House Passes Bill Banning Drivers from Texting, Using Handheld Phones
One of several bills that would limit the use of cell phones while driving in Pennsylvania has moved closer to becoming law.
House Bill 2070 would ban texting and the use of a handheld cell phone while driving. It also would prohibit drivers between 16 and 18 years old from using an interactive wireless communications device of any kind while driving. The bill was passed 189-6 by the state House of Representatives on Tuesday, Jan. 26, 2010, and sent to the Senate.
Violating the ban would be a primary offense, meaning drivers could be ticketed and fined for that violation alone. The violation would carry a fine of $50, which would increase to $100 in school zones, active work zones, highway safety corridors, and emergency response zones.
Operators of emergency vehicles and volunteer emergency responders would be exempt, as would drivers who are contacting 911 or who are stopped in traffic, have put the vehicle in neutral or park, and have shut off the engine.
Similar bills that have been considered during the 2009-10 legislative session include:
- House Bill 67, which would ban the use of handheld cell phones for those younger than 18 and penalize drivers for recklessness caused by distractions like talking on a cell phone, eating, and drinking. It was passed by the state House of Representatives and is in the Senate Transportation Committee.
- House Bill 538, which would ban drivers from using handheld “interactive wireless communications devices,” such as cell phones, PDAs, and text messaging devices. Violators would face a $50 fine. It was referred to the House Transportation Committee.
- Senate Bill 459, which would ban talking or texting on a handheld cell phone while driving. Violators would face a $100 fine. It was referred to the Senate Transportation Committee.
The Pennsylvania Medical Society supports a ban on talking and texting on a handheld cell phone while driving.
Last Updated: 1/28/2010