Bill would ban cellphone use by teen drivers

BILL WOULD BAN CELLPHONE USE BY TEEN DRIVERS
[SOURCE: Los Angeles Times, AUTHOR: Patrick McGreevy and Tami Abdollah]
Citing a fistful of studies that show teenagers among the most distracted and dangerous of drivers, the California state Assembly on Monday passed a bill that would prohibit drivers under the age of 18 from using a cellphone, pager, text-messaging device or laptop while driving. The bill passed by a 62-5 vote, with one Assemblywoman noting that teenagers make up 6% of licensed drivers but 16% of auto accident fatalities. The bill, previously approved by the state Senate, goes back there for expected final approval of amendments before it is placed on the desk of Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, who has not decided yet whether he will sign or veto it. prohibits drivers under 18 from using cellphones or any mobile service devices -- including hands-free cellphones -- except in an emergency. Violators would be assessed a $20 fine for the first offense, and a $50 fine for subsequent offenses, but with no violation point on their driving record.
http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/front/la-me-cellphones28aug28,1...
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