WPRO News and the Associated Press
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) – The state Senate has approved a ban on using hand-held cellphones while driving.
The Senate voted 32-0 Thursday to approve a bill to outlaw using any personal wireless communication device that is not hands free while driving. The ban wouldn’t apply to public safety personnel or in emergency situations. Violators would be fined.
The bill would take effect June 1, 2017.
It now heads to the House. The House Judiciary Committee is considering similar legislation.
The bill’s sponsor, Sen. Susan Sosnowski, says there are already so many dangers and distractions on the road that the state should minimize potential threats. Sosnowski, a Democrat, represents parts of South Kingstown and New Shoreham.
Rep. Teresa Tanzi is sponsoring the measure in the House. The Democrat represents South Kingstown and Narragansett.
