Leesville Police Will Begin Enforcing Cellphone School Zone Law

The Louisiana city of Leesville will begin putting up signs in the next few days to remind drivers that a new state law prohibits them from using cellphones in a school zone.

Police Chief Greg Hill says officers weren’t allowed to enforce the law, which took effect Aug. 1, until signs were posted.

Hill tells the American Press a backlog likely caused the delay in sending the signs, which will be posted alongside school zone signs.

Mayor Rick Allen said police will begin enforcing the law one month after the signs go up. First-time offenders can be fined up to $175; repeat offenses can garner fines of up to $500. Traffic accidents involving phone use could lead to doubled fines.