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’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...]
District of Columbia: Cell phone laws, bills
June 30, 2008 by 1 Comment
Distracted driving news: New mobile traffic safety devices using laser scanners will let motorists know they've been seen driving distracted. The devices have electronic signs (similar to roadway speed-tracking displays) that advise: "Put your phone down." A spokesman for the D.C. Highway Safety Office said in April 2024 that the trailer-based system was designed to "provide instantaneous driver feedback to hopefully change behavior." An advisory panel urged District of Columbia lawmakers to consider a full ban on cell phone use while driving. "Based on the current state of science, it is … [Read more...]
Connecticut: Cell phone laws, legislation
June 30, 2008 by 11 Comments
Texting, cell phone news: Connecticut hiked its fines for distracted driving as of Oct. 1, 2021. First-time fines are now $200, up from $150. Second offenses bring $375 penalties. Third and subsequent violations bring a $625 fine. Almost 5,000 crashes in Connecticut were linked to distracted driving during the year 2020, the Department of Transportation says. Electronic distracted driving is a moving violation in the state, with fines topping out at $625. The law allows reporting of distracted driving offenses to insurance companies, meaning higher premiums for violators. Current … [Read more...]
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