Using your cellphone for almost anything while driving likely will soon be illegal. According to the Spokesman-Review, the House yesterday easily approved a distracted driving bill that updates state laws that already outlaw texting while driving and requires a hands-free device while talking on a cellphone.
The new law will make it a traffic infraction to use a smart phone while driving beyond “minimal use of a finger” to activate or deactivate a program. The first violation carries a total penalty of $136; second and subsequent infractions have a total penalty of $235. A driver stopped for another traffic violation who was also using a cell phone could be cited for a second infraction of dangerously distracted driving.
The House made minor changes to the bill and returned it to the Senate. The Senate is expected to pass the bill and send it to the governor.