Austin's new hands-free ordinance becomes effective January 1, 2015 and all need to know what this means for our local citizens and those driving through the city. 

The hands-free initiative aims to increase safety by decreasing distractions when driving.  The ordinance - No. 20140828-041 prohibits the use of all hand-held portable electronic devices while operating a vehicle or bicycle. This includes:

• mobile phone
• personal digital assistant
• MP3 or other hand-held music player
• electronic reading device
• laptop computer                                                       
• pager
• broadband personal communication device
• GPS or navigation system
• electronic gaming device
• portable computing device

Now here is where things get a little interesting.

Ordinance No. 20091022-028 and Ordinance No. 20091217-090, prohibit the use of phones, tablets, or other devices used to compose an electronic message while moving. Distractions include:
• mobile phone texting
• using a cell phone for any reason
• eating and drinking
• talking to passengers
• grooming
• reading, including maps
• use of a navigation system
• watching a video
• adjusting a radio, CD player or MP3 Player

AVOID FINES OF UP TO $500

The hands-free initiative aims to increase safety by decreasing distractions while driving.