Staring today, September 1, 2017, texting while driving is illegal in Texas.

What you need to know:

The law seeks to target people who are on their phones while driving.
Police will be on the lookout for drivers whose heads are down and who are swerving.
If a driver is stopped at a red light or pulled over on the side of the road it is not a violation to be looking at a phone because they are not “operating a vehicle” in that moment.
Cellphones may be used for GPS navigation and music while driving.
Using a cell phone while driving to report an “emergency” is okay.
The penalty for a first offense is $100 and up to $200 for a subsequent offense.
If you cause and accident while texting you could face a Class A Misdemeanor, which is punishable by up to a year in jail and up to a $4,000 fine.

Jonathan Zendeh Del

Attorney South Texas College of Law Houston, Georgia State Bar, Texas State Bar

After practicing law in Oklahoma, Jonathan returned to his native Galveston to establish Zendeh Del & Associates, PLLC, where he and his wife are law partners.

Year after year, Jonathan is named in Super Lawyers® Magazine and featured in Texas Monthly Magazine. Jonathan has achieved an AV Preeminent® Rating from Martindale-Hubbell® and has a 100% Client Review Rating. Jonathan has been named on The National Trial Lawyers’ “Top 100 Trial Lawyers” list. Jonathan has also received an Avvo Rating of 10.0 Superb for his experience, industry recognition, and professional conduct as a lawyer.

Jonathan practices in the areas of DWI/DUI defense, criminal defense, and personal injury law.

Areas of Expertise: DWI, Criminal Defense, Personal Injury