Irving City Council Prohibits Hand-Held Phone Use in School Zones Beginning Aug. 1

In an effort to provide additional safety to Irving children, the City Council unanimously approved guidelines that will prohibit the use of cell phones while driving in school zones. The new rule will take effect beginning Aug. 1 and will be enforced on school days during active school zone hours.

The regulation 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

Those who violate the ordinance could receive a Class C misdemeanor, which carries a maximum fine of up to $500. Council approved the installation of 385 notification signs and flashers to alert drivers to the new ordinance.

“We are looking for ways to minimize the danger posed to school children and others in school zones,” said Police Chief Larry Boyd. “This fall, officers watching for speeders also will be looking for anyone violating the cell phone ordinance.”

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.

Other North Texas municipalities, including Duncanville, Highland Park and University Park, also have enacted similar bans in active school zones.

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

  View work session presentation (Feb. 21)