NEW STATE-WIDE TEXTING LAW TAKES EFFECT
Effective as of today (Friday) texting while driving is illegal across the state of Texas.
The move comes as the result of a new texting-while-driving ban passed during the 85th Texas Legislative Session.
The law prohibits motorists from reading, writing or sending electronic messages while driving.
TxDOT Executive Director James Bass says the new law sends a very clear message to Texans to put down their phones and focus on the road.
Last year, nearly 110,000 traffic crashes in Texas involved distracted driving. Those crashes resulted in 455 deaths and over 3,000 serious injuries.
Distracted drivers now face penalties under the new statewide law. A first offense is punishable by a fine up to $99; any subsequent offense carries a fine up to $200.
Some cities have additional ordinances that are more restrictive. Exceptions to the new law include emergency communication or electronic messaging when the vehicle is stopped.