Yes. Austin has been a "hands-free" city since 2015 when the Austin City Council adopted Ordinance No. 20140828-041 to prohibit the use of portable electronic devices while operating a motor vehicle or bicycle.

Distracted driving endangers drivers, passengers, and bystanders.

The hands-free initiative aims to increase safety by decreasing distracted driving in Austin. All distractions endanger driver, passenger, and bystander safety. Distracted driving is any activity that could divert a person’s attention away from the primary task of driving.

No Texting, No Distractions

A motor vehicle driver may not use a phone, tablet, or other device to view, send, or compose an electronic message while moving, per existing City of Austin Ordinance No. 20091022-028 and Ordinance No.  20091217-090. This law is commonly known as the texting-while-driving ban. Drivers may use their devices to send messages while at a complete stop.

Phones, Tablets, or Other Devices While Driving

Using a handheld device and texting while driving are just two activities that can distract drivers and cyclists. Distracted driving poses a danger to drivers, their passengers, and bystanders. Nationwide, many organizations encourage drivers to focus solely on driving while operating a vehicle.

Distracted Driving Includes
  • Texting
  • Using a cell phone for any reason
  • Eating and drinking
  • Talking to passengers
  • Grooming
  • Reading, including maps
  • Using a navigation system
  • Watching a video
  • Adjusting a radio, CD player or MP3 Player
The Law – Vehicles and Bikes

Unless using a hands-free system such as Bluetooth or headphones, or a GPS system, use of portable devices while driving a car or operating a bike will be a citable offense beginning Jan. 1, 2015.

As defined in Ordinance No. 20140828-041, portable electronic device means a hand-held:

  • Mobile telephone
  • personal digital assistant
  • MP3 or other hand-held music player
  • electronic reading device
  • laptop computer
  • pager
  • broadband personal communication device
  • GPS or navigation system
  • electronic gaming device
  • portable computing device

Hand-held cell phone use is permitted in the event of an emergency such calling 9-1-1 or 3-1-1 to report a crime or an accident. Even in an emergency situation, it is best to pull over and come to a complete stop before using or operating any mobile or hand-held device.