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| State bill to keep drivers under 18 off phones is OK'd |
| By Copley News Service |
| Published: 05/31/2004 |
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The Calif. state Senate moved May 25 to stop teens from talking on cell phones while driving, but separate legislation that would place restrictions on adult drivers remained stalled. In a flurry of activity, the Senate also passed a pair of other bills aimed at high schoolers. If those measures become law, students will have to pass parenting classes and athletes will have to submit to random drug testing to play on teams. The teen driving bill, which passed on a bipartisan 24-11 vote, would bar motorists younger than 18 from using cell phones unless there's an emergency. The author of the bill, Sen. Debra Bowen, D-Marina del Rey, said teens do not have the experience to drive while gossiping, setting up dates or checking in at home. A recent California Highway Patrol review blamed cell phone use for the largest number of accidents attributed to inattentive driving, but eating and fiddling with the stereo followed closely as distractions. Teens younger than 18 would be barred from using any cell phone - hands-free or not - under Bowen's legislation. The first violation would carry a $35 fine, about the monthly cost of a basic cell phone service plan. Fines would grow steeper with each violation. Penalties would include adding points to driving records that could boost insurance premiums and requiring community service. |
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