to text, grab something, or adjust your appearance.
- Cognitive distractions: It takes full focus to operate a motor vehicle. Daydreaming, being emotionally upset, or thinking about what you’re reading or texting can pull your mind away from the responsibility of driving safely.
Distracted Driving: As Risky as Drowsy or Drunk Driving?
Texting while driving is often compared to drowsy driving and drunk driving due to the similar impairments it causes. Like drowsy or drunk drivers, those who text behind the wheel experience reduced reaction times, impaired focus, and difficulty making quick decisions.
However, texting while driving uniquely combines visual, manual, and cognitive distractions, making it even more dangerous in some scenarios.
While drowsy and drunk driving often slow down a driver’s mental and physical capabilities, texting requires drivers to actively divert their attention from the road, leaving them “blind” to potential hazards.
Each behavior poses serious risks, but texting while driving is particularly alarming because of how frequently it occurs. As we mentioned earlier, TxDOT reported that distracted driving contributed to nearly 17% of fatal crashes in 2023.
Here’s what that looks like in numbers: That’s almost 2,800 serious injuries and close to 400 deaths—all preventable.
And it gets worse. When all three types of distractions are combined, the risk skyrockets. A driver not only endangers everyone in their own vehicle but also puts all other motorists on the road at serious risk.
