Signs around the city are urging residents to use hands free devices while on the road.
The City’s transportation department in coordination with the police department installed 35 hands-free signs citywide this month.
The signs are a reminder that beginning Feb. 1, it will be against city ordinance to use a cell phone or other handheld device while driving a motor vehicle or riding a bicycle in San Marcos unless a “hands-free” mode is engaged on the device.
The new law does not prohibit using handheld devices when a vehicle is at a complete stop or when a device is being used to contact emergency responders or police. The San Marcos City Council passed the hands-free ordinance back in November 2015.
The ordinance goes into effect Feb. 1, 2016, with a one-month grace period in which violators will be issued warnings only. Police officers will begin issuing citations March 1, 2016.
The new law prohibits the following while biking or driving:
Dialing, hanging up, or engaging in a telephone conversation
Viewing, taking, or transmitting electronic images
Using email
Using GPS or other navigation applications;
Browsing the Internet
Playing games
Typing, reading, or sending text messages
Making telephone calls using hands-free functions is allowed, as is using GPS and navigation devices that are attached to the vehicle. The penalty for violating the ordinance is a fine of up to $100 for a first offense; up to $250 for a second offense; and up to $500 for third and subsequent offenses.
Information about the ordinance is available online at www.sanmarcostx.gov/handsfree.