Austinites who use their cellphone or other electronics while driving may face a sizable fine starting next month.

The Austin Police Department will be issuing warning tickets to drivers caught using mobile devices until Feb. 1. After that date, drivers caught using their devices will be fined up to $500.

The Austin City Council passed the ordinance last August.

“I have no knowledge of the hands-free initiative,” junior Jorge Roque said.

Many students, like Roque, did not know about the ban.

The city is utilizing many forms of communication besides media outlets to inform the public of the change. The scrolling messages on Capital Metro buses have for the last few weeks read “ATX is hands-free.”

City Council Member Sabino “Pio” Renteria, whose district includes St. Edward’s University, says he supports the ban because he has witnessed accidents related to distracted driving.

“The light turned green, the driver was distracted and he hit her, T-boned her,” Renteria said.

He says he regularly reminds his own grandchildren that using their phones can wait until they arrive at their destination.

Just two weeks into 2015, APD has already reported seven car crash fatalities. The advice Renteria has for St. Edward’s students was to acknowledge before getting behind the wheel that there can be truly devastating consequences.

“Really pay attention. An accident can change your life,” Renteria said.

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