Texas Distracted Driving Laws Overview
Texas has enacted strict laws to combat distracted driving, which is one of the leading causes of traffic accidents in the state. The primary law — Texas Transportation Code §545.4251 — prohibits the use of handheld electronic devices while driving.
What Is Prohibited?
| Activity | Legal Status |
|---|
| Texting while driving | Illegal for ALL drivers |
| Reading messages/emails while driving | Illegal for ALL drivers |
| Holding phone to make calls | Illegal in hands-free required cities |
| Using phone in school zones | Illegal statewide |
| Any phone use by drivers under 18 | Illegal (all use prohibited) |
| Any phone use by bus drivers with minors | Illegal |
| Hands-free calls (Bluetooth/speaker) | Legal for adults 18+ |
| GPS/Navigation use | Legal (but mount recommended) |
| Emergency calls (911) | Always legal |
Penalties for Distracted Driving
| Offense | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|
| First offense — texting | $25 - $99 | No points if dismissed via defensive driving |
| Repeat offense — texting | $100 - $200 | 2 points on driving record |
| Distracted driving causing injury | Up to $4,000 | Possible jail time, license suspension |
| Distracted driving causing death | Up to $10,000 | Felony charges possible, up to 1 year jail |
| Phone use in school zone | $200 - $500 | Enhanced penalties apply |
SB 1780 (2023): Texas law now makes it illegal to hold or use a portable wireless communication device while operating a vehicle, with exceptions for hands-free use. Many cities have additional local ordinances with stricter rules.
Common Types of Distracted Driving
Distracted driving falls into three categories:
Visual Distractions (eyes off the road)
- Looking at your phone
- Reading a text, email, or GPS
- Looking at passengers or objects in the car
- Rubbernecking at accidents or roadside events
Manual Distractions (hands off the wheel)
- Holding your phone
- Eating or drinking
- Adjusting radio, climate, or mirrors
- Reaching for objects in the vehicle
Cognitive Distractions (mind off driving)
- Talking on the phone (even hands-free)
- Daydreaming or being lost in thought
- Emotional distress or road rage
- Engaging in deep conversation with passengers
Texting is the most dangerous because it combines all three types of distraction — you take your eyes off the road, your hands off the wheel, and your mind off driving, all at the same time.
Distracted Driving Statistics in Texas
- 1 in 5 crashes in Texas involves distracted driving
- Over 2,400 serious injuries annually from distracted driving crashes
- Distracted driving deaths have increased 10% over the past 5 years
- Drivers who text are 23 times more likely to be involved in a crash
- Looking at your phone for 5 seconds at 55 mph means driving the length of a football field blindfolded
How to Avoid Distracted Driving
- Put your phone on Do Not Disturb before starting your trip
- Use hands-free technology (Bluetooth, CarPlay, Android Auto)
- Set your GPS before driving — never program it while moving
- Pull over if you need to make a call, text, or check directions
- Designate a passenger as your texter/navigator
- Keep food and drinks secured and eat before or after driving
Can Defensive Driving Help?
Yes. If you receive a distracted driving ticket, you may be eligible to dismiss it through a TDLR-approved defensive driving course — just like any other moving violation. The course covers distracted driving awareness as part of its curriculum, helping you become a safer driver.