Wyoming: Cell phone laws, legislation

Distracted driving update: A law that outlaws text messaging for all drivers in Wyoming goes into effect in July 2010. Gov. Dave Freudenthal signed the texting ban into law on March 11. Wyoming became the 20th state to ban use of handheld text messaging devices while driving.

Current prohibitions:
None

2010 cell phone/texting legislation:
SF 20: Bans text messaging devices by all drivers on Wyoming’s roads and highways. Primary enforcement with a fine of $75. Backed by the House transportation committee on Feb. 8. Preliminary approval by full Senate on a voice vote, Feb. 10. Approved by the House on March 3 (third reading). Sent to governor Gov. Dave Freudenthal, who signed it a week later. The ban on driving and texting goes into effect on July 1. (Esquibel)

2010 legislative notes:
An effort to water down the (now approved) text messaging bill SF 20 was defeated in the House on March 2, in a 24-30 vote. Rep. Roy Cohee, R-Casper, said the amendment that would have limited enforcement to secondary status — meaning police would need another reason to stop violators — was an attempt to gut the bill.

SF 20 sponsor state Sen. Floyd Esquibel, D-Cheyenne, said that while his newly minted law banning text messaging does apply to all drivers, it is aimed at the generation hooked on texting. The new law is “primarily for an age group that is already at high risk simply because of age,” he said after the measure was approved.

Rep. Debbie Hammons, D-Worland, sponsored the successful text messaging legislation in the House. She told the Casper Star-Tribune that passage of SF 20 won’t translate into a handheld cell phone ban: “I think they’ve never been able to get anywhere with a cell phone ban.”

The City of Green River’s ban on text messaging and using handheld cell phones is expected to take effect in March 2010. Fines will be $65 for the first violation, then $210. The measure passed a second reading on Feb. 2.

2009 cell/texting legislation:
SF 63 would ban the use of text messaging devices for drivers.

SF 64 would prohibit drivers’ use of cell phones unless a hands-free accessory is employed. Also would ban use of the cell phone for text messaging. Exemption for CB radios. (Legislation removed from active status.)

SF 65 would restrict holders of learners/restricted driver’s licenses from using cell phones without a hands-free device. Includes use of the cell phone for texting. (Legislation removed from active status, “indefinitely postponed.”)

HB 256 would outlaw use of cell phones while driving unless a hands-free accessory or dial-free “push to talk” feature is employed. Also would prohibit use of the cell phone for text messaging. (Legislation removed from active status.)

2009 legislative notes:

SF 63 and SF 65 were approved in the Transportation and Highways committee on Jan. 23.

The transportation committee chairman, Sen. Michael Von Flatern, R-Gillette, said SF 64 was not ready for consideration.

All three Senate bills were authored by Sen. Floyd Esquibel, D-Laramie. (Note: SF stands for Senate file.)

HB 256 was sponsored by Rep. Del McOmie, R-Fremont, a previous member of the transportation committee.