Pennsylvania Lawmakers Propose Cell Phone Driving Ban

March 2009

Pennsylvania lawmakers are once again pushing for legislation that would ban the use of hand-held cell phones while driving. According to studies, a ban on the use of hand-held cell phones could mean up to 313 fewer PA car accident fatalities each year.

Under the conditions of House Bill 538, the use of hand-held cell phones for talking and texting while driving would be banned, except when reporting a traffic accident, making a 511 call, or calling 911. In addition, a violation would be a primary offense, meaning that an officer could stop and ticket a motorist for operating a hand-held cell phone.

Hand-held cell phones contributed to 1,245 Pennsylvania car accidents in 2007, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. A recent Quinnipiac University poll found that voters in the state favor Bill 538 by 85 to 13 percent.