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Texas Phone Use While Driving Laws (2026)

Conditional: Texas bans reading, writing, or sending texts or other electronic messages while driving (Tex. Transp. Code 545.4251).

ConditionalVerified Sep 9, 2026

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Texas bans reading, writing, or sending texts or other electronic messages while driving (Tex. Transp. Code 545.4251). State law lets adults hold a phone to talk (cities may ban handheld use citywide, 545.4252(e)), but not in school crossing zones or on school grounds in reduced-speed hours unless hands-free or stopped (545.425(b), 545.4252(b)). Drivers under 18 may not use any wireless device, even hands-free, except in an emergency (545.424(a),(f)); bus drivers carrying minors may not use one unless the bus is stopped (545.425(c)).

Official source: statutes.capitol.texas.gov →

General legal information, not legal advice — verify important decisions with a licensed attorney.

Phone Use While Driving in states bordering Texas

The same rule in each neighboring state LawLert has verified, from that state’s own official source.

ArkansasConditional
In Arkansas, texting and social-media use while driving is banned for all drivers (A.C.A. 27-51-1504). Drivers under 18 may not use a wireless device at all; drivers 18–20 are hands-free only. All drivers — including adults — are additionally barred from using a wireless device when passing a school building or school zone during school hours when children are present (27-51-1605) and in a highway work zone (27-51-1606).
Verified Jul 30, 2026 · Source: ardot.gov · Full Arkansas rule →
LouisianaRestricted
Louisiana bans handheld use for all drivers — hands-free only. The ban took effect August 1, 2025 (HB 519 / Act 288). R.S. 32:59 bars operating a wireless device while driving; 32:300.5 was repealed.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: legis.la.gov · Full Louisiana rule →
New MexicoConditional
New Mexico bans texting while driving for all drivers: you may not read or view a text, email or instant message, or manually type anything on a handheld device (NMSA 1978, 66-7-374). …
Verified Sep 9, 2026 · Source: nmonesource.com · Full New Mexico rule →
OklahomaConditional
Oklahoma bans texting while driving for all drivers: no composing, sending or reading a text, email, photo or video (47 O.S. 11-901d). …
Verified Sep 9, 2026 · Source: oscn.net · Full Oklahoma rule →

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