New Ark. Laws Prohibits Cell Phone Use Near Schools, Highway Work Zones

Two new Arkansas laws restrict drivers from using their cell phones near schools and in highway work zones.

The Southwest Times record reports that starting Saturday, police gained the power to ticket motorists for using a mobile phone when driving near a school when children are present.

Mobile phone use is also now prohibited while driving through highway work zones while children are present.

The law prohibits both talking and texting while driving in those areas.

The laws aren’t primary offenses, meaning officers can’t pull over a motorist for one of those offenses alone. But a driver stopped for speeding or some other offense could get an extra ticket, thanks to the new laws.