# Texting and Driving Laws in Houston | Attorney Brian White **Table of Contents***[*Expand*]* 1. Penalties for Texting While Driving in Texas 2. Why is Texting Behind the Wheel So Dangerous? 3. Best Practices to Avoid Texting and Driving Accidents 4. Contact the Houston Car Accident Lawyers at Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers For Help ![Texting and Driving Laws in Houston](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Texting-and-Driving-Laws-in-Houston-300x200.jpg) As of September 1, 2017, texting behind the wheel is illegal in [Texas](https://www.texas.gov/). Specifically, the law states that drivers may not read, write, or send electronic messages while driving. This new law comes on the heels of a staggering number of [distracted driving-related accidents](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/car-accident-lawyer/distracted-driving/) in Texas during the previous year. In 2016, there were 109,658 distracted driving accidents resulting in 455 deaths and more than 3,000 severe injuries. It’s essential for all drivers to acknowledge the risks of texting behind the wheel and other forms of distracted driving. ## Penalties for Texting While Driving in Texas A first offense for texting and driving in Texas can include a fine up to $99, and a second offense can incur a fine of up to $200. Some areas of Texas have even stricter laws, and the only exceptions generally include emergency communication or sending electronic messages while stopped. More than 90 Texas cities have adopted specific ordinances, so it’s essential for all drivers to know the laws in their areas. A police officer may conduct a traffic stop if he or she observes a driver texting while driving or engaging in other distracting behaviors. While these penalties may not seem very harsh, they serve as an important deterrent against distracted driving on Texas roads. A [distracted driver who looks at a cell phone](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/distracted-driving-the-link-between-cell-phones-and-car-accidents/) for just a few seconds is essentially driving blind. At high speeds, this could mean traveling one hundred yards in the time it takes to read a text message. For a legal consultation call [(713) 500-5000](tel:+17135005000) ## Why is Texting Behind the Wheel So Dangerous? There are three main types of distractions behind the wheel, including: - Manual distractions or any actions that require a driver to move his or her hands away from the vehicle controls. Manual distractions include things like eating, adjusting the stereo or air conditioning, rummaging for items in a bag or inside the vehicle, or anything else that diverts the driver’s hands away from the vehicle controls. - Visual distractions or anything that draws a driver’s eyes off the road ahead. Visual distractions may include roadside attractions or events like police activity, looking in a vehicle mirror, “rubbernecking” to look at a nearby crash scene or other incidents, or anything else that draws the driver’s eyes away from the road. - Cognitive distractions or anything that preoccupies a driver’s mind while driving. Humans are very visual creatures, and the [brain may not fully process visual information](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/faqs/what-are-the-causes-and-effects-of-brain-stem-injuries/) if the mind is busy thinking about something else. Texting behind the wheel is dangerous because it essentially encompasses all three of these distractions in one action. The driver must use at least one hand to type a message, his or her eyes to read the screen, and the driver will be thinking about the conversation rather than the road. Our [Houston car accident attorneys](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/car-accident-lawyer/) can help you get the compensation you deserve to get you back on your feet. ## Best Practices to Avoid Texting and Driving Accidents Texas law already bans the use of cell phones for the first six months a driver obtains his or her learner’s permit, and drivers under the age of 18 may not use any wireless communication devices behind the wheel. Drivers must also refrain from cell phone use within school zones. Adults may have the ability to use cell phones while stopped, but a few best practices can make traveling even safer. A driver should turn off his or her cell phone or set it to silent while driving. Unless a driver is expecting important news, such as a spouse going into labor, there is no good reason to keep a phone set to ring or vibrate while driving. If a driver needs to make a call or must answer a text message, the driver should pull off the road and park somewhere safe to do so. Parents should ensure their teen drivers understand the severe risks of texting behind the wheel and encourage them to form good habits as early as possible. [Click to contact](/contact-us/) us today ## Contact the Houston Car Accident Lawyers at Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers For Help Our offices Houston — Greenway/Upper Kirby 3120 Southwest Freeway, Suite 350 Houston, TX 77098 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 364-1466](tel:+17133641466) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%203120%20Southwest%20Freeway%2C%20Suite%20350%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077098) Houston — East Freeway 11811 East Freeway, Suite 630-06 Houston, TX 77029 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 609-1893](tel:+17136091893) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%2011811%20East%20Freeway%2C%20Suite%20630-06%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077029) Houston — South Loop 2600 South Loop West, Suite 293 Houston, TX 77054 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 281-4904](tel:+17132814904) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%202600%20South%20Loop%20West%2C%20Suite%20293%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077054) Houston — Katy Freeway 11511 Katy Fwy, Suite 515 Houston, TX 77079 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 909-7537](tel:+17139097537) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%2011511%20Katy%20Fwy%2C%20Suite%20515%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077079) Houston — Clear Lake 1300 Bay Area Blvd, Suite B268 Houston, TX 77058 By appointment only Call [(936) 508-2854](tel:+19365082854) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%201300%20Bay%20Area%20Blvd%2C%20Suite%20B268%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077058) The Woodlands 1776 Woodstead Ct, Ste. 203 The Woodlands, TX 77380 By appointment only Call [(281) 843-9777](tel:+12818439777) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%201776%20Woodstead%20Ct%2C%20Ste.%20203%2C%20The%20Woodlands%2C%20TX%2077380) Champion Forest (Cypress) 4606 FM 1960 Rd W, Ste. 444 Houston, TX 77069 By appointment only Call [(281) 843-9777](tel:+12818439777) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%204606%20FM%201960%20Rd%20W%2C%20Ste.%20444%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077069) --- ### About the Author Brian White ![About the Author Brian White](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/brian-white-houston-personal-injury-lawyer-300x300.jpg) [Brian White](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/about/our-attorneys/brian-white/) earned his J.D. from South Texas College of Law in Houston and is licensed to practice in Texas. He is a [Board-Certified](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/resources/brian-white-is-board-certified-in-personal-injury-trial-law/) Personal Injury Trial Lawyer. Dedicated to giving back, he actively supports local charities and [community initiatives](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/about/community-involvement/). [Client testimonials](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/about/testimonials/) highlight Brian’s compassion, open communication, and dedication to achieving the best outcomes for those he represents. 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A four-year-old was severely [![2021 Was the Second Deadliest Year on Texas Roads](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/2021-Was-the-Second-Deadliest-Year-on-Texas-Roads-300x154.jpeg)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/2021-was-the-second-deadliest-year-on-texas-roads/) [2021 Was the Second Deadliest Year on Texas Roads](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/2021-was-the-second-deadliest-year-on-texas-roads/) The year 2020 was an unusual traffic year. Pandemic lockdowns and a drop in tourist travel caused traffic levels to [![Secrets of State Farm Insurance: What You Need To Know](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Secrets-of-State-Farm-Insurance-What-You-Need-To-Know-300x177.jpg)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/secrets-of-state-farm-insurance-what-you-need-to-know/) [Secrets of State Farm Insurance: What You Need to Know](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/secrets-of-state-farm-insurance-what-you-need-to-know/) The fact that State Farm is a for-profit business means it cannot be, and has never been, a “good neighbor” – at [![10 Safety Tips for Driving on Slippery Texas Roads](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/10-Safety-Tips-for-Driving-on-Slippery-Texas-Roads-300x199.jpg)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/10-safety-tips-for-driving-on-slippery-texas-roads/) [10 Safety Tips for Driving on Slippery Texas Roads](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/10-safety-tips-for-driving-on-slippery-texas-roads/) Climate change has brought about dangerous alterations in weather patterns, often resulting in slippery roads and --- Source: https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/texting-and-driving-laws-in-houston/