With or without a hands-free device, motorists are at a significantly greater risk of getting into a serious accident when they use a cell phone and drive, a new study says. The Ontario Medical Association called on its provincial government to enact laws reducing the cell phone dangers. The Canadian provinces of Newfoundland and Labrador, Quebec, and Nova Scotia have banned the use of hand-held cell phones. "Doctors know all too well the consequences of driving while distracted," OMA president Ken Arnold said. The group stated: "The OMA has found evidence that cell phone use (regardless of … [Read more...]
New Hampshire: Cell phone laws, legislation
October 1, 2008 by 8 Comments
Cell phone, texting news: A 2023 measure seeks to prohibit drivers from holding pets or other animals in their laps while operating a vehicle. The plan is House Bill 260. New Hampshire's hands-free law went into effect in July 2015. It was the 13th state to ban the practice. Fines range from $100 (first offense) to $500. The distracted driving measure cleared the legislature in May 2014 and was signed by Gov. Maggie Hassan, who said it tackles "an increasing danger we must address." The ban on text messaging went into effect in 2010. Current prohibitions: Handheld cell phone use … [Read more...]
Text-messaging ban for Calif. drivers
September 25, 2008 by Leave a Comment
California has a new text-messaging law to go with its recent ban on handheld cell phone use by drivers. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed SB 28 on Sept. 24, 2008, with an effective date of Jan. 1, 2009. The legislation had been in limbo during the state's budget standoff of September. "Banning electronic text messaging while driving will keep drivers' hands on the wheel and their eyes on the road, making our roadways a safer place for all Californians," Schwarzenegger said. State Sen. Joe Simitian, D-Palo Alto, added the texting law to his distracted-drivers portfolio. He also authored the … [Read more...]
West Virginia: Cell phone laws, legislation
September 24, 2008 by 19 Comments
Cell phone, texting news: Delegate Steve Westfall modernized the state's electronic distracted driving law with a comprehensive rewrite. His HB 2218 of 2023 includes jail or prison time for causing serious injury or a death while driving distracted. The measure was signed into law in late March and took effect in June. West Virginia's law against using handheld cell phones while driving became subject to primary enforcement in 2013. The law went into effect that summer, after a year of secondary enforcement in which police needed another reason to stop a motorist observed breaking the … [Read more...]
Ohio: Cell phone laws, legislation
September 16, 2008 by 79 Comments
Cell phone, text messaging news: A hands-free law with primary enforcement is now in full effect in Ohio -- and ticketing is under way. "Beginning today, if law enforcement sees a driver distracted by their phone, that driver can now be immediately pulled over," Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine said Oct. 5, 2023, at the end of a six-month warning period. Fines from $150 (first offense) to $500, plus points vs. the driver's license. Holding cell phone to ear for a call allowed, but not entry of a phone number. The law officially went into effect April 4. The hands-free law of 2023 originated with HB … [Read more...]
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