Is It Legal to Use Cell Phone While Driving in Texas

Right now, it`s not illegal to make phone calls while driving a vehicle in Texas as long as you`re not driving a motor utility vehicle (“CMV”) like an 18-wheeler — more on that another day, as there are different rules and laws governing cell phone use by CMV operators. This means that as long as you don`t use CMV, you can dial and receive calls while you`re driving. You are not required by law to use a speaker. You can use your phone and hold it to your ear to make conversations without breaking the law. Again, just because it doesn`t break the law doesn`t mean it`s the right thing to do or safe. Of course, anyone who causes injury or death while writing and driving can face additional charges. Distracted driving can be a big problem, although it`s difficult to keep track of the number of driving-related incidents. You drive to work and your phone rings. What are you doing? If you decide to answer it, are you breaking the law? Can you use your mobile phone while driving? What if, instead of answering your phone, you decide to text them to let them know you`re driving and can`t talk? What are the different laws between calling and texting when driving a motor vehicle? In 2016, there were more than 100,000 crashes involving distracted driving in Texas. Most of these accidents involved at least one driver who was on the phone or texting someone else. These dangers have led to national laws regulating the use of phones when driving a motor vehicle.

It is unfortunate that people continue to use cell phones while driving and do not respect state laws. And maybe bans are the only answer to get people to submit to the line. If a driver is caught texting while driving, they will be fined $99 for the first offence. All subsequent offences are punishable by a $200 fine. However, fines can be as high as $4,000 if the driver is at fault in an accident because he or she drove distracted. While distractions have always existed, cell phones have made distracted driving a national health issue. A total of 48 states have laws banning texts or tweets while driving, and 37 states have laws that make it illegal to use a phone in any way for certain categories of drivers, such as new drivers or school bus drivers. Drivers aged 18 or older can answer voice calls, either with a mobile phone or using hands-free kits such as Bluetooth headphones or car speakers. You can`t send or receive text messages while driving in Texas, but you can use your navigation system.

If a law enforcement officer suspects you`re texting while driving, they can stop you. After the six-month trial period, mobile phones can be used. Handheld devices are not permitted until a driver is over 18 years of age. Until then, any cell phone use in Texas must be hands-free. It`s still legal for drivers in most Texas cities to use their phones for GPS navigation (like Google Maps), music apps, and numbers. However, an officer can still arrest you if they suspect you`re texting. The no-intervention bill would allow drivers to speak on the phone if they were “hands-free.” Hands-free laws are common in other states. These laws do not allow drivers to use their cell phones while driving, unless they have a way to connect their phone to their car`s speakers. It is legal if the vehicle is able to connect to a phone and dial and make calls without the driver having to use their hands. Typically, these cars are equipped to understand voice commands that prompt them to call or text someone. For more information on our online course on defensive driving or to register, feel free to browse our website and select Texas for state.

All our courses are mobile-friendly and can be completed at your own pace. Feel free to call Ticket School at (800) 558-9887 if you have any further questions or need help deciding which online road safety course to take. Regardless of your age, all drivers must store their phones in a school zone. In Texas, it`s illegal to use your mobile device — whether texting or voice calls — in a school zone when children can be present. The details of your accident and your legal representation can have a significant impact on your personal injury insurance policy.