Release Date: January 14, 2011
 Office of District 4 Councilman Philip A. Cortez: 207-7281

Texting and Driving Ban in Effect as of Tomorrow, January 15

District 4 City Councilman Philip Cortez would like to remind all San Antonio drivers that beginning tomorrow, Saturday, January 15, drivers caught texting behind the wheel will get a citation with a maximum fine of $200.

San Antonio's new ordinance prohibits using a "hand-held mobile communication device to send, read or write a text message, view pictures or written text, whether transmitted by Internet or other electronic means, engage in gaming or any other use of the device, besides dialing telephone numbers or talking to another person, while operating a moving motor vehicle." This new ordinance also prohibits drivers from using cell phones for any purpose other than making phone calls, even when stopped at red lights and/or stop signs.

San Antonio Police Chief William McManus has stated officers will act on violations just as they do for other offenses that cover things such as speeding or not wearing seatbelts.

San Antonio is now the third city in Texas to ban texting while driving. Recently the City Council added a state-wide ban in texting while driving as a priority in its 2011 Legislative Agenda. Councilman Cortez will be going to Austin, Texas in the near future to testify in support of the statewide texting ban.

Councilman Cortez is available for questions and/or comments.