Austin motorists under new law that prevents handling of electronic devices while driving

Drivers in Austin rang in the new year by putting down their cell phones and keeping their hands on the steering wheel.

Texting while driving is illegal in Austin, but since Jan. 1 drivers and bicyclists are also not allowed to touch their phones, laptops, GPS or other electronic devices while their vehicle or bicycle is in motion. Violators face potential fines of up to $500.

"The ordinance that we had in place was very difficult for the officers to enforce because the officer had to determine if the motorist was using the phone to text, which would be a violation, or to dial a phone number, which would be legal," said Brian Manley, Austin Police Department assistant chief.

Austin City Council passed the law Aug. 28 after an advisory group studied the issue and made recommendations that shaped the ordinance.

Drivers and cyclists can use the devices if they are lawfully stopped at a red light, during standstill traffic or if they are trying to contact emergency services, Manley said. Use of any device, whether hands-free or otherwise, is still illegal in school zones.

Smartphones and other devices can still be used if they are mounted to the car dashboard. Motorists can also utilize a Bluetooth or similar device such as earphones as long as only one earbud is being used, Manley said. That way, he said drivers could still hear the traffic around them.

The new law is intended to limit drivers' distractions and will make Austin roads safer, Manley said.