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 cell phones 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 cell phones were already on the books in Texas, according to the Texas Department of Transportation. Those laws include: Drivers under age 18 are not allowed to use handheld or hands-free cell phones; drivers are prohibited from using cell phones hands-on to call or text while driving in school zones; and bus drivers are prohibited from using a cell phone hands-free or hands-on while driving.