Motorists in Schertz no longer will be able to use their cell phones while driving after City Council adopted a ban at its June 9 meeting.

The council voted 3-1 to approve an ordinance that prohibits drivers from using handheld wireless devices to make calls, text, view or take pictures, or play games while behind the wheel.

Supporting the ban were Councilmen Grumpy Azzoz, Jim Fowler and Robin Thompson. Mayor Pro Tem Cedric Edwards voted against the ordinance.

Schertz Police Chief Michael Hansen, who helped draft the policy, said the ordinance will go into effect once signage is put into place. He said officers will observe a grace period before issuing citations to violators.

Motorists will be able to use mobile devices to make calls or for GPS purposes if the devices are affixed to the vehicle. Other exceptions include a driver reporting illegal activity or an emergency to law enforcement or emergency officials, and police officers and firefighters carrying out their duties.(from mysanantonio.com)