Bill targets those dialing while driving
This article was published December 3, 2008 at 3:25 p.m.
Do you think it should be a crime to use a phone or text message while driving?
- Yes 33% 1 vote
- No 66% 2 votes
3 total votes.
A lawmaker introduced a bill during the early filing period that would ban motorists from operating cell phones while driving.
State Rep. Ray Kidd submitted "Paul's Law," which would also prohibit a driver from sending text messages but not ban the use of hands-free technology such as Bluetooth.
Arkansas House members last year rejected a bill that would have prohibited drivers under 18 from using a cell phone while behind the wheel of a moving vehicle. The measure had previously won Senate approval.
Kidd said his proposal would make using a hand-held phone while driving a primary offense, meaning officers could pull someone over for the violation. Kidd's bill does not detail the penalties for violating the law, but he said it's intended to be a misdemeanor punishable by up to a $100 fine.
Kidd named the proposal "Paul's Law" after a constituent in his district who was killed in a collision with another driver who was text messaging while behind the wheel.
Information for this article was contributed by The Associated Press.
