Published: September 21, 2009 05:04 pm      

Officers prepare to enforce ban on cell phones in school zones

By Jim Hardin

Herald-Banner Staff

Law enforcement officers soon will begin enforcing a new state law that restricts the use of cell phones in school zones.

Before officers can begin enforcing the new law, which became effective Sept. 1, local entities must place signs near each school zone to inform motorists that using a wireless communication device is prohibited.

Local law enforcement officials said this week that they are awaiting the arrival and installation of the signs.

House Bill 55 makes it illegal for motorists to use wireless communication devices in a school zone where speed restrictions are in effect, unless the vehicle is stopped or the driver is using a hands-free device.

Motorists caught violating the new law could be fined $200.

Rockwall Police Chief Mark Moeller said the city’s street department has the responsibility of ordering and installing the signs. About 58 signs are needed for the 12 or 13 school zones, he said.

“Once that’s done (signs installed), we can take the enforcement action,” Moeller said.

The chief added that his department will conduct a public information program before Rockwall officers officially begin enforcing the new law.

“I’m not sure where we are on the signs,” said Royse City Police Chief Tom Shelton. “It’s in the works, but I don’t know where we stand.”

The Texas Department of Transportation will be responsible for providing a portion of the signs, he said, because some of Royse City’s six school zones are on state highways.

While waiting for the signs, Shelton and Moeller said officers can warn motorists who violate the new law.

The Rockwall County Sheriff’s Department will begin enforcing the new law on Jan. 1, according to Sheriff Harold Eavenson. The sheriff said he learned that the Texas Department of Public Safety will begin enforcing the law on New Year‘s Day, so his department will use the same enforcement effective date.

Eavenson said the school zone at a new Royse City school may be the only one in Rockwall County that’s in an unincorporated area.

In other news involving wireless communication devices, the DPS has clarified laws regarding cell phones and other wireless communication devices for drivers who are under the age of 18.

House Bill 2730 and House Bill 339 enacted recently by the 81st Texas Legislature, restrict all drivers under 18 from using a wireless communication device while operating a motor vehicle. The new restriction applies to licenses issued after Sept. 1, 2009, to applicants who are under 18.

All drivers under 18 who were issued an original driver license before Sept. 1, 2009, still are restricted from using a wireless communication device during the six-month period following issuance of the original license.