Cedar Park and Leander have few limits on cell phone use while driving. But as of Jan. 1 drivers in Austin must put down their cell phones and keep their hands on the steering wheel. Austin previously had a ban on texting while driving, but the city’s new hands-free law further restricts drivers and bicyclists from picking up their handheld phones, laptops, GPS units or other electronic devices while their vehicle or bicycle is in motion. Violators face potential fines up to $500. Lt. Robert Richman with the Austin Police Department said throughout January officers issued only warnings to drivers who were touching their cell phones or other devices. Officers may continue to issue warnings to drivers on a case-by-case basis, but officers are now enforcing the hands-free law similar to how they enforce speed limits, Richman said. “We want to make sure that people are changing the [hazardous driving] behavior,” he said. “We’re not just trying to go out there and increase the number of citations.” The enforcement affects drivers in southern Cedar Park who may not realize they are crossing into Austin—no signs on major roads indicate the city limit. Some areas, such as Lakeline Mall, fall under the Cedar Park ZIP code of 78613 but are actually in Austin. On some Austin roadways the city will install new signs about the hands-free ordinance as a courtesy, Richman said. Officers will enforce the law only within Austin city limits, but drivers will not be able to plead ignorance of the law or ignorance of being within the city limits, he said. “We want to reduce the crashes, fatalities and serious injuries specifically by reducing the amount of distractions,” Richman said. Austin City Council passed the law Aug. 28 after an advisory group studied the issue and made recommendations that shaped the ordinance. Distracted driving leads to vehicle accidents, which lead to slower travel times, said Brian Manley, Austin Police Department assistant chief. However, Cedar Park and Leander officials said they have no plans for similar laws. The city of Cedar Park allows drivers to touch and use cell phones, but officers will stop motorists who are driving carelessly or recklessly. The Leander city code only references state law restricting cell phone use in school zones, City Manager Kent Cagle said. Officer Elizabeth Conrad, a community services officer with the Leander Police Department, said the department wants to promote general safety while driving. “We encourage people to use their mobile devices safely and responsibly,” Conrad said. “But in the end it is the choice of the individual [of] whether they choose to use a mobile device while driving or not.”