Questions remain as to how to enforce the potential law. |
A bill to ban cell phone use while driving is advancing through the Legislature.
The House Transportation Committee this afternoon pushed the measure forward to the next committee; House Judiciary.
The bill would outlaw the use of hand-held cell phones while driving, but it would allow for drivers over the age of 18 use of hands-free devices like ear pieces and speaker phones.
What concerns some lawmakers is how the state would enforce the new law because, they point out, many phones these days are not truly hands free.
“I’m not sure how you can possibly operate a cell phone in any way without touching it,” said Rep. Craig Johnson (R-Anchorage).
“As long as you’re not holding the phone you’re ok,” responded Max Gruenberg (D-Anchorage), who explained that a phone must be mounted on the dashboard or sitting next to a driver for him or her to be able to dial a number.
The House Judiciary Committee will next explore the legal consequences of the bill, including how to enforce the potential law.
