{"id":355934,"date":"2016-04-04T11:04:34","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T16:04:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/traffic\/traffic-tickets\/texting-while-driving.html"},"modified":"2023-11-29T17:55:25","modified_gmt":"2023-11-29T22:55:25","slug":"texting-while-driving","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/traffic\/traffic-tickets\/texting-while-driving.html","title":{"rendered":"Texting While Driving"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Texting While Driving<\/h1>\n
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\n By Hannah Hilst<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Melissa Bender, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

Texting and social media have become popular ways to communicate. Unlike a conversation with someone sitting next to you, though, they require your hands and eyes. That’s why texting behind the wheel is generally illegal.<\/p>\r\n

Laws on texting while driving prohibit using electronic devices to write, send, or read messages. These messages can include emails and social media posts. Many laws also prohibit activities like watching videos and gaming via handheld devices while driving.<\/p>\r\n

Distracted drivers risk motor vehicle accidents and expensive tickets. Read on to learn how traffic laws<\/a> regulate cellphones on the road.<\/p>\r\n

State and Local Cellphone Laws<\/h2>\r\n

Like other traffic laws<\/a>, rules on texting while driving come from state and local governments. The exception is federal-level cellphone restrictions that only apply to federal employees.<\/p>\r\n

Danger arises when drivers take their eyes off the road to read, scroll, or send a text message. Handheld phone laws have rapidly grown as mobile phones and especially smartphones have grown more integrated into daily life.<\/p>\r\n

Many laws allow some form of hands-free device use, but the types of prohibited actions can vary greatly. Check your state’s texting laws<\/a> to know what to avoid behind the wheel.<\/p>\r\n

How Cellphone Laws Work<\/h3>\r\n

Almost all states have passed laws explicitly banning texting while driving<\/a>. Other laws might cover the use of handheld devices more broadly.<\/p>\r\n

These laws may address a few details and exceptions, such as whether you can:<\/p>\r\n