SAN ANTONIO -- A new law scheduled to go into effect next month will make it illegal for drivers to use cell phones without hands-free devices in school zones.

The law includes any use of a cell phone, including texting. San Antonio drivers shouldn't be too surprised, though, as the City Council launched a pilot program banning cell phone use sans a hands-free device in 18 school zones selected by the San Antonio police department for their respective histories of speeding.

"It's a danger to be texting or be distracted by anything, let alone cell phones, when you're driving," said SAPD Chief Bill McManus. "So I guess the word is, if you're entering these school zones, put your phone down."

To conform to the new state law, the city will have to replace its current signs.

"Right now, we're just putting them up in the 18 locations that were part of the pilot program," McManus said.

As funding becomes available -- about $1.4 million is the estimated cost for the 1,600 school zones -- they will be installed throughout the city. Violators will face fines of up to $200 if caught using a cell phone without a hands-free device. A list of the 18 school zones currently under the city's eye can be found on the city's Web site. (PDF)