As motorists throughout Texas plan to take to the roads this Labor Day weekend, they should note there are several new state driving laws that take effect Tuesday.

Passed this past legislative session, these laws affect teen drivers, require booster seats for older children, limit cell phone use and are designed to promote safety.

Motorists should embrace lawmakers’ push to make our roadways safer and should familiarize themselves with these new rules:

* Teen drivers under age 18 who start the licensing process after Sept. 1 may not drive between midnight and 5 a.m. for a full year. They also may not drive with more than one passenger under age 21 or use wireless communication devices while driving for a year. Previously, teens had been restricted for six months.

* Teens also must take behind-the-wheel driving tests now to get their licenses, Department of Public Safety spokeswoman Tela Mange tells us.

* Beginning in March, all driver applicants ages 25 and younger will be required to take certified driver’s education courses. The state education department is developing a curriculum and should release it soon.

* Children under age 8 must ride in booster seats unless they are at least 4 feet 9 inches tall. Previously, children under age 5 and less than 36 inches tall were required to be in safety seats. Police warnings will be issued for nine months. Tickets will be given starting June 1, Mange says.

* Drivers in school zones may not use handheld wireless communication, including cell phones. Hands-free devices are permitted. Mange says all schools must put up signs to this effect in school zones.

We expect to see these signs and compliance throughout Waco soon.