Safety experts generally agree that using a cell phone while driving is a bad idea unless you have an entirely hands-free system--and texting while driving is dangerous. As of March, 2012, texting while driving is illegal in most states, and cell phone use is restricted in several others. Prior to sending a text message while driving, it is important to know the law in your location.

Texting while driving is illegal in 35 states; texting is illegal for novice drivers (usually drivers under 18 or 19, or on their first year of being licensed) in seven other states. In most of those states, those laws are "primary enforcement" laws. In other words, a police officer can issue you a citation for texting even if you have not committed any other offense.

At this point in time, there are no states that have enacted laws banning cell phone use while driving entirely. However, the use of hand-held cell phones still remains illegal in nine states and cell phone use of any kind while driving is prohibited to novice drivers in 30 states.

The best course of action is to not talk on the phone while driving. If your vehicle has Bluetooth connectivity and the law permits talking while driving through hands-free devices, then you can make a call, however, it is still better to use your phone only in an emergency--and keep it turned off the rest of the time. If you have to call or text, find a safe place to pull over.