Most cell phone use banned in school zones.
 
Effective Sept. 1, drivers will no longer be able to use cell phones in school zones except in specific circumstances.
 
Under a bill passed this year by the Texas Legislature, using wireless devices in school zones is allowed only if the vehicle is stopped, the phone is used with a hands-free device or is being used to make a call to emergency authorities.

The offense is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $200. Fort Worth’s Transportation and Public Works Department is installing about 600 new signs to warn drivers when they’ve entered a no-chat school zone.

The National Safety Council is calling for a total ban on cell phone use by drivers nationwide, based on estimates that the practice contributes to 6 percent of the 636,000 annual crashes. About half the crashes result in injuries, including 2,600 deaths, the NSC reports.