DENVER | A Colorado lawmaker who’s gotten complaints from constituents about drivers distracted by their cellphones is proposing banning their use in cars unless people use a hands-free device.
State law already forbids texting while driving. But Aurora Democratic Rep. Jovan Melton says it doesn’t prohibit people from fiddling on their phones.
Melton’s bill is scheduled for its first committee hearing next week. It would prohibit people from using apps on their phone, and they could only make calls using a hands-free device or if it’s an emergency.
Violators would be fined $50 for their first offense and $100 for their second.
Twelve states and the District of Columbia already ban the use of hand-held cellphones while driving, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.
Online:
House Bill 1225: https://goo.gl/irFiD5
Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.