The Texas No Cell Phone Use in School Zones Law went into effect over a year ago so the police are no longer giving out warnings. They simply write a ticket for a $200 fine.
So put the cell phone down before you get to the school zone. "Sorry, I need to go, there's a school zone ahead."
In addition, individual Texas cities are adopting stricter laws as technology changes and attorneys look for loop holes. This includes No Motorist Handheld Devices in School Zones. So yes, driving in a school zone while using an I Pad is going to cost you $200.
Others cities simply expand the No Cell Phone Use to include No Texting and No Apps. So you can't use the excuse "Honest Officer, I wasn't using my cell phone while driving, I was only surfing Facebook".
Others provide exemptions: If you are parked in a school car line or in a parking space.
Handsfree devices seem to be excluded but don't take my word for it.
Texas cell phone rules for school zones will continue to change. The best way to avoid the $200 fine is to just put down the cell phone.
Related Speeding Issue: I recently learned that an Allstate Insurance survey says the average Texas fine for speeding in a school zone is $211.
If you speed through a school zone with a phone stuck to your ear expect to pay an average of $211 + $200 fine = "ouch".
$411 each ticket is a great way for cities to put money into their tight budget.
Of course the reasoning behind the rules make perfect sense. Studies show that people on cell phones are distracted.
We don't want distracted drivers hitting our children. Stiff fines help protect our kids and save lives.
Can you imagine the ongoing mental anguish of both the driver and family of a school zone fatality?
What if the driver was you?
Let's be safe out there.
Mark Hitz, Realtor
The Colony TX Real Estate and Homes For Sale Report
PS - I got the idea to write this blog post this morning as I was driving the kids to school. I drive through 3 other school zones. Some woman in an Escalade blew past me in a school zone. I pull up next to her at a stoplight and she has a cell phone stuck to her ear and she is doing hand gestures with her "free hand". The light turns green and away she goes. Where's a cop when you want one?
You know Mark...I did not know this...and it got me wondering as I drive a lot in Kansas, Minnesota, Iowa, and Colorado ....I wonder the laws are there?
Maybe a national law would be better but I agree it is probably a really good idea.
Mark,
Even my late Grand Mothers would agree.
I only encounter schools zones in the early morning.
My Grand Mothers always said "Don't talk with your mouth full."
It's just not practical or polite to be talking on the phone, while juggling the donut's and coffee cups.
Not to mention dodging moving targets steering with your knee.
Bill
8>)
Mark, they just installed one down the street from me with flashing lights. I am sure the cities need funds so they will be on the lookout!
Hi Mark, it really wasn't all that many years ago when we weren't capable of doing this; so maybe we should ban cell phones while driving (then I wouldn't have to deal with the temptation).
Hello Mark - This is an important issue. Too bad it takes legislation to regulate common sense. My wife is a police officer and I get to hear too often about children being injured or killed because someone's phone call deserved more attention that their driving.
Nothing is as important as paying attention in a school zone. I agree with Andy #5. It's too bad it takes legislation...
We must watch the kids. Get off the phone and drive..... Just Saying