Tex. Transp. Code Section 545.4251
Use of Portable Wireless Communication Device for Electronic Messaging; Offense


(a)

In this section:

(1)

“Electronic message” means data that is read from or entered into a wireless communication device for the purpose of communicating with another person.

(2)

“Wireless communication device” has the meaning assigned by Section 545.425 (Use of Wireless Communication Device in a School Crossing Zone or While Operating a Bus with a Minor Passenger; Local Authority Sign Requirements; Offense).

(b)

An operator commits an offense if the operator uses a portable wireless communication device to read, write, or send an electronic message while operating a motor vehicle unless the vehicle is stopped. To be prosecuted, the behavior must be committed in the presence of or within the view of a peace officer or established by other evidence.

(c)

It is an affirmative defense to prosecution of an offense under this section that the operator used a portable wireless communication device:

(1)

in conjunction with a hands-free device, as defined by Section 545.425 (Use of Wireless Communication Device in a School Crossing Zone or While Operating a Bus with a Minor Passenger; Local Authority Sign Requirements; Offense);

(2)

to navigate using a global positioning system or navigation system;

(3)

to report illegal activity, summon emergency help, or enter information into a software application that provides information relating to traffic and road conditions to users of the application;

(4)

to read an electronic message that the person reasonably believed concerned an emergency;

(5)

that was permanently or temporarily affixed to the vehicle to relay information in the course of the operator’s occupational duties between the operator and:

(A)

a dispatcher; or

(B)

a digital network or software application service; or

(6)

to activate a function that plays music.

(d)

Subsection (b) does not apply to:

(1)

an operator of an authorized emergency or law enforcement vehicle using a portable wireless communication device while acting in an official capacity; or

(2)

an operator who is licensed by the Federal Communications Commission while operating a radio frequency device other than a portable wireless communication device.

(e)

An offense under this section is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of at least $25 and not more than $99 unless it is shown on the trial of the offense that the defendant has been previously convicted at least one time of an offense under this section, in which event the offense is punishable by a fine of at least $100 and not more than $200.

(f)

Notwithstanding Subsection (e), an offense under this section is a Class A misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed $4,000 and confinement in jail for a term not to exceed one year if it is shown on the trial of the offense that the defendant caused the death or serious bodily injury of another person.

(g)

If conduct constituting an offense under this section also constitutes an offense under any other law, the person may be prosecuted under this section, the other law, or both.

(h)

The Texas Department of Transportation shall post a sign at each point at which an interstate highway or United States highway enters this state that informs an operator that:

(1)

the use of a portable wireless communication device for electronic messaging while operating a motor vehicle is prohibited in this state; and

(2)

the operator is subject to a fine if the operator uses a portable wireless communication device for electronic messaging while operating a motor vehicle in this state.

(i)

A peace officer who stops a motor vehicle for an alleged violation of this section may not take possession of or otherwise inspect a portable wireless communication device in the possession of the operator unless authorized by the Code of Criminal Procedure, the Penal Code, or other law.

(j)

This section preempts all local ordinances, rules, or other regulations adopted by a political subdivision relating to the use of a portable wireless communication device by the operator of a motor vehicle to read, write, or send an electronic message.
Added by Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 438 (H.B. 62), Sec. 8, eff. September 1, 2017.

Source: Section 545.4251 — Use of Portable Wireless Communication Device for Electronic Messaging; Offense, https://statutes.­capitol.­texas.­gov/Docs/TN/htm/TN.­545.­htm#545.­4251 (accessed Jun. 5, 2024).

