Distracted driving news: A plan to roughly double the penalty for handheld device use while driving is advancing in the General Assembly in 2026. SB 1591 seeks to eliminate a cap on court costs and to add taxes. The sponsor is state Sen. Ferrell Haile. The full Senate approved it March 5. 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. Fines are now $50 for most distracted driving offenses, but more if a serial offense ($100) or in … [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 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...]
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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