Distracted driving news: The Colorado State Patrol cites increased enforcement of the state's hands-free cell phone law, which went into effect in mid-2024. In 2025, 456 citations were handed out, CSP says. That compares with 126 the year before. The law's author, state Sen. Chris Hansen, pointed to "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 the use of cell phones by teen … [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: Lawmakers have signed off on prohibiting the use of handheld cell phones in the state's school and construction zones. The 2026 plan comes once again with a $60 fine and would take full effect in the summer of 2027. The House and Senate OK'd the plan in mid-March and the bill proceeds to Gov. Laura Kelly. Kansas has the third-highest rate of fatalities due to distracted driving, but only bars texting & driving. The state's ban on text messaging while driving took effect Jan. 1, 2011. There are no statewide limits on cell phone use by adult drivers. No cell phone … [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: Police will have the option of impounding vehicles used by first-time reckless drivers under a measure signed into law by Gov. Tony Evers. The previous version of the law allowed police to tow vehicles after a driver's second or subsequent biolation. "Whether it's distracted driving, speeding, or erratic and aggressive behaviors, reckless driving puts our kids, families, and communities in harm's way," the governor said in late October 2025. Distracted driving is a leading cause of traffic crashes in Wisconsin. In 2024, there were 9,068 crashes related to … [Read more...]
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