The California State Assembly late last week narrowly passed legislation making it illegal for drivers to use handheld cell phones, moving the measure a step closer to becoming law.
If the bill is passed by the state Senate and signed into law by Gov. Gray Davis (D), California would become the second state in the nation to ban drivers from talking on handheld phones. In 2001, New York became the first state to enact such a prohibition. Various towns have restrictions and state legislatures around the country are addressing the issue.
The bill, championed by Assembly member Joe Simitian (D-Palo Alto), would fine violators $20 for first-time offenses and $50 for subsequent infractions. The bill now goes to the state Senate, where it is expected to face tough opposition from mobile-phone carriers.
“I introduced the bill because it will save lives. It’s that simple,” said Simitian. “I’ve never made the argument that this solves all the problems, but this does solve a significant part of the problem without infringing on anyone’s right to have a phone.”
The Cellular Telecommunications & Internet Association opposes laws that restrict drivers’ ability to operate cell phones.
