Connecticut: Cell phone laws, legislation
Last updated: January 30, 2010 · Print this report
Texting, cell phone news: Gov. M. Jodie Rell is proposing tougher penalties for motorists using handheld cell phones as well as a new ban on text messaging. She’ll submit legislation to the 2010 General Assembly session, which runs Feb. 3-May 5.
Current prohibitions:
Adult drivers (18 and older) must use hands-free devices while talking on cell phones or using a “mobile electronic device” (includes texting devices such as PDAs).
Minors are prohibited from using wireless phones or other mobile electronic device while driving — with or without hands-free devices.
School bus operators prohibited from using cell phones while driving.
Use of video game players and DVD players banned for drivers.
2010 legislation:
Gov. M. Jodie Rell plans to submit legislation that would toughen the existing law against driving while using a handheld cell phone. In addition, text messaging while driving would be banned, the Hartford Courant reported on Jan. 30.
Rell seeks to eliminate the 2005 law’s one-time forgiveness policy for violators who then buy hands-free accessories such as Bluetooth headsets
2009 legislation
HB 6060: Would prohibit text messaging by all drivers.
HB 5123: Would increase fines for handheld cell phone use by drivers in Connecticut from $100 to $150.
HB 6066: Would increase fines for handheld cell phone use by drivers from $100 to $200.
HB 6410: Would allow members of armed forces to use handheld cell phones while driving if on duty. Approved by House on April 29, 2009.
HB 6059: Seeks additional fines of $500 for causing an accident while on a handheld cell phone. If accident results in a death, $500 plus one-year suspension of driver’s license.
Legislation notes:
Connecticut’s prohibitions on handheld cell phones were enacted in October 2005 via HB 6722.
Please – Give me the opportunity to earn an extra $100 by spotting cell phone law breakers and reporting their license plates to the DMV. I could have earned $500 just in my 17 minute drive this morning between Maple Street in Cheshire and the Route 66 exit on 691.
And when I was nearly run down two weeks ago by a woman in a shopping plaza who was talking on her cell phone, drinking her soda and driving through the parking lot (all at the same time), I would have ratted her out in a second if there had been someone to complain to.
IF the hands-free cell phone law was as effective as it was hoped to be -way back in September/October of 2005; and IF there were more police officers and state troopers on the major highways and local roads ACTIVELY pursuing the cell phone law breakers, I would never have to write this note.
Give us – the headset-using public – the opportunity to make a little extra cash and this hands-free cell phone issue would be over.