Section 8: Cell Phone Use Prohibited Sign
Statewide Texting While Driving Prohibition
Statewide Texting While Driving Prohibition
The Texas Transportation Code, Section
, requires the Texas Department of Transportation to post a sign at each point at which an Interstate Highway or United States highway enters this state that informs an operator that the use of a portable wireless communication device for electronic messaging while operating a motor vehicle is prohibited and the operator is subject to a fine.
There are 44 statewide locations where an Interstate Highway or US Highway crosses the state line, but Districts may choose to install signs along additional highways that cross the state line as well. To order signs, please contact TRF_Signs for the sign detail.
Figure 8-5. R19-6bT Electronic Messaging While Driving Prohibited Sign
Cell Phone Use Prohibited Signs (Within School Zone)
The use of cell phones within school zones is prohibited (unless
used with a hands-free device) under
of the Texas Transportation Code. A city ordinance
or resolution is not required to install and enforce the CELL PHONE
USE PROHIBITED (S7-1T) sign within school zones. The prohibition
of the use of cell phones within a school zone can only be enforced
if the CELL PHONE USE PROHIBITED (S7-1T) sign is installed below
the ground-mounted school speed limit sign (S5-1) or beside the
overhead school speed limit sign (S6-1T). See
of the
Texas Manual on Uniform Traffic Control
Devices
(TMUTCD).TXDOT will pay for the cost and installation of these signs
for on-system highways within a city with a population of 50,000
or less or outside incorporated areas. All school zones within the
incorporated limits of a municipality with a population of 50,000
or more or along off-system roadways will be installed and maintained
by local government forces.
Refer to Figure 8-6 for sign assembly example.
Cell Phone Use Prohibited (Within City Limits)
An incorporated municipality may pass a city ordinance restricting the use of a cell phone or features of a cell phone (e.g. texting, emailing, etc.) within their city limits. Municipalities, with Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) approval, may install regulatory signs along state maintained roadways (at or near the posted CITY LIMIT signs) that inform motorists of the ordinance. The municipalities are responsible for all costs associated with these signs, including maintenance.
Figure 8-6. Example of Cell Phone Use Prohibited sign assembly.