www.irvingisd.net
Back

Posted:  August 21, 2008

Cell Phone Ban in School Zones

This is a reminder that the use of cell phones while driving in Irving school zones is prohibited to help provide additional safety to children.

These city guidelines (which will be enforced on school days during active school zone hours) will prevent motorists from engaging in calls by talking, dialing or listening on a hand-held mobile telephone, and entering or reading text messages.

This includes:

• Hand-held cell phones
• Personal digital assistants (PDA)
• Pagers
• Other electronic communications devices

The city has installed signs in every school zone to remind drivers of the regulation. “With the implementation of this new ordinance, drivers will have one less distraction to help them better focus on their speed and surroundings,” said Police Chief Larry Boyd. “This will help provide additional safety to children and others in school zones.”

Those who violate the ordinance could receive a Class C misdemeanor, which carries a maximum fine of up to $500.

Motorists will be able to talk legally on their cell phones if they use hands-free devices. Drivers also may use their cell phones in certain emergency situations including conversing with emergency response personnel, fire and police, and health care entities.

For more information, call the Irving Police Department at (972) 721-2518.