When is it illegal to use your phone while driving in Texas?

In Texas, it is illegal to use your phone while driving, specifically for novice drivers or when engaged in texting. This law is designed to enhance safety on the roads by minimizing distractions for new drivers who are still gaining experience and skills behind the wheel. Novice drivers, which generally include those under the age of 18, are particularly vulnerable to distractions, making it essential for them to focus entirely on driving.

Texting while driving distracts a driver visually, manually, and cognitively, increasing the risk of accidents significantly. As a result, the law specifically prohibits this behavior for novice drivers to help reduce the likelihood of crashes among inexperienced individuals.

Driving in designated school zones, while it does have strict regulations, is oriented towards ensuring the safety of children and does not universally prohibit phone use for all drivers. Similarly, while there are speed limits in Texas, the law regarding phone usage is not directly tied to how fast one is driving, but rather focuses on the status of the driver as a novice or the act of texting. Thus, the context of the law emphasizes the importance of prohibiting distractions, particularly for those who are still learning to operate a vehicle safely.