An illustration of a motorist using a cellphone near a school zone. Starting in October, the texting-while-driving law made it a violation for drivers to handle their wireless devices while driving in designated school crossings, school zones and work zones. Starting Jan. 1, the final parts of the law go into effect, and texting-while-driving becomes a primary offense, meaning drivers can be pulled over just for that and they will receive a ticket rather than a warning.