New TEXAS Law About Cell PHONES Effective 9/1/03

Texas House bill 281- cell phone use in cars - effective 9/1/03 Sec. 545.425 USE OF TELEPHONE; OFFENSE. (a) An operator may not use a telephone while operating a motor vehicle unless: (1) the vehicle is stopped; or(2) the telephone is used without use of either of the operator's hands. (b) An offense under this section is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not less than $25 or more than $100. SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2003.

RE: New TEXAS Law About Cell PHONES Effective 9/1/03

Do they have a law against tinted windows?

I don't think it's illegal to use one while driving here yet, but i'm driving around with illegally tinted windows anyway, so if i get stopped, i can take care of the cellphone thing and the seatbelt thing before they get to the door anyway. i just have to take my car in and get the tint redone everytime i get nailed for it. (the shop has a nice "show us the ticket and it's free" deal).

RE: New TEXAS Law About Cell PHONES Effective 9/1/03

We have had this same law in New york for almost a year. It is a pain with questionable benefit.

They should also ban all conversation and radios in cars while they are at it.

Alexander
President
Lincolns of Distinction

RE: New TEXAS Law About Cell PHONES Effective 9/1/03

I can tell you from experience...if you buy a decent phone, and get an INSTALLED car kit, it is 1000% better and easier. No more cramps in your shoulder, you can actually drive safely....... TRY it! there are phones which you can get an aftermarket installed car kit. Motorola v60 is one... some nokias as well. worth every penny.

RE: New TEXAS Law About Cell PHONES Effective 9/1/03

Pretty funny - Texas lets you drive around with a loaded shotgun in a rack - but you're in trouble if you use your cell phone while moving. What'll they think of next?

RE: New TEXAS Law About Cell PHONES Effective 9/1/03

There are laws against heavy tint. 15% I think is the legal limit on the front doors.

I'm torn on this law. I don't carry a cell phone but when I did have one I used the earphone adapter more often than not. It's a 5 doller accessory and works well enouph for it's purpose. If this law forces people to put their hands on the wheel and producing an overall safer roadway then I'm for it.

RE: New TEXAS Law About Cell PHONES Effective 9/1/03

I am also on-the fence with the new cell phone law...

I am not an anti-cell phone nut, but in the few cases I have used mine while driving, I have been easily distracted by conversations on the phone. It is the act of carrying on a conversation on a telephone that seems to be the real problem with me. I will from time to time hang-up and pull over at the next available spot to make a phone call.

The handsfree cell phone may keep both hands on the wheel more than a handheld, but the handsfree cell does not completely keep the driver 100% aware of the road.

I use one hand to drive unless there is some hectic traffic going on. What does having a handsfree phone accomplish? Holding a handset is like holding my soft drink, cigarette, changing the radio station, changing the CD from Led Zeppelin to Eric Clapton, or anything else that requires the use of my hand.

Are they going to outlaw eating a Whataburger while driving?
Is there now going to be a ban on shoving a bagel in my face while driving?
Is drinking my big mug of coke now illegal?

How are police officers trained to pay attention while receiving calls in their cars or on their radios? Are they just as dangerous as the civilian driver? Perhaps the answer to cell phone safety lies with law enforcement driver's training.

RE: New TEXAS Law About Cell PHONES Effective 9/1/03

The problem is not the cellphone, it is the idiots using them. Some people can drive fine while eating/talking on the phone/smoking a cigarette/drinking a beer/watching tv/getting head/aiming a shotgun/etc., other drivers crash when the guy in front of them has a vanity plate. How about we develop a driving test that tests actual driving skill, and not let people who are too stupid to drive, drive?

RE: New TEXAS Law About Cell PHONES Effective 9/1/03

I am distracted by other drivers on the road. They should be banned.

Alexander
President
Lincolns of Distinction

RE: New TEXAS Law About Cell PHONES Effective 9/1/03

Your right Dave, I can perfectly drive and talk/eat at the same time... its just that some of us can’t open the windows while driving; it’s a matter of multi-tasking skill...

RE: New TEXAS Law About Cell PHONES Effective 9/1/03

Yeah, I'm pretty piss poor at driving while on the phone, but sometimes, it's pretty useful and not as distracting as other things. I've also driven with people who have no problems while on the phone and driving. I've been rear-ended by a chick who was too busy eating to see that I had stopped in front of her.

More regulations on what people can and can't do in their cars isn't going to make those who just don't care better drivers.

RE: New TEXAS Law About Cell PHONES Effective 9/1/03

Ny has had this law for quite some time... really hasnt changed much. so no need to get up in arms about it

RE: New TEXAS Law About Cell PHONES Effective 9/1/03

Nope. Can't drive around with your loaded shotgun any longer, haven't been able to do that for at least 15 years. But since 1995 you can get a concealed hand gun permit. Can't have your open can of beer between your legs either. That was banned in 1981.

Lee San Antonio, TX

RE: New TEXAS Law About Cell PHONES Effective 9/1/03

Of course, all of Tammy's teacher friends always have the cell phone in their ear while they drive. Of course this leads to me ask them when they are dialing a number on their cell while sitting at a table or something, "You know how to use that phone without driving?" You can fill in the blanks of what they say back to me, both verbal and non verbal.
My stand is you have got to have your mind on the road, especially in Texas. Texas has one of the highest rates of hit and runs, no license drivers, and DUIs. Every advantage helps and less distractions even better.
Now, lets get really serious and start ticketing people using cell phones on the golf course. Now that is just wrong.

RE: New TEXAS Law About Cell PHONES Effective 9/1/03

Doesnt texas also have drive through liquor stores?

RE: New TEXAS Law About Cell PHONES Effective 9/1/03

I had a kid (about 19) rear end me at a stop light while talking on the phone..... This was about a month after I got my Mark VIII.

WHat really was truly amazing to me, is he never hung up! Not while we were waiting for the cops, not even when the cops were there! The cop called him over at one point and this punk had the nerve to tell the cop to wait a minute!!!!!!!!! Then --- His parents showed up, and guess what..... MOM WAS ON THE PHONE TOO!!!!!!!!

I raped his insurance company for every nickel.......Normally, with nearly no damage, I wouldnt have cared, but this kid really needs to learn to enjoy very high insurance rates............

RE: New TEXAS Law About Cell PHONES Effective 9/1/03

I had a kid (about 19) rear end me at a stop light while talking on the phone..... This was about a month after I got my Mark VIII.

WHat really was truly amazing to me, is he never hung up! Not while we were waiting for the cops, not even when the cops were there! The cop called him over at one point and this punk had the nerve to tell the cop to wait a minute!!!!!!!!! Then --- His parents showed up, and guess what..... MOM WAS ON THE PHONE TOO!!!!!!!!

I raped his insurance company for every nickel.......Normally, with nearly no damage, I wouldnt have cared, but this kid really needs to learn to enjoy very high insurance rates............

Click to expand...

You did the Right thing.

RE: New TEXAS Law About Cell PHONES Effective 9/1/03

You can buy beer at drive-thru convience stores, they used to allow drive-up windows at liquor stores but not any longer.

RE: New TEXAS Law About Cell PHONES Effective 9/1/03

I never use a cell phone while driving unless somewhat necessary. Maybe its cause im cheap, hmmmmmm......