Yaris in a fatal accident

[nookandcrannycar]

Originally Posted by MadMax

San Antonio passed an ordinance that went into effect on 1 Jan 2015 that prohibited the use of a mobile device while operating a motor vehicle. That includes calling, texting, GPS and not only while moving but also sitting at stop lights, etc. At first there was wide compliance, but since not a lot of citations have been written it appears people are beginning to ignore it. We need greater enforcement and even a state-wide ban!

Just out of curiosity, is there a specific definition of 'operating' that pertains just to that statute? Someone might be pulled into a parking space, have the emergency brake on, and just want to make some calls re their business. In another state, at this time of year, one might be able to comfortably do that without having to do anything else. In most of Texas, at this time of year, that same scenario would pretty much require one to also have the engine running to enable use of the A/C. Would that 'parked in a space scenario' technically be considered 'operating' just because engine needed to be engaged re the A/C?

[MadMax]

Originally Posted by nookandcrannycar

Just out of curiosity, is there a specific definition of 'operating' that pertains just to that statute? Someone might be pulled into a parking space, have the emergency brake on, and just want to make some calls re their business. In another state, at this time of year, one might be able to comfortably do that without having to do anything else. In most of Texas, at this time of year, that same scenario would pretty much require one to also have the engine running to enable use of the A/C. Would that 'parked in a space scenario' technically be considered 'operating' just because engine needed to be engaged re the A/C?

Here's the ordinance...

https://www.sanantonio.gov/portals/0...nance-2015.pdf

To be honest, I doubt anyone would be ticketed for using a cell phone while parked in a spot. However, while on public roads they would be fair game. However, there are a few exceptions for reporting emergencies...

[nookandcrannycar]

Originally Posted by MadMax

Here's the ordinance...

https://www.sanantonio.gov/portals/0...nance-2015.pdf

To be honest, I doubt anyone would be ticketed for using a cell phone while parked in a spot. However, while on public roads they would be fair game. However, there are a few exceptions for reporting emergencies...

Thanks for the link . Sounds pretty reasonable overall, and it seems as though the scenario I outlined in my question wouldn't cause a violation. Some people might argue that.....since, by design, the violation doesn't go on your driving record and does generate revenue.....it is incorrect to say the point is safety rather than revenue generation.

I got one of these tickets mailed to me a few years ago (with video link) re a left turn from a left turn lane at an intersection in The Woodlands that I had never been through before (had a virtually non existent yellow light ). I paid $75.00 after learning that it was a 'no record' ticket, but that (IIRC) not paying it would just tack the amount onto my car registration. I don't know if that intersection in The Woodlands still has that same setup. There used to be a similar setup at the corner of West Loop South (the 610 Loop feeder road) and Westheimer Road (about a block from the main part of the Houston Galleria Shopping Center), but so many people complained re tickets that the camera was deactivated re that purpose.