Cell phone, text messaging news: Arizona's long-awaited ban on the holding of wireless communications devices went into effect in January 2021, after a warning period. Enforcement is primary. Fines from $75 to $250. Arizona's chances of a statewide distracted driving law increased significantly in 2019, in the wake of a police officer's death in a crash caused by a driver who admitted to texting. "Too many lives have been lost because of texting and driving," Gov. Doug Ducey said as he signed the bill into law in 2019. State highway officers handed out more than 4,000 tickets in the law's … [Read more...]
Maine: Cell phone laws, legislation
June 30, 2008 by 5 Comments
Texting, cell phone news: Maine legislators rejected a 2023 plan to hike fines for handheld device use by drivers to the highest in the nation. Rep. Stanley Paige Zeigler wanted to see fines from $500 to $1,000, followed by a temporary loss of license. He said the attention-getting plan was suggested by a firefighter. Lawmakers noted the state's hands-free law and its penalties were relatively new and needed time to work. Maine's handheld cell phone legislation dates back to September 2019. Fines range from $50 (first offense) to $250. An earlier version of the law was approved by … [Read more...]
South Dakota: Cell phone laws, legislation
June 24, 2008 by 2 Comments
Distracted driving news: A new electronic distracted driving law took effect July 1, 2020. The law bars many uses of electronic devices while driving, but allows for some phone-related activity and limited GPS use. It classifies offenses as a Class 2 misdemeanors, which come with fines as high as $500 and possible jail time. Primary enforcement. The governor signed off on state Rep. Doug Barthel's distracted driving measure in late March. The previous texting & driving law registers was a petty offense and limited to secondary enforcement. Gov. Kristi Noem did not take a position on the 2020 … [Read more...]
Rhode Island: Cell phone laws, legislation
June 24, 2008 by 3 Comments
Cell phone, texting updates: : Rhode Island's ban on handheld cell phone use goes into full effect June 1. Rhode Island previously prohibited texting while driving but not cell phone use. The law allows first-time violators a suspension of the $100 (maximum) fine if they show proof of acquiring a hands-free accessory. Gov. Gina Raimondo approved the legislation last July. The bill's sponsor was state Sen. Susan Sosnowski. Approval of the hands-free law means Rhode Island is joining three of its New England neighbors in reining in roadway cell phone use: Connecticut, Vermont and New … [Read more...]
Oklahoma: Cell phone laws, legislation
June 24, 2008 by 20 Comments
Cell phone, text messaging news: A new distracted driving law took effect Nov. 1, 2025. Fine of up to $100. The 2025 that prohibits handheld cell phone use in active school and construction zones cleared the House and Senate during the 2025 legislative session. A governor's veto was overridden in late May. Oklahoma does not have a hands-free law applying to all drivers. State Rep. Nicole Miller says her HB 2263 "is a practical step toward safer roads. It allows drivers to continue using hands-free tech while ensuring their focus stays on driving, especially in critical areas where workers … [Read more...]
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