AMARILLO, TEXAS -- Get ready to put that cell phone down! The cell phone ban will finally be enforced starting Thursday at midnight.
Drivers will be getting a break for the first 30 days. Officers will be issuing warning citations to help remind people of the new law.
"There'll be people who actually forget," said Sergeant Brent Barbee. "We had the convenience of being able to use the cell phone while we drive for some time so it's going to take some time for people to remember."
Starting February 2nd, officers will begin issuing traffic citations that can result in a fine up to $200 plus court fees.
The City of Amarillo hopes this new ordinance will help protect motorists on the roads. Drivers who use hand-held devices are four times as likely to be involved in injury accidents. "The goal with this campaign and this ordinance is to save lives," said Community Relations Coordinator, Sonja Gross. "It's not about padding pockets, it's about saving lives."
