We all do the best that we can to ensure that our teens have the best possible chance to succeed in life. What if you knew that your teen could be arrested for simply using their cell phone? Did you know that at least 10 bills addressing texting and driving were considered during 2011 by Texas lawmakers? Here are 5 cell phone laws that you and your teen need to be aware of before it’s too late.
Restricted Cell Phone Use
Teens under the age of 18 with a license are restricted from any wireless communications device use while driving in the state of Texas. Make sure that if your teen has a cell phone, they are aware of the consequences of using their phone while driving.
Learner’s Permit Restrictions
Teens with a learner’s permit are restricted from using any handheld cell phone during the first six months of driving.
School Crossing Zones
All drivers in the State of Texas are prohibited from using their cell phones in school crossing zones. This includes texting and talking on your cell phone.
Restrictions on Texting
Texting is now partially restricted for Texas drivers according to House Bill 243 that was passed in April of 2011. Although drivers are allowed to receive text messages while driving, they are no longer allowed to type or send messages of any kind. If caught texting while driving, you could be fined up to $200 dollars.
Teen Sexting Laws
Sexting is what occurs when cell phone users send each other sexually explicit messages on their wireless devices. Previously, anyone who transmits sexually explicit pictures of minors over wireless communications devices would be charged with a felony for trafficking or possessing child pornography. A new law would change the felony charge to a Class C misdemeanor charge for underage first-time violators.
It is difficult to always be aware of the new laws that are put into place. Unless you constantly monitor the news, you might not be aware that you could be doing something illegal. Teens are especially vulnerable to this because they are not experienced drivers and they can be easily overwhelmed with new rules and expectations placed on them.
What laws have your teens violated? What laws were new to you? Let us know!
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