Maryland distracted driving update: A 2020 bill seeks to allow police and related agencies to capture images of distracted drivers. Similar to red-light cameras, the system would send images to suspected offenders via the mail, along notices of the fines. Authorities would be required to post roadway notices that the distracted driving monitoring system is in use. The sponsor is state Sen. Katherine Klausmeier. A similar plan that would apply only in Montgomery County was rejected in mid-February by the House Environment and Transportation Committee. Distracted driving is being cited as a … [Read more...]
Alaska: Cell phone laws, legislation
July 3, 2008 by 4 Comments
Cell phone/text messaging update: Anchorage's Assembly has proposed a ban on using handheld cell phones in active school zones. The April 9 move follows state adoption in 2018 of a measure allowing municipalities to control portable electronics use by drivers near schools. The Anchorage law would come with a $500 fine for offenders. The governor signed into law a 2016 bill that encourages law officers to stop and cite drivers who are text messaging. Alaska's state distracted driving offenses previously ranged from class A misdemeanors (simple texting) to class A felonies (causing a death) … [Read more...]
Alabama: Cell phone laws, legislation
July 3, 2008 by 10 Comments
Distracted driving news: A measure barring Alabama drivers from holding cell phones took full effect in mid-June 2024. Fines from $50 to $150, as well as points vs. the driver's license. Police are limited to secondary enforcement, however, meaning they need an additional reason for a stop. SB 301 sponsor Jabo Waggoner saw his bill approved on the final day of the legislative session, after being watered down in the House. Huntsville upgraded its distracted driving ordinance to primary enforcement, an upgrade over the new state law. The ordinance was approved in mid-October 2023 and went … [Read more...]
California: Cell phone laws, legislation
July 1, 2008 by 56 Comments
Distracted driving news: Serial offenders of California's distracted driving law saw a point vs. their licenses as of July 1, 2021. Points apply only with a prior offense within 36 months. Senate approval came Aug. 26 and the Assembly signed off Sept. 3. Gov. Gavin Newsom signed the measure into law Oct. 8. Amendments delayed enforcement of Assembly Bill 47 until 2021. Bill author Assemblyman Tom Daly said the current punishment "has not proven to change behavior." The annual observational study of California drivers found almost 8 percent were using electronic communications devices while … [Read more...]
California’s hands-free law now in effect
July 1, 2008 by 24 Comments
On July 1, two major laws went into effect in this cell phone-loving state. Drivers are required to use hands-free devices if they wish to make cell phone calls from their moving vehicles. In addition, drivers under the age of 18 are prohibited from using wireless phones while driving -- sorry, that means no hands-free devices. Teen drivers also are prohibited from using text-messaging devices and laptop computers. The first infraction brings a $20 ticket; any others will cost $50. The Los Angeles Times says the true costs of those cell phone tickets are $76 and $190, figuring in court … [Read more...]
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