Prohibition of Cell Phone Use in School Zones

From Hutto Highlights:

Prohibition of Cell Phone Use in School Zones

Recently passed legislation, H.B. 55, now makes it a state offense to use a cell phone in a school zone under some circumstances. The bill makes the use of a wireless communication device while operating a motor vehicle within a school crossing zone a class C misdemeanor, unless the vehicle is stopped or the device is being used in a hands-free mode.

Further, the bill requires cities that enforce the prohibition must post a sign that complies with standards adopted by the Texas Department of Transportation at each school crossing zone in the city in order to inform an operator of a motor vehicle of the prohibition. Additionally, the bill provides that the prohibition does not apply to an operator of an authorized emergency vehicle if the operator is using the device in an official capacity, or to a radio frequency device operator who is licensed by the Federal Communications Commission. Finally, the bill provides for the preemption of all city ordinances that are inconsistent with specific provisions of the bill.

City of Hutto’s Public Works Department and Police Department are diligently working together this week to install and enforce “No Cell Phone Use” signs in the HISD school zones. The new state law goes into effect September 1 and authorizes the prohibition of cell phone use in school zones.

For additional information please contact the Hutto Police Department at 846-2200.

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