October 8th, 2009
County posts cell phone restriction signs in school zones

SUBMITTED REPORT

The Hays County Commissioners Court has approved the posting of signs on county-maintained roads that limit when and how wireless communications devices can be used by drivers passing through those zones.

A new law, House Bill 55, passed by the 81st Legislature makes it illegal to use a wireless communication device while driving in an active school unless the vehicle is stopped or a hands-free device is used. Violators could be fined up to $200.

The Hays County Roads Department expects to have signs posted on County-maintained roads by October 13, with enforcement beginning November 1.

The ban will be in effect during the reduced-speed-limit times posted on the school zone signs.
New signage will be placed initially at:

• Dacy Lane and Bebee Road/Science Hall Elementary (7-9 a.m. and 2-4 p.m.)
• Old Goforth Road/Tom Green Elementary (7-9:30 a.m. and 2-4 p.m.)
  
• Rohde Road/Camino Real Elementary (7-9 a.m. and 2-4 p.m.)
• Dacy Lane/Chapa Middle School (7-9 a.m. and 2-4 p.m.)
• Green Acres Drive/Scudder Elementary (7:30-8:30 a.m. and 2:30-3:30 p.m.)
• Belterra Drive/Rooster Springs Elementary (6:45-8 a.m. and 2:45-3:45 p.m.)

Signs will be placed in additional school zones that are added to county-maintained roads.

— FROM HAYS COUNTY/LAUREEN CHERNOW