Cell, text messaging update: State Rep. Ashley Hudson proposes new punishments for drivers who kill or seriously injury others while using wireless communications devices. The plan was approved by the House and Senate in March and moved on to the governor. Fine up to $2,500 and a possible year in prison. Arkansas has no restrictions on most cell phone calling by adult drivers, but it regulates their use by drivers under the age of 21. A law prohibiting use of handheld cell phones in school zones and highway work zones took effect Oct. 1, 2011. Current prohibitions: All drivers … [Read more...]
North Dakota: Cell phone laws, legislation
December 11, 2008 by 8 Comments
Latest cell/texting news: North Dakota drivers who commit offenses while distracted are subject to an additional $100 fine. The unusual and somewhat vague law -- approved by the Legislature and governor in early 2017 -- bars drivers from doing anything with their sight not directly related to operation of the vehicle. The offense, which is subject to secondary enforcement, is categorized as "failure to maintain control." The 2017 law essentially adds general distracted driving wording to the state's texting & driving statute. State Rep. Corey Mock's plan originally sought to repeal the … [Read more...]
New Mexico: Cell phone laws, legislation
December 11, 2008 by 11 Comments
New Mexico had the most distracted drivers in the nation for the third straight year, according to federal traffic numbers. There were 195 deaths linked to distracted driving in the latest reporting year, 2021, the NHTSA reported in April 2023. New Mexico's men accounted for most of the fatalities linked to distraction. Almost half of the state's roadway fatalities were blamed on distraction. New Mexico also had the most distracted drivers in the nation during the 2-year period of 2019-2020, federal traffic safety numbers show. The state's texting & driving law outlaws typing on … [Read more...]
Iowa: Cell phone laws, legislation
December 10, 2008 by 22 Comments
Distracted driving news: The Iowa state Senate approved a hands-free measure in 2023 and sent it to the House, where it sputtered out, as usual. House leader Sen. Pat Grassley cited "ambiguity" in the plan and "logistical questions." He said some Republican members "aren't comfortable" with it. Gov. Kim Reynolds has said she'll back hands-free legislation if and when lawmakers approve it. "I think it makes sense," the Republican governor has said. "The statistics are awful. Just awful." Iowa heightened the enforcement of its texting & driving law in mid-2017 and soon reported sharply … [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...]
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