Committee considers cell phone ban while driving

Committee considers cell phone ban while driving

STEPHEN DOCKERY, Associated Press

HELENA — State lawmakers are considering a proposal to ban cell phone use while driving in Montana, except for hands-free devices such as headsets.

Senate Bill 251 sponsored by Democratic Rep. Christine Kaufmann of Helena would levy a $100 fine for using a cell phone to text or talk while driving. The infraction would not go against the driver's record.

The Senate Highways and Transportation Committee is holding a hearing on the bill on Thursday.

If it passes, Montana would join Washington, D.C., and eight other states that already have handheld cell phone bans, according to the Governors Highway Safety Association.

Currently, Montana has no statewide laws regarding cell phone use when driving.

HELENA — State lawmakers are considering a proposal to ban cell phone use while driving in Montana, except for hands-free devices such as headsets.

Senate Bill 251 sponsored by Democratic Rep. Christine Kaufmann of Helena would levy a $100 fine for using a cell phone to text or talk while driving. The infraction would not go against the driver's record.

The Senate Highways and Transportation Committee is holding a hearing on the bill on Thursday.

If it passes, Montana would join Washington, D.C., and eight other states that already have handheld cell phone bans, according to the Governors Highway Safety Association.

Currently, Montana has no statewide laws regarding cell phone use when driving.