Teen Texting While Behind the Wheel

Although Utah is not yet included, several states in the U.S. have placed legal restrictions on not just teen texting but also any use of a cell phone by a teenager while driving.

Last year in Connecticut, a 16-year-old girl was driving and possibly texting when she fatally struck a jogger. At the time of the incident, Connecticut had banned the use of cell phones by drivers under the age of 18. The teen was charged with several crimes, including: negligent homicide, using a handheld telephone while under age and driving in the wrong lane.

Prohibited Cell Phone Uses While Driving

So far, Utah hasn’t banned driver-use of cell phones completely, although teen texting (as well as texting by adults) while operating a car is prohibited. The only time a driver may use a cell phone is to:

• Make or receive a phone call
• Use global positioning or navigation services
• Get help in a medical emergency situation
• To report or request help for a safety hazard
• To report criminal activity
• Provide roadside or medical assistance

Tell your driving-age child that texting is against the law and be a good example by not indulging in a bit of texting-while-driving yourself. Nevertheless, we know that a lot of kids will ignore this good advice and do what they want; after all—nothing bad will happen because of a little teen texting, right?

Talk to a Utah Juvenile Defense Attorney

We’re here to help if your child has been arrested for teen texting. Kids make mistakes and deserve to be helped during times of crisis. Instead of trying to handle the Utah juvenile justice system on your own, talk to a respected Utah juvenile defense attorney who can advise your child and take care of his case, both in and outside the courtroom.