You are no longer allowed to use your smartphone to read, write, or send messages while driving in Texas. Violators of this law, which went into effect in September, face a misdemeanor charge and a fine of $25 to $99, with penalties of up to $200 for repeat offenders.
Are there exceptions?
If your vehicle is stopped, you can text and email. And while you’re driving, you can use your device for navigating, summoning emergency help, checking traffic and road conditions, and playing music.
What about talking on a phone?
The new law doesn’t prohibit talking on a hand-held phone (i.e, without Bluetooth) while driving. Therefore, talking on a hand-held phone remains legal unless your local ordinances prohibit or restrict such activity.
You can read the full text of the law on the Texas Legislature’s website.
Can I talk on the phone if my phone is paired with my car and I’m not even holding the phone but talking thru the radio.
My phone is paired with my car and/or ear buds, I can use text by voice correct?
Yes. This is a direct copy/paste quote from the October 3, 2017 issue of the TAR magazine printed above: Are there exceptions? If your vehicle is stopped, you can text and email. And while you’re driving, you can use your device for navigating, summoning emergency help, checking traffic and road conditions, and playing music. What about talking on a phone? The new law doesn’t prohibit talking on a hand-held phone (i.e, without Bluetooth) while driving. Therefore, talking on a hand-held phone remains legal unless your local ordinances prohibit or restrict such activity. You can read the full text of the… Read more »
Probably need to delve a little deeper on that one. I still have to look down occasionally to see if my text is accurate.