Several new Texas laws went into effect on September 1, 2009. Among them was one prohibiting the use of cell phones (and pagers, texting devices, etc.) in a school zone.

House Bill 55 made it illegal to “use a wireless communication device (while driving) in a school zone unless the vehicle is stopped or a hands-free device is used”. However, it’s a defense to prosecution if the operator was making an emergency call.

However, there is one caveat — Cities or counties wanting to enforce this law must post a sign at the beginning of each school zone to inform drivers that using a wireless communications device is prohibited and the operator is subject to a fine.

I have yet to see an actual case of this law being enforced anywhere I’ve driven in Texas.  I DID come across one sign (left) that APPEARED to be an instance of this law being in effect, but, it’s not a school zone — it’s just a crosswalk. And it’s not even a school — it’s a church!

I’m thinking that the city (or highway department, or whoever) put this sign up thinking that they were exercising their right, as guaranteed by the new law — but, the law only applies to ‘school zones’! Now, maybe, the city council made some decision not related to the new Texas law, and decided to allow these signs on just any ol’ crosswalk, but I doubt it. I think they are just placing a sign where it’s not applicable. Good idea? Yes! Enforcable? Probably not.

Anyhow… I DO think it’s an excellent idea to have such a law within school zones. Drivers can be really inattentive at times, only complicated by trying to talk on the phone or send a text. Surely, drivers can refrain from using their phones for the duration of driving through a school zone.

I hope I start to see more signs like this (in school zones). And, I say sock it to the drivers who ignore this law and pay more attention to their devices than to their driving. A hefty fine would be in order, just like any other infraction in a school zone.

Drive safely, especially in school zones, and be on the lookout for these new signs.