Texting and Driving in Texas: What Injured People Need to Know
Texting and driving is not just a teen problem. As workplaces trend toward more remote work and social media’s influence grows, many people find themselves answering emails, scrolling through TikTok, or sending messages as they drive.
Even though car manufacturers are finding ways to integrate safer cell phone usage into car designs, hands free technology doesn’t eliminate the risk completely. In 2020, there were nearly 3,500 distracted driving accidents in Texas that were caused by drivers using a cell phone; over 50 of those accidents were fatal. Unfortunately, these numbers are likely much higher, simply because proving that someone was texting and driving can be so challenging.
Since distracted driving is so common, we’ve broken down Texas texting and driving laws, and what you should do if you’ve been hit by a distracted driver. Keep reading to learn more.
What Laws Govern Cases of Texting and Driving in Texas?
Texas has implemented several strict statutes to combat distracted driving, primarily focusing on the use of wireless communication devices. Understanding these laws is essential for any motorist traveling through the Lone Star State to ensure both safety and legal compliance.
The Statewide Ban on Texting
The cornerstone of Texas distracted driving legislation is Texas Transportation Code § 545.4251.
Enacted through House Bill 62 in 2017, this statute created a statewide ban on using a portable wireless communication device to read, write, or send an electronic message while operating a motor vehicle.
The law defines an “electronic message” broadly, encompassing text messages, instant messages, and emails. Crucially, the prohibition applies only when the vehicle is in motion; motorists are technically permitted to text if the vehicle is completely stopped, such as at a red light or in a parking lot. Violations of this section are considered misdemeanors, with fines ranging from $25 to $99 for a first offense and up to $200 for subsequent convictions.
Restrictions for Novice and Minor Drivers
Texas law imposes even stricter regulations on younger drivers under Texas Transportation Code § 545.424. This statute prohibits any person under the age of 18 from using a wireless communication device in any capacity while operating a vehicle, regardless of whether they are using a hands-free system.
Furthermore, new drivers with a learner’s permit are prohibited from using handheld cell phones entirely during the first six months of their driving privilege. These measures are designed to ensure that inexperienced drivers remain fully focused on the road during their most vulnerable learning period.
Protection for School Zones and Buses
Safety in areas with high pedestrian traffic, particularly children, is addressed under Texas Transportation Code § 545.425.
This law forbids all drivers from using a handheld wireless communication device while driving through a school crossing zone when a reduced speed limit is in effect, unless the vehicle is stopped or the driver is using a hands-free device.
Additionally, school bus operators are strictly prohibited from using a wireless communication device while driving if a minor passenger is on board, unless the bus is stopped. This serves as a critical safeguard for students relying on public transportation.
Enhanced Penalties for Serious Accidents
While most texting and driving violations result in simple fines, the legal consequences escalate dramatically if the distraction leads to a collision. According to § 545.4251(f), if a driver causes the death or serious bodily injury of another person while violating the texting ban, the offense is elevated to a Class A misdemeanor.
A Class A misdemeanor conviction can lead to a fine of up to $4,000 and confinement in jail for up to one year. Furthermore, such actions may form the basis for civil liability or even more severe criminal charges, such as Manslaughter under the Texas Penal Code, depending on the level of recklessness involved.
Legal Defenses and Exceptions
The law does provide specific exceptions where the use of a device is permitted. Drivers may use their phones to report illegal activity, summon emergency help, or enter information into a navigation or GPS application. Additionally, using a device to play music or communicate via a hands-free system is generally allowed for adult drivers, provided they are not in a restricted zone.
Understand Texas Texting and Driving and Distracted Driving Laws
According to Texas law, texting while driving includes any time a vehicle “operator uses a portable wireless communication device to read, write, or send an electronic message while operating a motor vehicle unless the vehicle is stopped.” This means that reading or writing electronic messages of any kind behind the wheel—emails, text messages, Slack messages, Instagram DMs—is illegal while the car is moving.
However, it’s not entirely illegal to use electronic devices behind the wheel. Drivers can use a navigation system or GPS (global positioning system) or talk on the phone while the car is in motion. They can also read, write, and send electronic messages while the car is stopped under Texas law.
The exception to these distracted driving laws is that no handheld phone use is permitted while in school zones, or if the driver is either under 18 years old or has their learning permit.
What Should I Do After a Distracted Driving Car Accident?
If you’ve been involved in a crash with someone who was distracted while driving, there are steps you can take to protect your claim, your case, and your future. Here’s what to do.
Call the Police and First Responders
After a crash with a distracted driver, call the police as soon as you can and wait for them at the scene of the crash. If anyone is hurt, call 9-1-1 and request an ambulance. When a police officer arrives, comply with their instructions, and let them know everything that happened—including that you think the other driver was on their cell phone.
A police officer is not allowed to seize or search the other driver’s cell phone based off your suspicions, but they can include this information in the police report for official records.
Collect Evidence at the Scene of the Crash
Collecting evidence at the scene of the crash can help your case if you suspect the other person was driving. If it’s safe, and you’re able:
- Take pictures of the crash scene (a cell phone camera is fine)
- Get the contact information of any eyewitnesses
- Swap names, contact information, and insurance details with the other driver, being careful not to apologize or make other statements that could jeopardize your case later.
You should only try and collect evidence if it’s safe to do so. Getting a few cell phone photos isn’t worth it if means further risking your health and safety.
Get Medical Attention
You should always get medical help after a car crash, no matter the severity of your injuries. A doctor can help you identify hidden injuries, treat your wounds, and get you on a good path to healing. Plus, the medical records from your visits can be used as evidence in your insurance claim or lawsuit.
Call a Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer
Hiring an injury lawyer after a car crash that wasn’t your fault is a good idea for many reasons. If the driver who hurt you was texting and driving, your attorney can help you obtain and preserve their cell phone records to prove their distraction caused the crash.
In an auto accident case, it can be extremely difficult—if not impossible—to get these cell phone records without the help of a distracted driving accident attorney. A personal injury attorney has the power to serve both the driver and the driver’s cell phone company with a subpoena to obtain their cell phone records from the day of the crash. They can also issue a preservation letter to demand the offending driver keep logs of cell phone calls and text messages, meaning that if they delete texts, they could be guilty of destroying evidence.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car crash involving distracted driving, you should connect with a law firm that knows how to handle complex personal injury cases as quickly as possible. Your legal team can help you understand your options, spearhead your legal efforts (including filing a personal injury claim against the relevant insurance companies), and support you as you recover.
Injured in a Distracted Driving Crash? Call the Car Accident Lawyers at Will Adams Law Firm Today
Will Adams Law Firm has over 25 of experience helping injured Texans achieve favorable results after car accidents and accident claims—including distracted driving accidents. As Katy, Texas, natives, we are passionate about making our community a safer place by holding distracted drivers accountable for their harmful actions.
If you were injured in a distracted driving accident that wasn’t your fault, you spend the rest of your life paying for someone else’s mistake. To learn more about your options, rights, and what to do next in your personal injury claim, contact Will Adams Law Firm at (281) 371-6345 or fill out our online form to schedule a complimentary case evaluation with one of our car accident lawyers.
References
Texas Department of Transportation. (2020). Crash Contributing Factors. Retrieved from https://ftp.txdot.gov/pub/txdot-info/trf/crash_statistics/2020/21.pdf
The content provided here is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice on any subject.
