Cellphone While Driving Ban Recommended by San Antonio Panel

Some South Texas city leaders have endorsed a proposal to ban the use of hand-held cellphones while driving.

The San Antonio City Council’s Public Safety Committee decided Wednesday to send the plan to the full council for a vote Oct. 30.

The proposal would ban dialing, viewing a screen and texting. It would apply to all vehicles on San Antonio streets, even those stopped in traffic or at lights.

The ban would not apply to drivers on private property, who are legally parked or to GPS devices. Drivers communicating with emergency responders and people with hands-free devices could still use cellphones.

The ban could take effect Jan. 1. San Antonio police Chief William McManus says there would likely be a 30-day grace period before $200 fines are issued.