{"data":{"id":"us-tx/tex.-transportation-code-545.4252","jurisdiction":"us-tx","citation":"Tex. Transportation Code § 545.4252","heading":"USE OF WIRELESS COMMUNICATION DEVICE ON SCHOOL PROPERTY; OFFENSE.","body":"(a) In this section:\n(1) \"Hands-free device\" has the meaning assigned by Section 545.425.\n(2) \"Wireless communication device\" has the meaning assigned by Section 545.425.\n(b) Except as provided by Section 545.425(c), an operator may not use a wireless communication device while operating a motor vehicle on the property of a public elementary, middle, junior high, or high school for which a local authority has designated a school crossing zone, during the time a reduced speed limit is in effect for the school crossing zone, unless:\n(1) the vehicle is stopped; or\n(2) the wireless communication device is used with a hands-free device.\n(c) It is an affirmative defense to prosecution of an offense under this section that the wireless communication device was used to make an emergency call to:\n(1) an emergency response service, including a rescue, emergency medical, or hazardous material response service;\n(2) a hospital;\n(3) a fire department;\n(4) a health clinic;\n(5) a medical doctor's office;\n(6) an individual to administer first aid treatment; or\n(7) a police department.\n(d) This section does not apply to:\n(1) an operator of an authorized emergency vehicle using a wireless communication device while acting in an official capacity; or\n(2) an operator who is licensed by the Federal Communications Commission while operating a radio frequency device other than a wireless communication device.\n(e) 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, except that a political subdivision may by ordinance or rule prohibit the use of a wireless communication device while operating a motor vehicle throughout the jurisdiction of the political subdivision.\nAdded by Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 240 (H.B. 347), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2013.","path":["TRANSPORTATION CODE","TITLE 7. VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC","SUBTITLE C. RULES OF THE ROAD","CHAPTER 545. OPERATION AND MOVEMENT OF VEHICLES","SUBCHAPTER I. MISCELLANEOUS RULES"],"source_url":"https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/TN/htm/TN.545.htm#545.4252","current_through":"89th 2nd Called Legislative Session, 2025","vintage":"","retrieved_at":"2026-08-27T01:47:44Z","sha256":"0544cb6acc4713aa2874df3e817f9a248dc3dc3fc2e99076911e850c47d58500","source_id":"us-tx","stale":false,"prev":"us-tx/tex.-transportation-code-545.4251","next":"us-tx/tex.-transportation-code-545.426"},"notice":"GroundRules: Original legal text. Not legal advice."}