545.001
Definitions
545.002
Operator
545.051
Driving on Right Side of Roadway
545.052
Driving Past Vehicle Moving in Opposite Direction
545.053
Passing to the Left
545.054
Passing to the Left: Safe Distance
545.055
Passing to the Left: Passing Zones
545.056
Driving to Left of Center of Roadway: Limitations Other than Passing
545.057
Passing to the Right
545.058
Driving on Improved Shoulder
545.059
One-way Roadways and Rotary Traffic Islands
545.060
Driving on Roadway Laned for Traffic
545.061
Driving on Multiple-lane Roadway
545.062
Following Distance
545.063
Driving on Divided Highway
545.064
Restricted Access
545.065
State and Local Regulation of Limited-access or Controlled-access Highways
545.066
Passing a School Bus
545.101
Turning at Intersection
545.102
Turning on Curve or Crest of Grade
545.103
Safely Turning
545.104
Signaling Turns
545.105
Signaling Stops
545.106
Signals by Hand and Arm or by Signal Lamp
545.107
Method of Giving Hand and Arm Signals
545.151
Vehicle Approaching or Entering Intersection
545.152
Vehicle Turning Left
545.153
Vehicle Entering Stop or Yield Intersection
545.154
Vehicle Entering or Leaving Limited-access or Controlled-access Highway
545.155
Vehicle Entering Highway from Private Road or Driveway
545.156
Vehicle Approached by Authorized Emergency Vehicle
545.157
Passing Certain Vehicles
545.201
Passing Streetcar to Left
545.202
Passing Streetcar to Right
545.203
Driving on Streetcar Tracks
545.204
Streetcar Approached by Authorized Emergency Vehicle
545.205
Crossing Fire Hose
545.206
Obstruction of Operator’s View or Driving Mechanism
545.251
Obedience to Signal Indicating Approach of Train or Other On-track Equipment
545.252
All Vehicles to Stop at Certain Railroad Grade Crossings
545.253
Buses to Stop at All Railroad Grade Crossings
545.254
Vehicles Carrying Explosive Substances or Flammable Liquids
545.255
Moving Heavy Equipment at Railroad Grade Crossings
545.256
Emerging from an Alley, Driveway, or Building
545.301
Stopping, Standing, or Parking Outside a Business or Residence District
545.302
Stopping, Standing, or Parking Prohibited in Certain Places
545.303
Additional Parking Regulations
545.304
Moving the Vehicle of Another
545.305
Removal of Unlawfully Stopped Vehicle
545.306
Regulation of Towing Companies in Certain Counties
545.307
Overnight Parking of Commercial Motor Vehicle in or near Residential Subdivision
545.308
Presumption
545.351
Maximum Speed Requirement
545.352
Prima Facie Speed Limits
545.353
Authority of Texas Transportation Commission to Alter Speed Limits
545.354
Authority of Regional Tollway Authorities to Alter Speed Limits on Turnpike Projects
545.355
Authority of County Commissioners Court to Alter Speed Limits
545.356
Authority of Municipality to Alter Speed Limits
545.357
Consideration of Speed Limits Where Certain Schools Are Located
545.358
Authority of Commanding Officer of United States Military Reservation to Alter Speed Limits
545.359
Conflicting Designated Speed Limits
545.360
Duty of Texas Transportation Commission and State Board of Education to Provide Information and Assistance
545.361
Special Speed Limitations
545.362
Temporary Speed Limits
545.363
Minimum Speed Regulations
545.364
Speed Limit Signs After Construction or Maintenance Work Zone
545.365
Speed Limit Exception for Emergencies
545.401
Reckless Driving
545.402
Moving a Parked Vehicle
545.403
Driving Through Safety Zone
545.404
Unattended Motor Vehicle
545.405
Driving on Mountain Highway
545.406
Coasting
545.407
Following or Obstructing Fire Apparatus or Ambulance
545.408
Crossing Fire Hose
545.409
Drawbars and Trailer Hitches
545.410
Towing Safety Chains
545.411
Use of Rest Area: Offense
545.412
Child Passenger Safety Seat Systems
545.413
Safety Belts
545.414
Riding in Open Beds
545.415
Backing a Vehicle
545.416
Riding on Motorcycle or Moped
545.417
Obstruction of Operator’s View or Driving Mechanism
545.418
Opening Vehicle Doors
545.419
Riding in House Trailer
545.420
Racing on Highway
545.421
Fleeing or Attempting to Elude Police Officer
545.422
Crossing Sidewalk or Hike and Bike Trail
545.423
Crossing Property
545.425
Use of Wireless Communication Device in a School Crossing Zone or While Operating a Bus with a Minor Passenger
545.426
Operation of School Bus
545.427
Operation of Vehicle with Insufficient Undercarriage Clearance
545.428
Motor Vehicle Collision Involving Pedestrian or Other Vulnerable Road User Within Area of Crosswalk
545.451
Definitions
545.452
Exclusive Regulation of the Operation of Automated Motor Vehicles and Automated Driving Systems
545.453
Operator of Automated Motor Vehicle
545.454
Automated Motor Vehicle Operation
545.455
Duties Following Collision Involving Automated Motor Vehicle
545.456
Vehicle Classification
545.0605
Operation of Motorcycles on Roadway Laned for Traffic
545.0651
Restriction on Use of Highway
545.0652
County Restriction on Use of Highway
545.0653
Restriction on Use of Highway in Maintenance or Construction Work Zone
545.2535
School Buses to Stop at All Railroad Grade Crossings
545.2555
Report and Investigation of Certain Railroad Crossing Violations
545.3051
Removal of Personal Property from Roadway or Right-of-way
545.3075
Overnight Parking of Commercial Motor Vehicle near Certain Apartment Complexes
545.3531
Authority of District Engineer to Temporarily Lower Speed Limit at Highway Maintenance Activity Site
545.3535
Authority of Texas Transportation Commission to Alter Speed Limits on Certain Roads
545.3561
Authority of Municipality or County to Temporarily Lower Speed Limit at Vehicular Collision Reconstruction Site
545.3625
Confidentiality of Violation Information: Fuel Conservation Speed Limit
545.4121
Dismissal
545.4145
Riding in or on Boat or Personal Watercraft Drawn by Vehicle
545.4165
Operation of Certain Motorcycles
545.4191
Person Riding in Trailer or Semitrailer Drawn by Truck, Road Tractor, or Truck Tractor
545.4205
Interference with Peace Officer Investigation of Highway Racing or Reckless Driving Exhibition
545.4251
Use of Portable Wireless Communication Device for Electronic Messaging
545.4252
Use of Wireless Communication Device on School Property

Accessed:
Jun. 5, 2024

§ 545.4251’s source at texas​.gov