Distracted Driving
Distracted driving encompasses any activity that diverts your focus from driving SAfely. It’s not just about phones – distractions include eating, grooming and adjusting navigation, and for young drivers, having friends in the car poses a significant hazard.
Using handheld devices like phones is especially dangerous because they demand your eyes, hands and focus.
Texas Cellphone Laws
- Sending or receiving electronic messages while driving is prohibited in Texas.
- Using any handheld device while driving in a school zone is illegal.
- School bus drivers are strictly forbidden from using cellphones while driving while children are onboard.
- Drivers under 18 years old are not allowed to use handheld devices.
For more information, visit Texas Texting While Driving Laws.
San Antonio Hands-Free Ordinance
When driving a motor vehicle, you are prohibited from:
- Making or receiving calls
- Sending, reading or writing text messages
- Viewing pictures or text
- Playing electronic games
- Using the device for any other purpose
Parked does not include a vehicle stopped in a lane of traffic due to lawful traffic control devices, or traffic congestion patterns.
For additional details, refer to the COSA Hands-Free Ordinance (PDF).
Tips
- Put it away.
- Place your mobile device out of sight.
- Know where you’re going.
- If using a navigation system, program the destination before driving.
- Pull over.
- If you have to call or text while on the road, pull off the road safely and stop first.
- Ask passengers for help.
- If riding with someone, seek their help to navigate, make a call or send a message.
- Be a good passenger.
- Speak out if the driver of your vehicle is distracted.
- Don’t be a distraction.
- Avoid calling or texting others when you know they are driving.