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Tulsa council enacts emergency ban on handheld devices in school and construction zones
Summary
The Tulsa City Council unanimously approved an ordinance adding section 6-67 to Title 37 prohibiting holding handheld communication devices in school and road construction zones, approved with an emergency clause to take effect upon the mayor's signature.
The Tulsa City Council voted Dec. 10 to adopt an ordinance amending Title 37 of the Tulsa Revised Ordinances by adding section 6-67, which prohibits holding or using a handheld communication device in marked school zones or road construction zones. The council approved the ordinance on second reading with an emergency clause, meaning it will take effect immediately once signed by the mayor.
Councilors framed the action as aligning city code with state policy and a public-safety measure to protect vulnerable pedestrians. During announcements, a councilor said the vote was meant to draw attention to roadway safety: "We just wanted to flag to everyone that you shouldn't be texting and driving, especially in school and construction zones," the councilor said, urging drivers to keep their eyes on the road.
The ordinance text (described during the meeting) targets holding or using a handheld telephone while operating a motor vehicle in a marked school or construction zone; the council moved and approved the measure with the emergency clause on the construction-zone provision. The council did not record substantive public opposition during the meeting. The ordinance will take effect upon the mayor's signature and be enforced under the penalties described in Title 37.
Next steps: The ordinance goes to the mayor for signature; enforcement details and effective date will be determined once the mayor signs the measure.
