Using a mobile phone while driving in Texas (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: Texas bans reading, writing or sending electronic messages on a portable wireless device while driving; holding a phone is otherwise banned only in school crossing zones. Hands-free use is allowed and the fine is USD 25 to 99. Drivers under 18 may not use any wireless device, handheld or hands-free, except in an emergency.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Holding a phone while driving bannedUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | No [1] |
| Holding a phone while driving bannedUsing a mobile phone while driving a car; School crossing zones on school property | Yes [1] |
| Hands-free useUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | Allowed [1] |
| Fine, first offence (lowest amount where a range applies)Using a mobile phone while driving a car | $25.00 per offence [1] |
| Penalty points on the licenceUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Texting while drivingUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | Using a portable wireless device to read, write or send an electronic message is banned unless the vehicle is stopped. Hands-free use, navigation, emergencies and playing music are defences. [1] |
| Learner and newly qualified driversUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | Drivers under 18 may not use a wireless communication device, handheld or hands-free, while driving except in an emergency; the same applies to restricted motorcycle licence holders under 17. Police may not stop a vehicle only to check this. [1] |
Notes
- The statewide offence is using a portable wireless communication device to read, write or send an electronic message while operating a moving vehicle. Using a hands-free device is an affirmative defence. A political subdivision may prohibit use of a wireless device throughout its jurisdiction under § 545.4252(e).
- On the property of a public school with a designated school crossing zone, while the reduced speed limit is in effect, an operator may not use a wireless communication device unless the vehicle is stopped or the device is used hands-free.
- Hands-free use is an affirmative defence to the messaging offence and is allowed in a school crossing zone on school property.
- Lowest amount of the range for a first offence (USD 25 to 99). After a prior conviction the range is USD 100 to 200; up to USD 4,000 and a year in jail if death or serious bodily injury is caused. The text was read from an archive copy dated 31 December 2024.
- No penalty points figure for this offence was found in the sources read.
Sources
- Texas Legislature: Transportation Code, Chapter 545. Operation and Movement of Vehicles (Internet Archive snapshot of 31 December 2024) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
Texas and neighbouring states
| State | Holding a phone while driving banned | Hands-free use | Fine, first offence (lowest amount where a range applies) | Penalty points on the licence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Texas | Using a mobile phone while driving a car: No (texting only) Using a mobile phone while driving a car, School crossing zones: Banned in zones | Allowed | USD 25 to 99 | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Arkansas | Using a mobile phone while driving a car: Texting only Using a mobile phone while driving a car, School zones: Banned in school zones Using a mobile phone while driving a car, Highway work zones: Banned in work zones | Allowed (not under 18) | USD 25 to 250 | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Louisiana | Banned | Hands-free calls allowed | USD 100 | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| New Mexico | ⚠ Not yet verified | Allowed | USD 25 (first violation) | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Oklahoma | Using a mobile phone while driving a car: No (texting only) Using a mobile phone while driving a car, School and construction zones: Banned in zones | Allowed | ⚠ Not yet verified | None |
More rules in Texas
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Criminal offence (misdemeanour)
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 30 mph · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 70 mph; 60 mph on unnumbered roads
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 16 (Class C, after 6 months on permit) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 15 (learner licence)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Three classes · Minimum age: Class 3: 15
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: Yes (no bottle rockets) · Minimum age to buy: 16
- Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: No carry ban for blades up to 5.5 in · Locking or one-handed knives: No separate rule
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes (state law) · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $7.25 per hour
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Yes
- Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 21 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 21
- Drinking age and alcohol salesMinimum age to buy beer and wine: 21 (minors may not buy) · Minimum age to buy spirits: 21 (minors may not buy)
- Drink-driving limitsBlood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers: 0.08% · Lower limit for novice or young drivers: Zero (under 21)
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.