N5AUS | 
06 18th, 2011| 
HB 242, passed by the 82nd Legislature, would have prohibited sending or reading text messages while driving. However, Gov. Perry vetoed HB 242 on June 17, 2011.
That means the only State-wide prohibition on the use of a cell phone while driving remains the prohibition on the use of a cell phone in an active school zone. Various cities, including San Antonio and Austin, do have local ordinances that prohibit “texting while driving.” These ordinances are not affected by the Governor’s veto of HB 242 and remain in effect.
The Governor issued the following statement explaining his veto of HB 242:
