With school back in session, Katy ISD law enforcement officers are out. Katy
ISD PD Chief Mark Hopkins wants to remind parents and driving-age
students to turn off their cell phones and slow down when passing
through one of Katy ISD’s numerous school zones.
Texas House Bill 55, which went
into effect Sept. 1, 2009, prohibits the use of wireless devices within
a school crossing school. Additionally, House Bill 2730 and House Bill
339, recently enacted by the 81st Texas Legislature, restricts all
drivers under the age of 18 from using a wireless communication device
while operating a motor vehicle.
“Our department is visible on the roadways and we will be issuing citations,” says Hopkins.
Katy ISD has posted signs at the
beginning of each school zone to inform drivers that using a wireless
communications device is prohibited and the operator is subject to a
fine. It is a defense to prosecution if the operator was making an
emergency call.
The maximum fine for violating
the cell phone law is at least $200. The minimum fine for driving one
to 35 miles over the posted speed limit in a school zone is $275; more
than 36 miles over, it’s $305; and failure to stop for a school bus is
$475.
Hopkins recommends the following
road rules for back to school: drive slowly in school zones; watch for
children in the road and always obey crossing guards; put your phone
away, breakfast, make-up, etc. and focus on driving; and most
importantly, be alert and patient around school buses and bus stops.
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