Motorists who talk on cell phones while driving through Lampasas school zones soon could face fines of as much as $200.

The Lampasas City Council on Monday approved an ordinance that will allow the Lampasas Police Department to enforce a new state law restricting cellular phone use by motorists in school zones.

House Bill 55, which took effect Sept. 1, prohibits the operator of a motor vehicle from using a wireless communication device within a school zone unless the vehicle is stopped or the driver uses a handsfree device. Emergency calls are allowed.

Black-and-white signs to be placed directly below school zone speed limit markers will read, "Cell phone use prohibited; up to $200 fine." Warning signs must be posted for the new law to be enforced.

Mayor Judy Hetherly, Mayor Pro Tem Les Gerhardt and council members Wanda Bierschwale, John Cole and Jerry Grayson voted for the ordinance. Councilman Evan Stubbs voted against it, and Councilman Brad Neely abstained.

Stubbs asked if the council could authorize sign placement in school zones, with the exception of along Key Avenue. Stubbs said he is not sure how many students cross Key, and he added that many out-oftown motorists drive through Lampasas on the highway.

Ms. Hetherly, however, said Key Avenue crossings are among the city's most dangerous.

Cole encouraged the City Council to adopt an ordinance -- which he said could be amended later -- before a strict national policy is enacted.