Dialing and Driving in School Zones: Hits a Hang Up
By: Danielle Todesco
Updated: September 1, 2009
Another new law taking effect September 1st has hit a snag here in the Hub City -- dialing and driving in school zones.
House Bill 55 bans the use of hand-held cell phones while driving in school zones. But it is not mandated, so it is up to the cities to decide whether to enforce it. The cost to buy signs warning drivers of the $200 dollar fine may not be in the city's budget.
Thomas Nichols, LISD Chief of Police:
"It's a budgetary expenditure that nobody was ready for. The city of Lubbock and LISD it's probably a cost of about 25 thousand dollars for them to put it in our schools so you know, just coming out of the blue another 25 thousand dollar expenditure isn't going to happen right away."
If the Lubbock City Council decides to enforce the law, drivers are still allowed to use hands-free devices while driving.
