A new Texas law that takes effect September 1, banning the use of cell phones in school zones, will be enforced in Houston after signs are posted.

Notice of the new law was posted on the city’s web-site, to give drivers fair warning about the restriction. But, the Legislature required municipalities to post signs warning drivers about the law before it can be strictly enforced.

“Once the signs do go up, Bellaire police will be doing the same thing we do at the high school every year – where there is a two-week grace period we don’t write tickets. We usually give out warnings,” officer Quimby of the Bellaire police department said.

The City of West University Place last year banned cell phones in the school zone in the city, near West U Elementary.

Although West U’s ban prohibited even the use of hands-free devices, the new state law does allow such devices to be used with cell phones in school zones. Drivers also are permitted to use their cell phones anytime they need to call 911, Quimby noted.

Also, drivers can use cell phones if they are stopped in a school zone.