Texas Cell Phone Driving Law 2026
The Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7) addresses three distracted-driving rules drivers will see on the DPS knowledge test: the under-18 total wireless device ban, the school-zone wireless prohibition, and a broader admonition against any cell-phone use while driving. This guide explains each, citing DL-7 directly.
Under-18 Total Wireless Device Ban (DL-7 Chapter 1)
DL-7 Chapter 1 states: "All drivers who are under 18 years of age are restricted from using a wireless communication device, including a hands-free device" — except in an emergency. This is the strictest single distracted-driving rule in the manual.
The ban applies to:
- Holders of a Texas Learner License
- Holders of a Texas Provisional License
- Any driver under 18, regardless of license type
"Wireless communication device" in DL-7 covers cell phones, hands-free Bluetooth setups, smartwatches used as phone interfaces, and similar devices. Only an emergency call (e.g., 911) is allowed.
School-Zone Wireless Prohibition (DL-7 Chapter 5)
DL-7 Chapter 5 (Signs & Signals) describes the school-zone wireless sign: "The use of a wireless communication device is prohibited in the school zone." This is the sign you'll see at school-zone boundaries — when the sign is posted and the school zone is active, hand-held wireless device use is illegal in that zone.
Cell-Phone Recommendation in DL-7 Chapter 9
DL-7 Chapter 9 (Safe Driving) directly addresses cell-phone use:
Texting and Wireless Communication on the Test
DL-7's distracted-driving section flags texting and wireless device use as a leading cause of crashes. The handbook reaffirms that distracted driving "endangers other drivers, passengers, and pedestrians" and lists texting alongside other distractions like adjusting the radio, eating, and looking at advertisements.
Specific fine amounts for the statewide texting ban are not detailed in DL-7. The handbook's emphasis is on the rule itself rather than the penalty schedule. Confirm specific texting-ban fines through Texas Transportation Code or dps.texas.gov before relying on a number.
Distracted Driving — DL-7 Chapter 9
DL-7 Chapter 9 lists distractions to avoid:
- Texting or talking on a cell phone
- Talking to passengers
- Adjusting the radio, CD player, or climate controls
- Looking at advertisements or other vehicles
- Eating or drinking
- Personal grooming
The handbook's takeaway: "Give a distracted driver plenty of room and maintain your safe following distance." Distracted driving roughly doubles crash risk.
Cell-Phone Use as Insurance Proof (DL-7 Chapter 2)
One useful related rule from DL-7 Chapter 2: when asked for proof of insurance, you may show "An image displayed on a wireless communication device that includes the information required in a standard insurance form." So a phone-screen insurance card is acceptable to law enforcement at a traffic stop. (This is the only DL-7 sanctioned use of a wireless device while you've been stopped — actual driving is still subject to the rules above.)
Bus Drivers
DL-7 references the broader Texas Transportation Code's stricter rule for bus drivers. Specific bus-driver wireless rules vary by vehicle type — confirm at dps.texas.gov.
What Counts as "Driving"
For DL-7's purposes, "driving" includes any time the vehicle is in motion on a public road. Stopped at a red light is still considered driving for under-18 wireless restrictions and the school-zone prohibition.
Practical Test Examples
Common DPS knowledge-test framings drawn from DL-7:
- "You are 16 years old. May you use a hands-free Bluetooth headset to take a call from a friend?" — No. Under-18 wireless ban applies even to hands-free devices except for emergencies.
- "You see a school-zone sign with the wireless-device-prohibited symbol. May you make a hands-held call?" — No. Hand-held wireless use is prohibited in the school zone.
- "An adult driver is in heavy traffic and wants to use the phone. What does DL-7 recommend?" — Pull off the road or use a hands-free headset.
If You're Cited
Specific fine schedules, points on driver records, and insurance impacts vary by violation type and city. DL-7 doesn't list every fine — confirm at dps.texas.gov before relying on a specific number. The DPS knowledge test focuses on the rules themselves, not the precise dollar amounts.