Distracted driving news: A hands-free cell phone law took effect July 1, 2020. "This bill requires that you can not have it in your hand," says State Rep. John Holsclaw, who fought for tougher distracted driving laws for five years. Sen. Jon Lundberg unsuccessfully sought to repeal the law in 2020. In 2024, additional points were mandated for young drivers who are serial offenders (below). Fines are now $50 for most distracted driving offenses in Tennessee, but more if a serial offense ($100) or in an active school or work zone ($200). Tennessee has been cited as the worst state in the … [Read more...]
California: Cell phone laws, legislation
July 1, 2008 by 56 Comments
Distracted driving news: Serial offenders of California's distracted driving law saw a point vs. their licenses as of July 1, 2021. Points apply only with a prior offense within 36 months. Senate approval came Aug. 26 and the Assembly signed off Sept. 3. Gov. Gavin Newsom signed the measure into law Oct. 8. Amendments delayed enforcement of Assembly Bill 47 until 2021. Bill author Assemblyman Tom Daly said the current punishment "has not proven to change behavior." The annual observational study of California drivers found almost 8 percent were using electronic communications devices while … [Read more...]
Oklahoma: Cell phone laws, legislation
June 24, 2008 by 20 Comments
Cell phone, text messaging news: A 2025 bill that would prohibit handheld cell phone use in active school and construction zones has cleared the House and been sent to the Senate. Fine of up to $100. State Sen. Ron Sharp proposed a handheld cell phone bill for the 2020 session, but the plan died in committee. "We have to do something right now to protect property and protect our lives," Sharp said, citing the ineffectiveness of the state's texting & driving law. Sharp says it's an uphill climb in the state for distracted driving measures, with lawmakers focused on "individual … [Read more...]
Montana: Cell phone laws, legislation
June 24, 2008 by 11 Comments
Distracted driving update: The Senate gave solid approval to a hands-free bill in early March 2025, sending it on the House. The measure from state Sen. Sara Novak would establish fines of up to $250 for handheld cell phone use and texting. At least 14 Montana cities have adopted laws against electronic distracted driving. They include Missoula, Bozeman, Billings, Helena, Libby, Whitefish, Butte-Silver Bow, Hamilton, Great Falls, Baker and Columbia Falls. Countywide bans are in effect in Butte-Silver Bow and Anaconda-Deer Lodge. Montana is the only state without some kind of texting & … [Read more...]
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