A bill that originated in Pottsboro became a statewide law today. Several changes are in store for teenage drivers under the new law. One of those changes--it's now illegal for anyone under 18 to talk on a cell phone while driving.

Texas teens will now have to wait until they are 18 years old before they can use a cell phone while driving.

"I don't think the government should be enforcing when we get to use our cell phones," said 20 year-old driver Charlie Straka whose father feels differently.

"I think it's ultimately for a good reason. I think it's hard to control kids under 18. I know what I was like when I was that age," said Randy Straka, Charlie’s father.

Pottsboro Police Chief Brett Arterburn helped start the Less Tears More Years campaign 2 years ago after two teens were killed in separate car accidents in his city. Arterburn was in Austin Thursday with the parents of those two teenagers, as they witnessed Governor Rick Perry sign the bill into law.

"It feels good that everybody comes together and work hard to get this thing pushed through. It is nice to see the end result and hopefully in the long run we can save lives," said Chief Arterburn.

It's a $200 fine for teens under 18 who use cell phones while driving. The law will also bring back the skills test requirement for teens trying to get licenses, and add more required hours of driving experience.

"Basically it is going to put some checks and balances in the system to make sure there are checks and balances in the system," said Chief Arterburn. "It gives them more experience behind the wheel so they can understand the dangers and put driving back as the primary focus instead of secondary focus."

Another person who pushed for this bill to become law is State Representative Larry Phillips. The Less Tears More Years law, which started back in August of 2007, will go into effect statewide on September 1st.