HB 1357
AN ACT relating to the use of a portable wireless communication device
89th Regular Session
Jan 14, 2025 - Jun 2, 2025 • Session ended
Awaiting Committee Assignment
Bill filed, pending referral to House committee
Committee
Not yet assigned
Fiscal Note
Not available
What This Bill Does
Increases penalties for using a handheld mobile device while driving in Texas. First-time offenders will now face a minimum fine of $100 (up from $25), with repeat offenders facing a minimum fine of $200. The law aims to discourage distracted driving by making financial consequences more significant, potentially reducing accidents caused by mobile phone use behind the wheel.
Subject Areas
Bill Text
relating to the use of a portable wireless communication device while operating a motor vehicle; increasing a criminal penalty. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Section 545.4251(e), Transportation Code, is (e) An offense under this section is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of at least $100 [$25] and not more than $200 [$99] unless it is shown on the trial of the offense that the defendant has been previously convicted at least one time of an offense under this section, in which event the offense is punishable by a fine of at least $200 [$100] and not more than $300 SECTION 2. The change in law made by this Act applies only to an offense committed on or after the effective date of this Act. An offense committed before the effective date of this Act is governed by the law in effect on the date the offense was committed, and the former law is continued in effect for that purpose. For purposes of this section, an offense was committed before the effective date of this Act if any element of the offense occurred SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.
Bill Sponsors
Legislators who authored or co-sponsored this bill.
Bill History
Bill filed: AN ACT relating to the use of a portable wireless communication device
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