Is It Illegal To Be On Your Phone At A Red Light In Texas?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Sending text messages on a phone while sitting at a red light is against the law in Texas

. When stopped at a light, a driver is still operating a vehicle, according to Texas law. Violating the no texting while law carries a $200 fine.

Can you be on your phone at a red light?

Many people use their smartphones at red lights. However, just because it is prevalent does not mean it is legal. In

California, it is illegal to use a handheld electronic device while operating a vehicle

, even if the vehicle is stopped.

Is it illegal in Texas to talk on the phone while driving?


Texting while driving is illegal everywhere in Texas

, and some cities ban all cellphone use while driving. But using your cellphone while driving is always dangerous because it's distracted driving. You cannot send or receive electronic messages while driving in Texas. … Cellphone laws can change from city to city.

What is the new cell phone law in Texas?

The current law in Texas (passed in 2017)

does not ban most drivers from talking on their cell phones

. The exceptions to this include: New drivers cannot use any handheld device in any way. School bus drivers cannot use handheld devices when children are on the bus.

Can you get a ticket for being on your phone in Texas?

THE ANSWER:

No

, but with context. WHAT WE FOUND: According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, it is not illegal to use your phone while driving except in specific circumstances: reading, writing, or sending any type of electronic message, such as a text, tweet or email.

What's the new cell phone law for 2020?

Beginning July 1,

driving while using a cell phone “in a handheld manner” will result in a point being added to a driver's record

. The penalty applies if the violation is the second to occur within 36 months of being convicted of the same offense.

Is illegal to talk on the phone while driving?

Using your cell phone while driving is not only dangerous, but also

illegal

. In California, you cannot use a cell phone or similar electronic communication device while holding it in your hand. You can only use it in a hands-free manner, such as speaker phone or voice commands, but never while holding it.

Can you drink water while driving?


There is currently no specific law in any

Australian jurisdiction against eating food or drinking non-alcoholic beverages while driving.

How much is a cell phone ticket in Texas?

The first offense for texting while driving in Texas is a fine of

$25 to $99

. Subsequent texting tickets can result in fines of up to $200. Cell phone use in a school zone is an automatic fine of $200, even if it is your first offense.

Is talking on Bluetooth while driving illegal?

With cell phones and other mobile devices becoming increasingly prevalent in daily life, many states have made it illegal for drivers to talk or text using a handheld cell phone or other device. However,

there are no laws that prohibit a driver from using hands-free devices

, such as Bluetooth.

Is driving barefoot illegal?

While

it is not illegal to drive barefoot

, it is formally considered unsafe. Some believe a driver may have more control over the car when driving barefoot than with some shoes. Though barefoot driving is not illegal, local regulations could prohibit it. … Instead, drivers should wear safe footwear without an open heel.

Can you talk on Bluetooth while driving?

The answer is yes if you are using a hands-free phone kit, or your car comes with Bluetooth connectivity which allows your audio system to connect to your phone directly. However,

you are not allowed to hold the phone while you are driving

.

Can you talk on speaker while driving?

In California,

you cannot use a cell phone or similar electronic communication device

while holding it in your hand. You can only use it in a hands-free manner, such as speaker phone or voice commands, but never while holding it. Any driver under the age of 18 is prohibited from using a cell phone for any reason.

Are you allowed to video call while driving?


Facetime while driving may be illegal in your area

, but in all cases, it is a type of distracted driving that puts you and others on the road with you at risk.

Is driving with one hand legal?

If you need to adjust a control such as the air conditioner or windshield wipers or to pick up something one hand on the wheel is fine. However,

you shouldn't get in the habit of driving with one hand all the time

.

Is it illegal to sleep in your car?

Is it illegal to sleep in your car in California? According to the California State Department of Transportation,

it is legal to sleep in your car in rest stops for up to eight hours

. Cities and counties have varying laws, but most don't allow sleeping in cars overnight.

David Evans
Author
David Evans
David is a seasoned automotive enthusiast. He is a graduate of Mechanical Engineering and has a passion for all things related to cars and vehicles. With his extensive knowledge of cars and other vehicles, David is an authority in the industry.