GENTRY -- Police in Gentry are reminding drivers that any use of a cell phone -- unless it is by a hands-free mode -- in a school zone (or construction zone) is prohibited by state law and drivers can be cited.
The only exception for drivers is in the case of an emergency.
On-duty police are exempted from the law, but Keith Smith, Gentry Police Chief, said his department's policy is to allow officers to make use of the exception only in the case of emergency communications.
State law already prohibits texting, checking email or browsing the Internet while driving.
Enforcement of the law is secondary, meaning that drivers cannot be stopped solely for use of a cell phone but can be cited if stopped for any other primary offense or infraction.
Smith said he wants to remind drivers of the law and enforcement actions because he is concerned about the safety of school children and other motorists in the busy school zones.
General News on 08/27/2014