The Sugar Land City Council passed an ordinance last month that prohibits anyone from using a portable electronic device while driving, unless it’s in hands-free mode or if it’s an emergency. That new measure is now in effect.
To get people used to the new ordinance Sugar Land will have a community awareness campaign, and police will issue warnings for the first 90 days. After that drivers get a ticket. The fine could go as high as $500.
The ordinance goes into effect as lawmakers consider a statewide ban on texting and driving. A measure won tentative approval in the House last week.
According to TxDOT, the state has about 100,000 crashes a year because of distracted driving.