City Council unanimously voted Aug. 28 to enforce stricter distracted driving laws effective Jan. 1.

Texting while driving, or other uses of a portable handheld electronic devices, would be banned unless a vehicle or bicycle is at a complete stop.

The city's original distracted driving ordinance enacted in 2009 was amended to allow limited use of portable electronic devices after some members of council, including Councilman Bill Spelman, voiced concern that banning the use of cell phones altogether could cause more danger.

Other council members voiced concern on how best to enforce such an ordinance at an Aug. 5 council work session. Brian Manley, Austin Police Department assistant chief, told council police officers will issue warnings to those in violation of the ordinance to help educate the community.

"This is not an issue that we're going to resolve through enforcement; it would be through voluntary compliance," he said.