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Enid adopts updated driving code and new mobile-device section with emergency effect
Summary
The City Commission adopted three ordinances updating municipal traffic code to require physical possession of a license on demand, relocate texting-while-driving rules, and add a consolidated mobile-device section with exceptions for voice commands; all were passed with emergency clauses, 7-0.
The City Commission unanimously approved a package of traffic code changes aimed at aligning local ordinances with recent state law and improving officer safety.
Mandy, a city presenter, explained the first ordinance updates section 6-1-5 to require drivers to provide physical possession of a driver’s license to a peace officer on demand (rather than merely displaying it at a window). She said the change mirrors state language and was prompted by officer-safety concerns when drivers held licenses up at windows rather than handing them to officers.
A second ordinance removes certain texting-and-driving subsections from their prior location and relocates them to a single chapter to reflect recent state-law changes and to update penalties for failure to devote attention to driving.
The third ordinance creates a new section (6-5-11) consolidating definitions, penalties and exceptions for use of mobile devices while driving. Mandy said the code includes an exception for voice commands and hands-free voice-activated text or calls as long as they are not distracting.
Commissioners voted to adopt each ordinance and to declare each an emergency, which makes them effective immediately; each motion passed on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners asked clarifying questions about the voice-command exception and how the ordinance applies in school and construction zones.
