Ban on Texting While Driving Goes Into Effect Friday
Following months of discussion, Austin's expanded ban on texting while driving goes into effect on Friday. The law makes it illegal to text, use a mobile device for GPS, or access websites while behind the wheel.
Drivers can still talk on the phone, however, and they can check texts while at stop signs or stop lights. To give people a chance to get used to the new law, Austin police say that they will grant a 30-day grace period after January 1 where drivers will be given a written warning. After the grace period, texting while driving will be a Class C misdemeanor, with fines as high as $200.
The city council approved the idea for a ordinance cracking down on texting while driving in August, then approved the final wording two weeks ago.
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