Washington D.C. Bans Hand-Held Cell Phones in Cars
Posted on: Tuesday, 6 January 2004, 06:00 CST
By CHEVETTA GILMORE
WASHINGTON (AP) -- It won't be a capital offense in this capital city, but motorists caught driving while juggling their cell phones could end up with a ticket and a $100 fine starting in July.
The District of Columbia City Council gave final approval Tuesday to a bill banning drivers from talking on hand-held cell phones while behind the wheel. They would have to use a handsfree device, although exemptions would be made for emergency situations.
"We've all seen a lot of near misses as people are chatting away on their phones," said Councilwoman Carol Schwartz, one of the bill's co-sponsors. "We're a very densely populated city and we need to protect our pedestrians, whether they be our residents or our visitors."
About 572,000 people call the District home, although the population nearly doubles each weekday as commuters pour in from the Virginia and Maryland suburbs.
Enforcement is expected to begin in July, with violators facing a $100 fine, though no points would be assessed against their drivers licenses. Mayor Anthony A. Williams indicated last month that he would sign the bill, and would expect police to enforce it.
That part troubles Councilman Jim Graham, who cast the lone vote against the bill.
"I'm concerned about the diversion of police energy. And I'm concerned about asking our police officers to patrol and ticket people driving while having a hand-held cell phone," Graham said.
One day before the expected council vote, a crime emergency the city's police chief declared in August expired.
New York has banned use of hand-held cell phones while driving since 2001, when it became the first state to do so.
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