Legislative update: A handheld cell phone law is now in effect in Missouri. It took effect Aug. 28 with warnings until early 2025. Senate Bill 398 from Sen. Nick Schroer sets fines from $150 to $500, with enhanced punishments for school-zone and work-zone violations. Limited to secondary enforcement, meaning police would need another reason for a traffic stop. Signed into law in early July by Gov. Mike Parson. The Missouri DOT reports a rise in work-zone crashes despite the recent decreased traffic volumes during the Covid outbreak. "Distracted driving has been recognized as a major … [Read more...]
Kentucky: Distracted driving laws, legislation
December 2, 2008 by 8 Comments
Cell phone, text messaging update: State Rep. James Tipton is making another run at a hands-free law during the 2023 legislative session via HB 12. Tipton filed similar bills in 2020 and 2022, but they did not make it out of committee. "I think it's time," Tipton said. "It's about saving lives." Fines would run from $20 to $100. Kentucky currently bans texting and driving, with fines starting at $25. That law dates back to 2010 and is considered outdated and unenforceable. In 2013, Gov. Steve Beshear used his administrative powers to toughen the state distracted driving laws after the … [Read more...]
Colorado: Cell phone laws, legislation
December 1, 2008 by 17 Comments
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 goes 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." State Sen. Louise Court's 2017 plan for a significant increase in texting & driving penalties was signed into law by Gov. John Hickenlooper. Under Court's SB 27 of 2017 (as amended), an … [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...]
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