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Texas Statutes (Last Updated: January 4, 2014) |
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TRANSPORTATION CODE |
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Title 7. VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC |
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Subtitle C. RULES OF THE ROAD |
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Chapter 545. OPERATION AND MOVEMENT OF VEHICLES |
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Subchapter I. MISCELLANEOUS RULES |
Sec. 545.425. USE OF WIRELESS COMMUNICATION DEVICE; OFFENSE
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(a) In this section:
(1) "Hands-free device" means speakerphone capability or a telephone attachment or other piece of equipment, regardless of whether permanently installed in the motor vehicle, that allows use of the wireless communication device without use of either of the operator's hands.
(2) "Wireless communication device" means a device that uses a commercial mobile service, as defined by 47 U.S.C. Section 332.
(b) Except as provided by Subsection (c), an operator may not use a wireless communication device while operating a motor vehicle within a school crossing zone, as defined by Section 541.302, Transportation Code, unless:
(1) the vehicle is stopped; or
(2) the wireless communication device is used with a hands-free device.
(b-1) Except as provided by Subsection (b-2), a municipality, county, or other political subdivision that enforces this section shall post a sign that complies with the standards described by this subsection at the entrance to each school crossing zone in the municipality, county, or other political subdivision. The department shall adopt standards that:
(1) allow for a sign required to be posted under this subsection to be attached to an existing sign at a minimal cost; and
(2) require that a sign required to be posted under this subsection inform an operator that:
(A) the use of a wireless communication device is prohibited in the school crossing zone; and
(B) the operator is subject to a fine if the operator uses a wireless communication device in the school crossing zone.
(b-2) A municipality, county, or other political subdivision that by ordinance or rule prohibits the use of a wireless communication device while operating a motor vehicle throughout the jurisdiction of the political subdivision is not required to post a sign as required by Subsection (b-1) if the political subdivision:
(1) posts signs that are located at each point at which a state highway, U.S. highway, or interstate highway enters the political subdivision and that state:
(A) that an operator is prohibited from using a wireless communication device while operating a motor vehicle in the political subdivision; and
(B) that the operator is subject to a fine if the operator uses a wireless communication device while operating a motor vehicle in the political subdivision; and
(2) subject to all applicable United States Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration rules, posts a message that complies with Subdivision (1) on any dynamic message sign operated by the political subdivision located on a state highway, U.S. highway, or interstate highway in the political subdivision.
(b-3) A sign posted under Subsection (b-2)(1) must be readable to an operator traveling at the applicable speed limit.
(b-4) The political subdivision shall pay the costs associated with the posting of signs under Subsection (b-2).
(c) An operator may not use a wireless communication device while operating a passenger bus with a minor passenger on the bus unless the passenger bus is stopped.
(d) It is an affirmative defense to prosecution of an offense under this section that:
(1) the wireless communication device was used to make an emergency call to:
(A) an emergency response service, including a rescue, emergency medical, or hazardous material response service;
(B) a hospital;
(C) a fire department;
(D) a health clinic;
(E) a medical doctor's office;
(F) an individual to administer first aid treatment; or
(G) a police department; or
(2) a sign required by Subsection (b-1) was not posted at the entrance to the school crossing zone at the time of an offense committed in the school crossing zone.
(d-1) The affirmative defense available in Subsection (d)(2) is not available for an offense under Subsection (b) committed in a school crossing zone located in a municipality, county, or other political subdivision that is in compliance with Subsection (b-2).
(e) This section does not apply to:
(1) an operator of an authorized emergency vehicle using a wireless communication device while acting in an official capacity; or
(2) an operator who is licensed by the Federal Communications Commission while operating a radio frequency device other than a wireless communication device.
(f) Except as provided by Subsection (b-2), this section preempts all local ordinances, rules, or regulations that are inconsistent with specific provisions of this section adopted by a political subdivision of this state relating to the use of a wireless communication device by the operator of a motor vehicle.