Sugar Land Enacts Cell Phone Ordinance

SUGAR LAND, TX -- The Sugar Land City Council approved an ordinance prohibiting the use of cell phones and other portable electronic devices while driving a vehicle, and joined the growing list of other Houston area communities that have taken a stand against distracted driving.

The new ordinance, which goes into effect on March 20, was passed on Feb. 21, and targets cell phones and other electronic hand-held devices, such as personal digital assistants, MP3s or other handheld music players, electronic reading devices, laptop computers, pagers, electronic game devices, or any wireless communication device.

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Sugar Land Mayor Joe Zimmerman said the ordinance has been needed for a long time, and that the city has been seriously considering enacting the ordinance in 2015.

Some of the communities that have enacted cell phone ordinances include:

• Bellaire
• Magnolia
• Tomball
• Conroe
• Deer Park
• Missouri City

Sugar Land Police will begin issuing warnings on March 20, and will continue to do so for 90 days.

During the grace period, the city will ensure the public is informed of the ordinance through various community awareness activities including media releases, social media posts, print materials, community meetings, signage and events.

After the grace period, anyone caught using these devices while behind the wheel will be subjected to a fine of $500 per offense.

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