Cell phone and texting news: State Sen. Shelley Mayer has proposed a two-year pilot program for field testing of the so-called "textalyzer" technology. The study envisioned by S2687 would be in Westchester County. The Governor's Traffic Safety Committee also has the technology under study. Gov. Andrew Cuomo said the panel will report back on "the effectiveness of using this emerging technology to crack down on this reckless behavior and thoroughly evaluate its implications." Three public forums were held on the issue. The textalyzer, developed by an Israeli company, would allow police to scan … [Read more...]
Hawaii: cell phone laws, legislation
December 4, 2008 by 21 Comments
Cell phone, text messaging news: Honolulu has barred pedestrians from viewing handheld (or portable) mobile devices while crossing a street. Fines: $15 to $99 depending on number of previous infractions. The City Council vote was 7-2 and the mayor signed off on the ordinance in late July 2017. There were 114 convictions between October 2017, when the law took effect, and July 2018. "Sometimes I wish there were laws we did not have to pass -- that perhaps common sense would prevail," Mayor Kirk Caldwell said. "But sometimes we lack common sense." Officials cited the rising number of accidents … [Read more...]
Michigan: Cell phone & texting laws, bills
December 4, 2008 by 35 Comments
Distracted driving news: A handheld cell phone ban for drivers took effect June 30, 2023. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed off on the three-bill distracted driving package June 7, as expected. The new law amends and expands state texting & driving regulations. Primary enforcement with fines from $100 to $250, plus possible points and community service. Law officers wrote 887 citations in the first six months, plus a similar number of warnings. "As a mom," Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has long supported an upgrade in the distracted driving laws. HB 4252 sponsor state Rep. Mike Mueller has said: "What … [Read more...]
Missouri: Cell phone laws, legislation
December 2, 2008 by 17 Comments
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...]
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