Distracted driving news: A handheld cell phone ban took full effect Jan. 1, 2021. Primary enforcement. Fines are $75 for a first offense, then $150, then $300. The final bill (HB 614) signed by Gov. Brad Little was the same as one passed earlier by the Senate, but with a consideration for agriculture functions. "Remember lives are lost to this needless carnage on our roads and our highways," sponsor Sen. Chuck Winder told lawmakers before the vote on his original bill. The so-called "100 Deadliest Days" proved a bit less lethal in Idaho in 2020. 78 people died in crashes on Idaho's roads … [Read more...]
Archives for December 2008
Nevada: Cell phone laws, legislation
December 22, 2008 by 57 Comments
Cell, texting news: Assemblywoman Michelle Gorelow proposed a modification of the distracted driving laws permitting police to search a driver's cell phone to determine if it contributed to a crash. Allows for police use of a "investigative technology device" such as a textalyzer. Gorelow retreated in early March 2019 on a provision that if a driver refused to hand over the mobile phone, automatic license suspension goes into effect. The legislation was ignored, regardless. The next session begins Feb. 1, 2021. While the Highway Patrol notes that the state's distracted driving law is … [Read more...]
Pennsylvania: Cell phone laws, legislation
December 19, 2008 by 37 Comments
Pennsylvania cell phone/texting news: The state's hands-free cell phone law goes into full effect in early June 2025. It was championed by state Sen. Rosemary Brown and signed into law by Gov. Josh Shapiro last June 5. "I have met too many people with injuries they’ll live with for the rest of their lives because they were hit by a distracted driver," Shapiro said. The new law calls for a $50 fine and primary enforcement. There was a 12-month (written) warning period. Pennsylvania's texting law went into effect in March 2012. Police continue to complain it is difficult to enforce because … [Read more...]
Mississippi: Cell phone laws, legislation
December 19, 2008 by 11 Comments
Cell phone/texting news: State Rep. Jill Ford resurrected her handheld cell phone measure for the 2022 session. HB 429 would outlaw use of cell phones for calling, texting or using the Internet unless used in hands-free mode. The offense would be a misdemeanor and carry a $500 fine. The plan was shot down last year in the Judiciary Committee. Another attempt perished in the pandemic-shortened session of 2020. Ford said she was "hopeful to get some momentum from law enforcement." Mississippi's statewide distracted driving law continues to allow use of cell phones by drivers, meaning the … [Read more...]
Utah: Cell phone & texting laws, legislation
December 17, 2008 by 7 Comments
Cell phone/texting news: State Rep. Carol Spackman Moss says she's leaning toward making a fifth attempt at a handheld cell phone law in 2023. Moss isn't sure she can prevail over the "personal freedom" GOP lawmakers, but she cites "a crisis" on the roadways. Her HB 160 of 2021 suffered a quick defeat. In 2020, her plan passed both houses but died awaiting a final vote. "I think I owe it to (survivor families) to keep trying," she has said. Moss says opponents have "lots of excuses" for not passing a distracted driving bill. Meanwhile, state roadway fatalities are at a two-decade high … [Read more...]
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