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Update June, 2009Texas - House Bill 55 - House bill 55 was signed by the Governor in June of 2009. The new law prohibits the use of a wireless communication device within a school crossing zone. There is an exception for the use of a hands free device. The new law also prohibits bus operators from using a wireless communication device while operating a passenger bus with a minor passenger unless the bus is stopped. There are exceptions for emergency situations, for more details on the new law please read House Bill 55. Cell Phone and Text Messaging (Driver's Under 18)The Texas Department of Public Safety has clarified the laws regarding cell phones and other wireless communication devices for drivers that are under the age of 18. HB 2730 and HB 339, enacted recently by the 81st Texas Legislature, restrict all drivers under the age of 18 from using a wireless communication device while operating a motor vehicle. This new restriction applies to licenses issued after September 1, 2009, to applicants who are under 18. All drivers under 18 who were issued an original driver license before September 1, 2009 are still restricted from using a wireless communication device during the six-month period following the issuance of that original license. The use of a wireless communication device cannot be used to make a traffic stop. The Texas Cell Phone Law e-RumorIt all started with an email in 2003, four years later, many Texans are still wondering about the Texas cell-phone law and a number of other traffic related e-rumors. With hands-free legislation and cell-phone bans going into effect all over the United States, Texas has managed to stay free of any driving related cell-phone legislation with the exception of teen drivers that are driving with a learners permit. The e-rumor is based on some truth, for example; House Bill 281, introduced by Representative Paul Moreno, D- El Paso, was one of several pieces of legislation introduced into the Texas legislature in 2003 that would have limited the use of cell phones in cars, however none of these bills passed. So there is no cell-phone law in Texas (yet), and the fines listed in the example email posted at the bottom of this page are completely false. Calls to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) have been on the rise from concerned Texans and the department has responded with several statements from DPS spokesman Tom Vinger reiterating that; "This e-mail is completely false and inaccurate," DPS said in the advisory, noting that the agency hadn't determined where it originated.” There are no such restriction on cell phones, and most traffic fines are a maximum $200 plus court costs, Vinger said. If you are from Texas and wondering about the cell phone law, it's a well documented HOAX, there is no cell phone law in Texas to date (Sept. 2007). The following email is a copy of one of the Texas Cell Phone Law email that has been floating around on the web and continually forwarded by good willed Texan's, attempting to help friends, family and co-workers by informing them of these traffic related fines.
Texas Cell Phone Law Email - A Hoax:Subject: FW: NEW LAWS AS OF JULY 1 Thought this was worth sharing...... Heads up to Texas drivers as new laws go into effect this Sunday..... We will need to get hands free attachments for the cell phone, take a look at the others as well. Starting July 07.. 1. Carpool lane - 1st time $1068.50 starting 7/1/07 (The $271 posted on the highway is old). Don't do it again because 2nd time is going to be double. 3rd time triple, and 4th time license suspended. 2. Incorrect lane change - $380. Don't cross the lane on solid lines or intersections. 3. Block intersection - $485 4. Driving on the shoulder - $450 5. Cell phone use in the construction zone. - Double fine as of 07/01/07. Cell phone use must be "hands free" while driving. 6. Passengers over 18 not in their seatbelts - both passengers and drivers get tickets . 7. Speeders can only drive 3 miles above the limit. 8. DUI = JAIL (Stays on your driving record for 10 years!) 9. As of 07/01/07 cell phone use must be "hands free" while driving. Ticket is $285. They will be looking for this like crazy - easy money for police department. End of Hoax.Other State of Texas InformationTexas Drunk Driving Laws, Penalties & Fines Texas Teen Driving Laws and Insurance Requirements
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