Agenda Information Sheet
DEPARTMENT: Police Department
CM/ ACM: John Cabrales, Jr.
Date: December 6, 2016
SUBJECT
Title
Consider adoption of an ordinance of the City of Denton, Texas amending Section 18-38 of the Code of Ordinances relating to the use of wireless communication devices while driving to prohibit the use of wireless communication devices while operating a motor vehicle; providing a repealer clause; providing for a penalty as a Class C Misdemeanor for violations of this ordinance; and providing for an effective date. Traffic Safety Commission recommends approval (5-0).
Body
BACKGROUND
On May 6, 2014, the City Council adopted Ordinance 2014-112 prohibiting texting while driving on any roadway within the City of Denton, excluding the interstate highways and their associated frontage roads. City Council requested reconsideration of Ordinance 2014-112 to strengthen restrictions on handheld communication devices on all roadways in the City limits. On February 23, 2016, City Council received a presentation on this issue, including data concerning distracted driving and the effectiveness of police enforcement since the ordinance was effectuated.
City Council directed staff to take the issue to the Traffic Safety Commission for consideration. On March 7, 2016, staff made a presentation to the Traffic Safety Commission and received direction to amend the current ordinance to allow drivers the use of hands-free only devices for all roadways. On May 2, 2016, staff provided a formal recommendation to the Traffic Safety Commission on the matter. The Commission recommended forwarding to City Council a complete ban on the use of handheld devices while driving (5-0).
On June 7, 2016, City Council received a presentation on the issue including information on crash factors, fatality crashes, and enforcement of the current ordinance in the City. Council Members requested a report with additional data. The item was scheduled and then reset from the June 2...
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