Tickets for texting in effect Monday

AUSTIN (KXAN) - The grace period is over for Austin motorists when it comes to texting and driving.

Austin drivers are no longer allowed to use their cell phones for anything other than talking - with a few exceptions. That means no texting, no scrolling through messages, no Web surfing, no hand-held GPS-navigating and no more reading e-mails while driving unless stopped at a stoplight.

Austin police will begin issuing tickets Monday for people who text message while driving.

Drivers KXAN spoke to Monday agreed the new ordinance will make Austin roads safer but questioned how well police will be able to enforce the rule.

"I think a lot of people are going to try to find ways around it," said Austin driver, Jorge Faz.

The ban took effect Jan. 1, but police said they would issue warnings for the first month to raise awareness of the new city ordinance.

However, drivers can still talk on the phone while behind the wheel. The ban prohibits driving while using a mobile electronic device to send a text message or e-mail, surf the Web, play a game or adjust music settings or use iPhone applications. 

Drivers can still use mobile devices while stopped at a stoplight. Other exemptions include using navigational systems or wireless devices permanently installed in a vehicle, using devices operated solely in a voice-activated or other hands-free mode and texting in emergency situations.

The citations will be a Class C misdemeanor, which carries a fine of up to $500 and can be appealed in municipal court.

"If people are afraid they will have to pay a fine if they get caught for doing this, then that's just one way for us to deter [it]," said Austin Police Department Senior Police Officer Veneza Aguinaga.

Police officials said it is unclear how many warnings were issued in January for texting while driving because the department does not keep track of individual violations.

APD is launching an awareness campaign and will soon have ads on 35 Yellow Cabs throughout the city. However, claiming ignorance will not get drivers out of a ticket, according to Commander, Stephen Baker, Austin Police Department.