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File #: 16-5355    Version: 1 Name: Cell Phone Use Ordinance Revision
Type: Ordinance Status: Adopted
File created: 1/22/2016 In control: City Attorney
On agenda: 2/2/2016 Final action: 2/2/2016
Title: An ordinance amending Chapter 25 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Grand Prairie, Texas, amending Section 23-13, Use of Wireless Communication Devices while Driving; providing for a fine of up to $200 for each offense in violation of the ordinance; providing this ordinance be cumulative, providing a savings clause, providing publication and an effective date
From
Megan Mahan

Title
An ordinance amending Chapter 25 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Grand Prairie, Texas, amending Section 23-13, Use of Wireless Communication Devices while Driving; providing for a fine of up to $200 for each offense in violation of the ordinance; providing this ordinance be cumulative, providing a savings clause, providing publication and an effective date

Presenter
Megan Mahan, Assistant City Attorney

Recommended Action
Approve

Analysis
The original cell phone use ordinance became effective September 1, 2013. After prosecuting this offense for several years, the prosecutor’s office is requesting that a few changes be made to the wording of the ordinance. It does not affect the content or application of the ordinance. These changes are merely for clarity. We believe that these changes will make the offense easier to prosecute and explain to a jury. It will also make it easier for our citizens to read and understand.

Financial Consideration
There is no financial impact as a result of this change.

Body
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 25 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF GRAND PRAIRIE, TEXAS, AMENDING SECTION 25-13, USE OF WIRELESS COMMUNICATION DEVICES WHILE DRIVING; PROVIDING FOR A FINE OF UP TO $200 FOR EACH OFFENSE IN VIOLATION OF THE ORDINANCE; PROVIDING THIS ORDINANCE BE CUMULATIVE, PROVIDING A SAVINGS CLAUSE, PROVIDING PUBLICATION AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE

BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GRAND PRAIRIE, TEXAS:

WHEREAS: the City Council finds that the use of a wireless communication device to send, read, or write a text message, view pictures or written text, whether transmitted by internet or other electronic means, engage in gaming or any other use of the device, besides dialing telephone numbers, or talking to another person while operating a moving motor vehicle, is a traffic hazard, a danger to the public and creates a particular danger or probability of danger in the City of Grand Prai...

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