DEPARTMENT: San Antonio Police Department (SAPD) Transportation and Capital Improvements (TCI)
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Anthony Trevino and Terry Bellamy
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: City-wide
SUBJECT:
Briefing on effort to install signs at City entry points alerting the public to the recently approved ordinance prohibiting the use of a hand-held mobile communication device while operating a motor vehicle.
SUMMARY:
This item will provide a briefing and staff's recommendation on the installation of signs at the City's entry points alerting the public to the ordinance prohibiting the use of a hand-held mobile communication device while operating a mother vehicle that went into effect January 1, 2015.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
On November 6, 2014, City Council approved a "Hands Free" Ordinance prohibiting the use of a hand-held mobile communication device while operating a motor vehicle. The Ordinance took effect on January 1, 2015 with a 30-day grace period. Only warning citations were issued during the first 30 days following the effective date of the Ordinance to allow the City of San Antonio to inform the public about the importance and requirements of the new Ordinance. Regulations pertaining to the use of hand-held mobile communication devices while operating a motor vehicle can be found in Section 19-255 of the City Ordinance. An offense under this section is subject to a fine of not more than $200. San Antonio Police Department (SAPD) has issued approximately 6,000 citations for hands-free ordinance violations in the first five months of 2015.
In efforts of informing the public of the new "Hands Free" ordinance, the SAPD PIO Office began a public education effort. In early December, SAPD produced two Public Service Announcements (PSA's) to encourage San Antonio Drivers to "Keep 'Em on The Wheel". The PSA's were produced to appeal to a wide range of demographics, but with the same consistent message. The PSA's notified the ...
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