Amarillo One Step Closer To Banning Cell Phone Use While Driving

Cell phones are a part of everyday life.  Some people can't even go to the bathroom without their phone close by.  But Amarillo is now one step closer to putting a ban on cell phone use while driving.

On Tuesday, the Amarillo City Commission met to discuss, amongst other things, the ban on cell phone use while driving.  The commissioners voted and with a vote of 4-1, we are one step closer to the ban.

That means that inside the city limits, the we are prohibited from using cellphones, GPS devices or even handheld electronic games.  You can still use speakerphones and hands-free devices.

There will still be one more vote to determine if the ban will go into effect and that will take place on September 18th.

If the ban does pass, signs will be posted to notify the public of the law.  Once everything is in place, people breaking the law will be punished with a fine of up to $500 plus court cost.  Now there will be some exceptions, you will be allowed to use your cell phone to call 911, emergency responders, hospitals or doctors in emergencies.