By Scott Harvey
– The Texas Department of Public Safety, beginning September 1, will begin enforcing a number of notable traffic and criminal laws approved during the recent state legislative session.
HB 55 makes it illegal to use a wireless communication device in a school zone unless the vehicle is stopped or a hands-free device is used. Cities or counties wanting to enforce this law must post a sign at the beginning of each school zone to inform drivers.
There are few area school districts that currently enforce such a restriction. Last year, the Commerce ISD discussed the option, but chose against it.
Commerce City Manager Dion Miller says at this time he's unsure if he'll bring the item before council, but hasn't ruled it out. Marc Maxwell, the city manager in Sulphur Springs, says there haven't been any requests to impose a cell phone ban in school zones and at the moment there are no plans for it.
Several other changes go into effect September 1, including an increase in the hours of behind-the-wheel driving instruction for teenagers and stricter penalties for driving while intoxicated.