After more than a decade of push-pull by lawmakers, Pennsylvania has a hands-free law. State Sen. Rosemary Brown's cell phone measure was signed by Gov. Josh Shapiro on June 5. "I have met too many people with injuries they’ll live with for the rest of their lives because they were hit by a distracted driver," Shapiro said. The new law, which targets use of "interactive mobile devices," calls for a $50 fine and primary enforcement, meaning police can pull over drivers for that offense alone. Hands-free operation is allowed. A 12-month (written) warning period will run through June … [Read more...]
Michigan brakes handheld cell phone use
June 8, 2023 by Leave a Comment
Longtime automotive capital Michigan has finally put its pedal foot down on distracted driving, by enacting a hands-free law. It goes into effect June 30. Alabama, meanwhile, checked in with a hands-free prohibition that comes capped with secondary enforcement. And Missouri, another longtime safety laggard, enacted a hands-free law, also with secondary enforcement. "We need to remove distractions and make our roads safer for everyone who’s using them," Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said at the bill signing for the distracted driving package. "Each traffic death is more than just a … [Read more...]
Ohio to drivers: Keep hands off cell phones
January 3, 2023 by Leave a Comment
A hands-free cell phone law with primary enforcement goes into effect in Ohio in early April. Gov. Mike DeWine, a firm supporter of limiting cell phone use by all drivers, signed the measure into law Jan. 3. The legislation originated in the House, but was incorporated into a much-larger criminal justice act that emerged from the Senate. House sponsors were state Reps. Cindy Abrams and Brian Lampton. Fines from $150 (first offense) to $500, plus points vs. the driver's license. Serial offenders face the possibility of license loss. A six-month warning period begins April 3. Ohio's new … [Read more...]
Virginia, Arizona, Idaho roll out distracted fines
January 2, 2021 by Leave a Comment
Motorists have been warned. Now they'll be fined. A trio of states saw their distracted driving laws take full effect with the new year, bringing new fines. Virginia, Arizona and Idaho had been issuing warnings under previously enacted hands-free laws. In Virginia, the law now prohibits the holding of wireless communications devices while driving. Although the ban went into effect in mid-summer, enforcement began with the new year. Officials say almost 20 percent of all crashes on Virginia's roads and highways can be linked to distraction. Almost 15 percent of fatalities had that … [Read more...]
Distracted driving laws updated in trio of states
July 1, 2020 by 1 Comment
The year's midpoint brings new distracted driving laws to three states: Idaho, Indiana and South Dakota. The laws took effect July 1, after a unique legislative season in which many state capitals were emptied out because of the coronavirus, stalling many efforts to update and upgrade electronic distracted driving laws. In Idaho, drivers have six months to get used to the state's new hands-free law. Warnings are being handed out until Jan. 1, 2021. The new law prohibits almost all drivers from using handheld portable communications devices such as smartphones. When tickets start flowing, … [Read more...]
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