Texas Texting and Driving Laws: DWI vs. Driving While Texting

We all know that driving while intoxicated is dangerous and can cause serious repercussions if you’re convicted of a Texas DWI. But did you know that driving while texting can also be dangerous and rack up tickets as well? Learn what the penalties for both DWI and driving while texting and make sure you avoid both.

Texas DWI
If it’s your first DWI conviction in Houston (or the state of Texas), then you’re looking at one of the following DWI consequences:

Jail – From 72 Hours to 180 Days Jail
Jail – From 180 Days to 2 Years (Child under 15 in Vehicle)
License Suspension – From 90 to 365 Days
Fine – Up to $2,000
Fine – Up to $10,000 (Child under 15 in Vehicle)
DWI Surcharge – $1,000 per Year for 3 Years
DWI Surcharge – $2,000 per Year for 3 Years

If you have more than one offense, the penalties for a Houston DWI or anywhere in Texas are far greater, and that’s not including lawyer and court fees. This isn’t even mentioning how completely dangerous it is to drive under the influence, an act which can result in harming yourself or others and property damage.

Driving While Texting
While people know that driving while intoxicated is incredibly dangerous and full of penalties, many drivers are unaware that driving while texting is also dangerous, which is why you can also get fined for doing so.

While Governor Rick Perry vetoed a statewide ban on driving while texting, Texas texting and driving laws state that it is illegal for minors under the age of 18 to drive while using a cell phone period. It’s not a state law prohibiting driving while texting, and Houston hasn’t passed an ordinance stating as such, but other cities in Texas are ticketing drivers found to be texting. The city of Austin’s law went into effect more than a year ago and fines drivers $500 tickets if they’re caught driving while texting.

Make sure you follow the laws correctly and are safe while driving. You don’t want to get a DWI or a ticket, and it’s important to be a safe driver.