With schools now open again, motorists in school zones should be aware that talking on a cell phone with the device in hand is now illegal in an active school zone.
The law states that it's an offense - Class C misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $50 - for a person to knowingly operate a motor vehicle in any marked school zone in this state, when a warning flasher or flashers are in operation, and talking on a hand-held mobile telephone while the vehicle is in motion.
However, the offense is not committed if the telephone is equipped with a hands-free device, for drivers 18 years of age and older.
A driver under age 18 is breaking the law talking either using a hands-free or handheld phone while driving through an active school zone.