# Is It Illegal to Eat and Drive in Texas? | Attorney Brian White ![Is It Illegal to Eat and Drive in Texas?](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Is-It-Illegal-to-Eat-and-Drive-in-Texas-300x200.jpg) Distracted driving is one of the nation’s greatest roadway threats. In 2016, around 3,450 people lost their lives in distracted driving [car accidents](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/car-accident-lawyer/). A distracted driver does not have the same level of concentration, focus, or attention on the road as a prudent driver. This can result in driver errors and preventable collisions, personal injuries, and property damage. Eating and driving is a form of distracted driving that is against the law in [Texas](https://www.texas.gov/). Were you recently injured by a driver who was eating while driving? If so, you might be eligible for compensation. Speak to one of our [Houston distracted driving accident lawyers](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/car-accident-lawyer/distracted-driving/) now. ## Three Types of Driver Distraction Drivers can experience distraction in three main ways: cognitively, manually, and visually. It is every driver’s responsibility to drive safely and prudently and to take reasonable steps to ensure the safety of others on the roadway. Driving distracted breaches these duties, because it renders the driver unable to dedicate 100% of his or her time and attention on the driving task. Eating and driving can fulfill all three types of driver distraction: 1. If a driver focuses his or her mind on food and beverages, he or she is not dedicating 100% attention to the driving task. Cognitive distractions from eating and drinking behind the wheel could be enough to interfere with a driver’s ability to register a dangerous situation and react in time to avoid a collision. 2. Holding food or a beverage with one or both hands limits a driver’s ability to maneuver the vehicle quickly in changing roadway situations. A driver should keep both hands on the steering wheel at all times to properly remain in control of the vehicle, as well as to steer away from hazards. 3. Food and drinks can present visual distractions if they take a driver’s eyes away from the road. Looking down at food or beverages as a driver eats or drinks can take the eyes off the road during a critical moment, such as another driver hitting the brakes or a [pedestrian](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/pedestrian-accident-lawyer/) walking out into the road. This can result in an accident. It is dangerous to eat and drive. It is also against the law in Texas. Drivers in Texas cannot engage in any activity that impairs their abilities to safely control and operate the vehicle. If eating and driving distracts a driver enough to affect his or her driving abilities, a police officer could stop the driver and issue a ticket for a broken roadway rule or even reckless driving. For a legal consultation call [(713) 500-5000](tel:+17135005000) ## Penalties for Eating and Driving in Texas In general, an officer cannot stop a driver solely for eating and driving. Instead, the officer will need another reason to conduct the stop, such as a broken roadway rule. Some of the most common broken rules while someone is eating and driving include unsafe lane changes, abrupt stops, speeding, driving too slowly, rolling through stop signs, and [running red lights](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/faqs/what-are-the-dangers-of-running-a-red-light-in-houston-texas/). If a driver breaks a traffic law while distracted by food or drinks, he or she may receive a ticket and a fine. Distracted drivers can cause collisions while eating behind the wheel. A distracted driver may fail to notice a changing traffic light, ignore the right-of-way, or be unable to brake or maneuver in time to prevent a collision. If someone causes an accident while eating and driving in Texas, that driver may be [liable](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/faqs/whats-liability/) for others’ [damages](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/types-of-damages-available-in-personal-injury-cases/). Since [Texas is a fault-based](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/faqs/is-texas-a-no-fault-state/) insurance state, the at-fault driver is the one responsible for paying damages. Liability for a distracted driving accident could result in increased insurance premiums and other negative consequences. Eating and driving is dangerous and against the law in Texas. It could cause an accident or cost someone his or her life. Save your meal for when you get home to keep yourself and others safe on the road. Multitasking behind the wheel is never a good idea, whether you are trying to eat, groom yourself, chat with passengers, or send a text. Texas distracted driving laws aim to reduce the number of unsafe drivers on the road and prevent vehicle collisions. Obey the law and never eat and drive. ## 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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In those car accidents, thousands [![10 Factors That Determine How Much to Expect From a Houston Car Accident Settlement](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/10-Factors-That-Determine-How-Much-to-Expect-From-a-Houston-Car-Accident-Settlement-300x199.jpg)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/10-factors-that-determine-how-much-to-expect-from-a-car-accident-settlement/) [10 Factors That Determine How Much to Expect from a Car Accident Settlement](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/10-factors-that-determine-how-much-to-expect-from-a-car-accident-settlement/) Recovering compensation for a car accident can be a frustrating process. Most individuals expect their claims to be [![The Most Dangerous Intersections in Houston](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/The-Most-Dangerous-Intersections-in-Houston-300x200.jpg)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/the-most-dangerous-intersections-in-houston/) [The Most Dangerous Intersections in Houston](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/the-most-dangerous-intersections-in-houston/) A recent project completed by a group of University of Houston students and faculty shows which intersections in [![How to Handle a Car Accident Claim with ACCC](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/iStock-1033598734-1-300x200.jpg)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/how-to-handle-a-car-accident-claim-with-accc/) [How to Handle a Car Accident Claim With ACCC](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/how-to-handle-a-car-accident-claim-with-accc/) Handling a car accident claim with ACCC Insurance Company has become very complicated. ACCC did not have enough funds --- Source: https://attorneybrianwhite.com/faqs/is-it-illegal-to-eat-and-drive-in-texas/