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So you were driving along, trying to line up the perfect series of green lights. But then you miscalculated, caught up with the red lights, and had to wait at an intersection for a full cycle. You were frustrated for a moment, then realized it was a perfect opportunity to check that text you’d just received. In some states, this would be a big “no no.”

Texting at stoplights. Experts say it isn’t safe. But the vast majority of drivers do it. Some states with hands-free device laws even have an exception for texting at stoplights. But other states’ police will hit you with a big fine for the practice, including California which charges $285 for your second offense.

Most of us know texting and driving is unsafe, but what about when the light’s red and your car is at a complete stop? The Federal Highway Administration reports that 50% of all crashes happen at intersections. Of those, 50% are serious accidents. And 20% of intersection crashes are fatal. There may alos be other reasons this is an unsafe practice.

“It’s not safe to text at a stop light. Research shows that the brain remains distracted even after you put the phone down and start driving. And you need your brain at full capacity to drive safely. The best bet is always to stow your phone while behind the wheel and remain focused on the road for the full ride – whether in motion or stopped at a light.”

Kara Macek of the Governor’s Highway Safety Association

The truth remains: most of us use stoplights for texting. Sixty five percent of drivers read text messages and 54% of drivers respond to them at stoplights.

Some states may consider texting at stoplights the lesser of two evils: While you can’t text and drive in Florida and Texas the law includes an exception for texting at stoplights. Perhaps lawmakers there hope if they allow texting at stoplights, drivers won’t text while their car’s in motion.

Other places ban all use of mobile devices while operating a car. Some municipalities (such as Chicago) specifically ban texting at stoplights. Some states (such as California) also ban texting at stoplights.

If you get caught texting at a Chicago stoplight, you can expect to pay $75. For ever repeat offense the ticket goes up: $100, $125, and $150. In California, the first ticket is somewhere between $150 and $162. Second time? $285. The Golden State is serious about not texting at stoplights.

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Staff Writer

Henry Cesari

Henry Cesari joined MotorBiscuit in 2021 and brings his deep interest in vintage cars, trucks, and motorcycles to the site. Having restored his first classic car at just 16 years old, Henry has wrenched on everything from overland campers to Japanese motorcycles and even pre-war Bugattis. Henry is also an avid attendee at local car shows and genuinely enjoys connecting with fellow auto enthusiasts.

Henry earned a Bachelor’s in Anthropology and English from the University of Vermont. He has since incorporated his love of the written word with his admiration of classic cars. While Henry is interested in vintage cars, he believes the golden age of cars is yet to come. He is confident journalists will play an important role in this revolution by exposing the industry as it is now and envisioning its possible future.