RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - The Senate has passed a bill to ban talking
on a cell phone while driving unless using a hands-free device.
Sen. Thomas Norment's bill passed the Senate 25-15 Monday. It
would phase in penalties for drivers who take their hands off the
wheel to hold a cell phone.
Beginning July 1, drivers who talk on the phone without it being
in hands-free mode would face a $20 fine, increased to $50 for
subsequent violations. On July 1, 2011, the fines would increase to
$100, and $200 after the first violation.
The ban would not apply to the operators of emergency vehicles,
drivers who are stopped or parked, GPS or other digital dispatch
systems like OnStar or anyone using a phone to report an emergency.
Similar efforts have died in recent years.
Email
Facebook
Google
Twitter
Favorites
More
Advertisement