The Texas Legislature in 2017 passed a statewide ban on texting while driving. The law prohibits texting, reading or writing emails, using social media or other distracting uses of cellphones while driving. Exceptions include using the phone hands-free, using the phone while the vehicle is at a full stop, accepting or denying calls, using GPS navigation and using a phone for an emergency. Penalties for texting while driving include a fine of up to $99 for a first offense and up to $200 for subsequent offenses. Prior to 2017, several laws relating to cellphones were already on the books in Texas, according to the Texas Department of Transportation. Those laws include: Drivers under the age of 18 are not allowed to use hand-held or hands-free cellphones; drivers are prohibited from using cellphones hands-on to call or text while driving in school zones; and bus drivers are prohibited from using a cellphone hands-free or hands-on while driving.