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Cell phone use limited in schools zones during school hours

City of McKinney Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Cell phone use limited in schools zones during school hours
Use allowed with hands-free devices or when vehicles stopped

McKINNEY, TEXAS (Aug. 7, 2009) – McKinney City Council passed an ordinance last night limiting the use of mobile devices while driving in school zones. City leaders, McKinney Police and Fire Departments and school districts within the city worked together on the ordinance with the goal of increasing safety measures for school zones.

Use of a mobile communication device on city streets is prohibited when the school zone hours are in effect in the morning and afternoon for drivers of any vehicle if the car is in motion. Hands-free devices are allowed when using a mobile communications device in a school zone, and cell phone use is allowed in a vehicle when it is stopped. It is permissible for passengers in the cars to use cell phones. There are exceptions for medical, fire or police related emergencies.

“Using a cell phone to talk or send messages while driving distracts drivers and increases safety risks and creates a danger to school children. We want to do everything we can to limit those risks, and this ordinance helps us achieve that goal,” said Police Chief Doug Kowalski.

Drivers caught using a cell phone to place calls or send text messages in a school zone or in the public street without using a hands free device while operating a vehicle could get warning the first time or up to a $200 fine. Signs will be posted warning drivers of the new ordinance.

The ordinance was amended from one passed in February to be in compliance with state law and will be enforced at the start of the school year.

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