[image id="9197" title="It's not just for school zones anymore. Holding a cell phone in your hands will driving in Corpus Christi is now banned. Fines up to $500 begin Nov. 11." class="size-medium wp-image-17002" width="300" height="300" ] It's not just for school zones anymore. Holding a cell phone in your hands will driving in Corpus Christi is now banned. Fines up to $500 begin Nov. 11.

HANDS FREE CELL PHONE NOW THE LAW — Holding a cell phone in your hand while driving in Corpus Christi could cost you $500. At least as of Nov. 11, it could. Between now and then, it will net you a warning and a bright orange flyer explaining the new cell phone ordinance approved by the city council earlier this month.

Some 5,000 flyers have been printed, so be informed and set yourself up with hands-free calling in your car. The ordinance exempts hands-free usage as well as drivers making emergency calls. First responders are also exempted.

The unanimously approved ordinance aims at reducing an increase the city has seen in hit-and-run accidents over the past year.

Talking and texting are not the only activities banned. Drivers using the global positioning system (GPS) on their phone can also be cited. The law only applies while the car is moving, so pull over to use this website — which adapts quite well to handheld devices, so try it out — to find your way to your next vacation destination!