Texting and driving is a massive safety issue. Not only does it lead to thousands of traffic citations, but it also causes numerous fatal car wrecks each year. While most have a grasp of what constitutes texting and driving, there are still areas of confusion. For instance, can you get a ticket for using your phone while at a stoplight? 

Does texting and driving count while stationary?

Like most aspects of operating a motor vehicle, there are several nuances to texting and driving. As mentioned, many wonder if it’s okay to use a mobile device while at stoplights or when traffic is at a standstill. The answer depends on where you’re located in the country. Most states have laws against texting at stoplights or in other instances of the car not being in motion. 

However, the answer to texting and driving at stoplights or in traffic doesn’t stop there. Some states do allow drivers to use their phones in these cases. Notably, Florida is one. According to Distasio Law Firm, this is allowed because the state’s law doesn’t consider vehicles to be in operation in these cases. This includes any time the car isn’t in motion. Additionally, there seems to be a bit of leeway in New York, as it’s not explicitly illegal for people driving passenger vehicles.

Using your phone at stoplights is dangerous

Everyone knows that texting and driving causes several car wrecks each year. However, because of the range of laws, some may think using their mobile devices while stationary adheres to safety. While there are arguments to support this, drivers should avoid using their phones in these cases. For starters, this action detracts from your focus on the road. For example, a person could see something concerning on their device while stopped and then fail to regain their ability to keep their eyes on the road afterward. 

Of course, there is also the obvious issue with this form of texting and driving. People using their phones may not notice when they are allowed to go. In this case, the driver is more likely to get rear-ended because the vehicle is obstructing traffic. Additionally, there could be other threats to safety while stopped that a driver wouldn’t notice if they’re busy strolling through TikTok or reading text messages. 

It’s important to realize that while drivers may not always get traffic citations for texting and driving, it’s still dangerous in all situations. It’s best to wait until you’ve parked to send a message, check social media, or do anything else on a mobile device.