Is Your Favorite Fast Food Causing You to Break the Law?

Texas and the Fine Line of Eating While Driving

First off, Texas is one of the last states in America to address this, and that would be eating while driving. While drinking and driving is, of course, against the law if that drink is alcoholic, enjoying your favorite glass of sweet tea, soda, or bottled water is perfectly legal. However, the fact remains that, in general terms, “drinking and driving” laws exist for good reasons, even if eating and driving is still considered legal.

The Temptation of Fast Food On-the-Go

Roll through your favorite drive-thru and order that one fast food delicacy that just has to be eaten hot, or it won't taste the same. I’m talking about french fries, tater tots, or potato wedges, the minute you get them, it’s almost instinctual to start eating. That’s just the law of nature. And when that bag sits open beside you, and the fragrance of those potato creations fills your car, it’s nearly impossible to resist reaching in and grabbing a handful.

The Risk of “Distracted Driving”

Yet, even that single fry can lead to trouble. While there is no specific law against eating fries while driving, distracted driving is, in fact, illegal. And in Texas, distracted driving causes countless crashes, many tragically ending in fatalities. Just last Saturday, my dear wife was craving some of those spud delicacies and asked if I’d join her on a quick drive to her favorite chicken place to pick up an order of nuggets and her favorite fries to-go.

A “Fries” Debate Behind the Wheel

When we got our order, she handed me the bag and, as we were pulling out, she cried out, “Don’t sit there like a bump on a stump, open the bag and give me some fries fast!” To which I replied, “No, dear, I don’t want you breaking the law.” That’s when the “loud discussion” began as I explained that, while eating fries isn’t against the law, distracted driving is. I told her I didn't want her to get a "DWE-Driving While Eating." Yes! Dining while driving crosses the line because you are now a distracted driver focusing on those delish fries.

Get our free mobile app

The Price of Distracted Driving

So, next time you get those on-the-road munchie cravings, consider pulling into a parking slot, taking a break, and enjoying your fries in peace. The fines for a first distracted driving offense range from $25 to $99, making those some potentially expensive fries. For a second violation, fines jump to $100–$200. And if a minor is caught driving distracted, the penalties could double.

The Perfect Solution: A Fast-Food Parking Lot Date

My recommendation? Make it a late-night, fast-food, parking-lot date night! Pull into a spot, turn up the radio, and savor those fries without any risk of a ticket.
Source: DMV-a non-government site.com & Brian White personal injury lawyer