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8/6/2009 Sugar Land, TX - Sugar Land is posting warning signs in all City school zones notifying drivers of a new law prohibiting the use of cellular phones in crossing zones.

House HB 55 -- a new Texas law that takes effect Sept. 1 -- amends the state's Transportation Code, Section 545.425 to prohibit the use of a wireless communication device (WCD) while operating a vehicle within a school crossing zone unless the vehicle is stopped or the WCD is used with a hands-free device.

An exception allows the use of WCDs to make emergency calls to specific organizations listed in the law, including police, fire and emergency medical services.

The new law also prohibits bus operators from using a wireless
communication device while operating a passenger bus with a minor passenger unless the bus is stopped.

Violators are subject to a fine up to $200.

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