CBS 5 - KPHO New bill would ban teen cell phone use behind wheel

New bill would ban teen cell phone use behind wheel

Teen drivers are one step closer to losing their cell phones behind the wheel. The state senate just passed a bill that would ban cell phone use for new drivers under 18 years old.

This means no talking, no texting, nothing with a cell phone. If teens are caught, they could face a pretty big fine.

There is a "no cell phone" rule at Driving MBA to help teens get in the habit of not using them. Owner Maria Wojtczak said distracted driving is always on mom's and dad's minds

"One of the things we tell parents is if you want your kids to be off their cell phones then you need to set a good example," she said.

But novice or veteran, we've all seen it. Drivers talking or texting behind the wheel. But a new bill in the state legislature is trying to curb that habit. Senate Bill 1056 targets new teen drivers. It would ban the use of cell phones for teens who've had their license for less than six months or if they just have a permit.

"They're novice drivers, they will be novice drivers for a quite some time, so it is really imperative for a brand new driver to be focused on the road," Wojtczak said.

If a teen is caught they could be fined up to a hundred bucks under the proposed law.

Valley driver Melissa Demetross said it's worth a try to ban cell phones for teens.

"Me and my friend almost got into a car crash because she was on her cell phone," she said.

But some drivers said it's not even worth it.

"It's so dangerous, but anytime the legislature gets involved it makes me nervous. They usually over reach and it doesn't necessarily solve the problem," said Ann Helms who's against the bill.

She said the responsibility should fall onto parents of teens to enforce strict cell phone rules.

"I do use my cell phone in the car and it is dangerous," said Mike Barker, a driver who is not swayed by the bill.

But Wojtczak doesn't believe SB 1056 goes far enough and that a total ban for all ages would be the best option.

There is one exception. A new driver would be allowed to use their cell phone during an emergency when stopping the car wouldn't be considered safe.

The bill now moves on to the house for a vote. If it does become law it would go into effect July 2013.

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