Cell phone, texting news: A rewrite of Oregon's distracted driving law took effect Oct. 1, 2017. The law ushered in by House Bill 2597 updates the law's wording to include any use of "mobile electronic devices" such as smartphones. The law outlaws holding these devices while driving. The plan also upgraded first-time infractions from Class C to Class B ($260 first offense). State Police report a surge in ticketing in the first few months, with 516 total distracted driving citations in October, November and December compared with 279 for the same period the year before. House Bill 2597 … [Read more...]
U.S. cell phone, texting laws at a glance
December 3, 2008 by 22 Comments
An up-to-date listing of cell phone and texting restrictions across the States. Click on the state's name to view a full report on its distracted driving laws and pending legislation. Alabama: Handheld cell phone use and text messaging while driving illegal for anyone driving in the state of Alabama. Secondary enforcement. Alaska: Drivers are banned from text-messaging or watching videos. Arizona: Handheld cell phone use barred. School bus operators prohibited from using cell phones while driving. Arkansas: All drivers prohibited from text messaging. Drivers under 18 may not use … [Read more...]
Florida: Cell phone laws, legislation
December 3, 2008 by 65 Comments
Distracted driving news: Saying "distracted driving is an increasing problem in our state," Rep. Allison Tant is once again pushing fellow lawmakers to approve her hands-free House bill in 2025. "We've had a number of pedestrian deaths, as well as biking deaths, as well as other distracted driving deaths," she has said. Florida motorists may no longer hold their cell phones when traveling through school and work zones. Fines: $60 plus fees and three points vs. the driver's license. As with the texting & driving law, enforcement is primary, meaning offenders are subject to being pulled … [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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