Last Updated on June 6, 2025 by Beltz Law Group
Caught Using Your Cell Phone in a School Zone in Dallas County? Protect Your Driving Record.
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Serious Penalties. Expert Legal Defense. Call The Beltz Law Group Today: 214-321-4105
In Texas, the law takes the safety of children around schools very seriously, and that includes strict rules about cell phone use in school zones. If you’ve received a ticket for using your cell phone in a school zone in Dallas County, it’s crucial to understand that this is more than just a minor traffic infraction. These tickets carry enhanced penalties and can negatively impact your driving record.
At The Beltz Law Group, we have extensive experience defending traffic tickets across Dallas County, including those issued in school zones. Our goal is to protect your driving record, prevent increased insurance rates, and safeguard your driving privileges.
The Law: Cell Phone Use in School Zones in Texas
The use of wireless communication devices in school zones is specifically addressed in the Texas Transportation Code, Section 545.4252. Use of Wireless Communication Device on School Property; Offense.
(b) Except as provided by Section 545.425(c), an operator may not use a wireless communication device while operating a motor vehicle on the property of a public elementary, middle, junior high, or high school for which a local authority has designated a school crossing zone, during the time a reduced speed limit is in effect.
In plain language, this means:
- Hands-Free Only (Generally): During the time a reduced speed limit is in effect in a school crossing zone, you generally cannot use a handheld wireless communication device while operating a vehicle.
- “Operating a Motor Vehicle”: This typically means while the vehicle is in motion. However, some interpretations or local ordinances may extend to being stopped at a traffic light within the zone.
- “Reduced Speed Limit”: The law applies specifically when the school zone lights are flashing or signs indicate that the reduced speed limit is active.
Important Exceptions to the Rule (Affirmative Defenses):
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While the law is strict, there are specific situations where cell phone use in a school zone may be permissible, serving as an affirmative defense to prosecution under Texas Transportation Code Section 545.425(c):
- Emergency Calls: You are generally allowed to use your device to make an emergency call to:
- Emergency response services (e.g., 911)
- A hospital, fire department, health clinic, or medical doctor’s office
- An individual to administer first aid treatment
- A police department
- Hands-Free Devices: The law allows the use of a wireless communication device with a hands-free device, meaning it has speakerphone capability or can be used without the use of either of the driver’s hands.
- Vehicle is Stopped: The law typically applies when “operating a motor vehicle.” If your vehicle is completely stopped (e.g., pulled over safely to the side of the road, or in a parking space), the prohibition may not apply. (Note: Being stopped at a red light in a lane of traffic may still be considered “operating” by some courts.)
- Emergency Vehicles: An operator of an authorized emergency vehicle acting in an official capacity is exempt.
Penalties and Why You Need a Lawyer in Dallas County
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A ticket for using a cell phone in a school zone carries a higher fine than a standard cell phone violation. Fines can typically range from $200 to $250 or more in Dallas County municipal courts, including court costs. More importantly, this is a moving violation that will appear on your driving record.
A conviction can lead to:
- Increased Insurance Premiums: Your auto insurance provider will see this conviction and can significantly raise your rates for several years.
- Negative Driving Record Impact: Even a single moving violation can accumulate on your record and, if combined with other infractions, could contribute to potential driver’s license suspension by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS).
The Beltz Law Group is highly experienced in defending these types of tickets in Dallas County municipal courts (such as Dallas Municipal Court, Garland Municipal Court, Mesquite Municipal Court, Irving Municipal Court, Farmers Branch Municipal Court, etc.).
Here’s how we can help protect your driving record:
- Thorough Case Evaluation: We will discuss the specific details of your situation, including where you were, what you were doing with your phone, and the conditions of the school zone at the time. This helps us identify potential defenses or mitigating circumstances.
- Identifying Defenses: We’ll determine if any of the affirmative defenses apply to your situation (e.g., emergency call, hands-free device, vehicle stopped).
- Negotiation for Dismissal or Deferred Disposition: Our primary goal is to get your ticket dismissed entirely. If not possible, we will vigorously negotiate with the prosecutor for deferred disposition. This allows you to pay a special expense fee and complete a probationary period, after which the citation is dismissed and kept off your driving record.
- Court Representation: In most cases, you will not need to appear in court. Our attorneys will represent you, handling all necessary appearances and legal proceedings.
- Warrant Resolution: If you ignored the ticket and a warrant has been issued, we can act quickly to get the warrant lifted and then proceed to resolve the underlying citation.
Don’t let a school zone cell phone ticket become a costly mark on your driving record. The potential consequences are serious, but with experienced legal representation, you have a much better chance of protecting your future.
If you’ve received a cell phone in school zone ticket in Dallas County, contact The Beltz Law Group today for a confidential consultation. Let us put our experience to work for you.
