Distracted driving news: Sen. Chris Hansen's proposed ban on handheld cell phone use by drivers has been signed into law by Gov. Jared Polis. It went into effect in mid-August. Fines from $75 to $250, with points vs. the license. The compromise version OK'd by lawmakers limited enforcement to secondary status, however. Hansen has cited "widespread and irresponsible cell phone usage while driving." The Colorado State Patrol handed out 90 citations and 91 warnings under the new state distracted driving law, in its first two months of full enforcement. Colorado first outlawed texting and … [Read more...]
Georgia: Cell phone laws, legislation
November 28, 2008 by 40 Comments
Cell phone legislation news: State Rep. John Carson continues to tinker with Georgia's distracted driving laws. The sponsor of 2018's Hands-Free Georgia Act returns with 2021-22 legislation that would remove the forgiveness for violators who buy hands-free kits. "It's time to close this loophole and save lives," he told reporters. The House agreed, backing his plan in early March. In 2020, Carson unsuccessfully sought to double the fines: "People are still using their phone because there’s not much deterrent" in the $50 cell phone fine, he said at the time. "The newness of it has worn … [Read more...]
Kansas: Cell phone laws, legislation
November 21, 2008 by 10 Comments
Cell phone, texting news: The House and Senate have approved a 2024 measure that would bar young motorists from using handheld cell phones. The plan also bars all drivers from using the devices in school and construction zones. "This is absolutely something we are behind the times on," said Minority Leader Vic Miller. The fine would be $60. The state's ban on text messaging while driving took effect Jan. 1, 2011. Kansas has no statewide limits on cell phone use by adult drivers. No cell phone legislation advanced in any of the sessions between 2010 and 2023. Current prohibitions: … [Read more...]
Washington state: Cell phone laws, legislation
November 20, 2008 by 16 Comments
Cell phone/texting news: 2023 was one of the deadliest years on Washington state roadways in recent decades. Almost 800 people died. There were 16,671 crashes linked to distracted driving with 121 of those resulting in a fatality, WSDOT reported in early 2024. The "Driving Under the Influence of Electronics Act" hiked fines and allows reporting of offenders to their insurance companies. The 2017 act doubles fines for repeat violations of texting or other uses of a handheld cell phone or other portable electronic device. Offenses become moving violations. "All too often from our own cars, … [Read more...]
Wisconsin: Cell phone laws, legislation
November 17, 2008 by 31 Comments
Cell phone, texting update: Gov. Tony Evers has signed into law designed to protect first responders and roadside workers. The act includes a ban on cell phone use in areas where an accident or similar incident has occurred. The act also requires the DOT to educate the public on the dangers of cell phone use in emergency-response areas. The bill was authored by state Rep. Katrina Shankland and enacted Dec. 6, 2021. Madison area officials want to use Metro buses to catch texting & driving offenders. Dane County deputies would ride buses during off-peak hours and would notify officers at … [Read more...]
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