Arkansas Bills Restricting Drivers' Cell Phone Use Advance

January 28, 2009

An Arkansas House of Representatives committee has advanced a pair of bills restricting cell phone use by drivers.

The House Public Transportation Committee endorsed a bill by Rep. Ray Kidd, D-Jonesboro, that would ban people of all ages from text-messaging while driving. Kidd's bill would make texting while driving a primary offense, punishable by a $100 fine.

The committee also backed a bill by Rep. Allen Kerr, R-Little Rock, that would ban drivers under 18 from using any type of cell phone, and only allow drivers ages 18-21 to use hands-free cell phones.