Politics & Government

Local Lawmakers Support Hand-Held Cellphone Ban in Cars

A PA House bill would mirror the state's new texting ban with regard to enforcement and penalties.

State Reps. William C. Kortz II and Martin Michael Schmotzer appeared at a news conference this month at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC in support of legislation that would ban Pennsylvania drivers from talking on hand-held cellphones while driving.

Their bill would mirror the state's new texting ban with regard to enforcement and penalties. The use of a hand-held cell phone while driving would become a primary offense with a $50 fine, or a $100 fine if driving in a school zone, work zone or highway safety corridor.

Exceptions to the ban would include drivers using GPS devices, when their vehicles are stopped due to traffic obstructions and when initiating phone calls.

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The bill would also require the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation to develop a public education campaign to warn of the dangers of distracted driving.

"Using a hand-held cellphone while driving is very distracting for drivers and poses safety hazards for them and other motorists," said Schmotzer, a Democrat whose 22nd House District of Pennsylvania includes all of Baldwin Township, route: {:controller=>"listings", :action=>"show", :id=>"baldwin-township-municipal-building-administrative-offices"} --> and part of 

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