Cell phone and texting news: State Sen. Shelley Mayer has proposed a two-year pilot program for field testing of the so-called "textalyzer" technology. The study envisioned by S2687 would be in Westchester County. The Governor's Traffic Safety Committee also has the technology under study. Gov. Andrew Cuomo said the panel will report back on "the effectiveness of using this emerging technology to crack down on this reckless behavior and thoroughly evaluate its implications." Three public forums were held on the issue. The textalyzer, developed by an Israeli company, would allow police to scan … [Read more...]
Michigan vote: Yes on text, no on cell
December 5, 2008 by 1 Comment
The Michigan House voted to ban text messaging by drivers, but once again rejected a plan to restrict yakking motorists to handheld cell phones. The HB 5117 texting prohibition was approved by a strong 68-32 vote on Dec. 4. The legislation now must clear the Senate. The text-message vote specifics were not recorded due to the sponsor's request. Rep. Gino Polidori, D-Dearborn, was quoted as saying he expected his cell phone legislation HB 4982 to fail, which it did in a vote that wasn't close. "It's just a matter of time," Polidori said. "It will be back again next session. ... "Keeping … [Read more...]
Hawaii: cell phone laws, legislation
December 4, 2008 by 21 Comments
Cell phone, text messaging news: Honolulu has barred pedestrians from viewing handheld (or portable) mobile devices while crossing a street. Fines: $15 to $99 depending on number of previous infractions. The City Council vote was 7-2 and the mayor signed off on the ordinance in late July 2017. There were 114 convictions between October 2017, when the law took effect, and July 2018. "Sometimes I wish there were laws we did not have to pass -- that perhaps common sense would prevail," Mayor Kirk Caldwell said. "But sometimes we lack common sense." Officials cited the rising number of accidents … [Read more...]
Michigan: Cell phone & texting laws, bills
December 4, 2008 by 35 Comments
Distracted driving news: A handheld cell phone ban for drivers took effect June 30, 2023. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed off on the three-bill distracted driving package June 7, as expected. The new law amends and expands state texting & driving regulations. Primary enforcement with fines from $100 to $250, plus possible points and community service. Law officers wrote 887 citations in the first six months, plus a similar number of warnings. "As a mom," Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has long supported an upgrade in the distracted driving laws. HB 4252 sponsor state Rep. Mike Mueller has said: "What … [Read more...]
U.S. cell phone, texting laws at a glance
December 3, 2008 by 22 Comments
An up-to-date listing of cell phone and texting restrictions across the States. Click on the state's name to view a full report on its distracted driving laws and pending legislation. Alabama: Handheld cell phone use and text messaging while driving illegal for anyone driving in the state of Alabama. Secondary enforcement. Alaska: Drivers are banned from text-messaging or watching videos. Arizona: Handheld cell phone use barred. School bus operators prohibited from using cell phones while driving. Arkansas: All drivers prohibited from text messaging. Drivers under 18 may not use … [Read more...]
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