| |
| |
|
|
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
|
|
|
AN ACT
|
|
|
relating to the creation of an offense for certain uses of a |
|
|
wireless communication device while operating a motor vehicle; |
|
|
providing a penalty. |
|
|
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: |
|
|
SECTION 1. Section 545.425, Transportation Code, is amended |
|
|
by amending Subsection (b-1) and adding Subsections (c-1) and (c-2) |
|
|
to read as follows: |
|
|
(b-1) A municipality, county, or other political |
|
|
subdivision that enforces Subsection (b) [this section] shall post |
|
|
a sign that complies with the standards described by this |
|
|
subsection at the entrance to each school crossing zone in the |
|
|
municipality, county, or other political subdivision. The |
|
|
department shall adopt standards that: |
|
|
(1) allow for a sign required to be posted under this |
|
|
subsection to be attached to an existing sign at a minimal cost; and |
|
|
(2) require that a sign required to be posted under |
|
|
this subsection inform an operator that: |
|
|
(A) the use of a wireless communication device is |
|
|
prohibited in the school crossing zone; and |
|
|
(B) the operator is subject to a fine if the |
|
|
operator uses a wireless communication device in the school |
|
|
crossing zone. |
|
|
(c-1) An operator may not use a wireless communication |
|
|
device to read, write, or send a text-based communication while |
|
|
operating a motor vehicle unless the vehicle is stopped. |
|
|
(c-2) An offense under Subsection (c-1) is a misdemeanor |
|
|
punishable by a fine of $200. |
|
|
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2011. |