The Rollingwood City Council approved a ban on the use of handheld electronic devices while driving and biking. The ordinance, passed and in effect on March 6, 2017, affects drivers and bicyclists within the city limits of Rollingwood.
Nearby Austin, Bee Cave, Lakeway, and West Lake Hills have similar ordinances in place. The Rollingwood ordinance provides a more cohesive expectation for drivers who travel the area, crossing from Rollingwood into other cities, as now mobile device usage in all districts is prohibited while driving, as well as while biking.
Hands-free usage of a wireless communication device, such as with a speakerphone or Bluetooth system, is allowed in Rollingwood with the new ordinance. Drivers also may use their mobile devices while stopped at a stop light within the city limits of Rollingwood.
Hands-free devices remain allowed in the entire area: Austin, Bee Cave, Lakeway, Rollingwood and West Lake Hills. Austin, Bee Cave, Lakeway, and West Lake Hills hands-free ordinances went into effect in 2015, and with the addition of Rollingwood, the entire Austin to Lakeway corridor is now hands-free only for mobile devices.
West Lake Hills also has a strict policy against all mobile device usage while in an active school zone.
In Austin and in Rollingwood, drivers still may use their devices while stopped at a stoplight.
Violations of the new Rollingwood City Council ordinance will result in a fine of up to $500. Fines in surrounding areas are similar.