Starting June 1, texting or e-mailing while driving will be illegal in Missouri City.

Following a national trend, Missouri City City Council gave final approval Monday night to an ordinance that prohibits the use of certain wireless communications devices while operating a motor vehicle.

Talking on a cell phone while driving is still permitted, council members noted, unless otherwise restricted by state law.

Using a cell phone in school zones is already outlawed in Missouri City, as in other Texas locations.

“The key is items that take your eye off the road,” Councilman Bobby Marshall said.

What the ordinance states

The Missouri City ordinance bans the use of wireless communications devices to “view, send or compose an electronic message or manually engage other application software while operating a motor vehicle upon any roadway in the city, including when stopped or standing.”

It is patterned after ordinances approved across the country, Police Chief Joel Fitzgerald said.

Exceptions to the ban would include emergencies or when a driver is stopped safely on the side of the road. Other “affirmative defenses” listed in the ordinance include dialing numbers, deactivating a phone call and using GPS devices.

Plenty of warning in advance

Missouri City police officers will be spreading the word about the new ordinance well in advance of its June 1 effective date – both on the street and at homeowner association meetings.

“I think that’s the fair thing to do,” Fitzgerald said.

Violations of this misdemeanor offense will be punishable by fines of not more than $500 per occurrence.

nancy@callnancyfurst.com