Mastering Texas Texting and Driving Laws: What Every New Driver Needs to Know

Getting your Texas drivers license means more than learning to steer—you’re building lifelong habits that protect you and others. Start strong by understanding Texas’s texting and driving laws. At DriversEd.comDriversEd.com, we help you stay informed, confident, and safe behind the wheel.

Is texting while driving illegal in Texas?

Yes. Texas bans reading, writing, or sending electronic messages while driving, as detailed in Texas Transportation Code §545.4251Docs TN Htm TN.545.htm#545.4251 Statutes.capitol.texas.gov. If you're under 18, you can’t use any wireless device while driving, even hands-free, under Texas Transportation Code §545.424Docs TN Htm TN.545.htm#545.424 Statutes.capitol.texas.govDocs TN Htm TN.545.htm#545.424 Statutes.capitol.texas.gov.

Key facts every Texas driver should know

• Statewide ban: No texting, DMs, or emails while your car is moving.

• Under-18 rule: No phone use whatsoever while driving.

• Penalties: $25–$200 per offense; texting that causes injury or death is a Class A misdemeanor.

• Allowed uses: GPS and hands-free calls—but only if you’re over 18.

For real-world context, our article The Dangers of Texting and Driving in TexasTrending Texting And Driving In Texas Driversed.comTrending Texting And Driving In Texas Driversed.com breaks down how even a brief glance can lead to crashes.

In real terms, here’s what the law means:

You can’t text, email, or message while driving. But you can stop the car to:

• Report an emergency or crime

• Use GPS or navigation apps

• Talk hands‑free (if you're over 18)

Pro tip: Activate “Do Not Disturb” before you hit the road.

Teen drivers, take note

Drivers under 18 face a total ban on wireless devices behind the wheel—including hands‑free voice commands—to reduce distraction-related crashes. For families, our Teens and Distracted DrivingDrivers Ed Teens And Distracted Driving Driversed.com guide offers practical tips and tools for safer habits.

Even if you think it’s just a quick message...

At 55 mph, reading a text takes your eyes off the road long enough to travel a football field—a serious danger that’s central to what The Dangers of Texting and Driving in TexasTrending Texting And Driving In Texas Driversed.comTrending Texting And Driving In Texas Driversed.com highlights. And according to the National Highway Traffic Safety AdministrationDistracted Driving Risky Driving, over 3,000 people are killed each year in the U.S. due to distracted driving.

Penalties you can’t ignore

• 1st offense: $25–$99

• 2nd+ offenses: $100–$200

• If injury/death occurs: Up to $4,000 fine and/or 1 year in jail (Class A misdemeanor)

Teen drivers also face insurance increases, and police can pull you over just for texting. The Texas Department of Public SafetyDps Steps Enforcement Annual Distracted Driving Campaign News emphasizes enforcement through statewide campaigns like Talk. Text. Crash.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you text at a red light in Texas?

Yes, but only if your car is completely stopped. Texas law bans texting while the vehicle is in motion, so at a red light or stop sign, you're not technically breaking the law—but it's still safer to wait until you're parked.

Is hands-free texting allowed for drivers under 18?

No. Drivers under 18 are not allowed to use any wireless communication device while driving—hands-free or not—as stated in Texas Transportation Code §545.424Docs TN Htm TN.545.htm#545.424 Statutes.capitol.texas.govDocs TN Htm TN.545.htm#545.424 Statutes.capitol.texas.gov.

Can I use my phone’s GPS while driving?

Yes, GPS use is allowed for all drivers. However, you should set your destination before starting the vehicle to avoid distractions.

Is texting and driving a primary offense in Texas?

Yes. Law enforcement officers can pull you over solely for texting while driving—even if no other violation occurred.

What are the consequences of texting and driving in Texas?

Fines start at $25 for a first offense and can go up to $200. If texting results in serious injury or death, it may lead to a Class A misdemeanor—up to $4,000 in fines and/or a year in jail.

How to drive safe and stay legal

• Store your phone away before you begin driving

• Avoid any phone use if you’re under 18

• Over 18? Stick to GPS or hands-free calls only

• Pull over safely if you need to respond

Ready to build safer habits?

Enroll in our trusted Texas drivers ed courseTexas Drivers Ed Driversed.com, explore our step‑by‑step guide to getting your Texas drivers license, and review our comprehensive Texas drivers ed FAQ. Each is designed to give you confidence and clarity behind the wheel.

Drive focused. Stay safe. Start today.