Idaho Falls considers rule banning cell phones

The Idaho Falls City Council is considering a rule that would make it illegal to talk on the phone while driving if it interferes with safely controlling the vehicle.

The rule would also ban other unsafe activities, like applying makeup while driving or looking away from the road to pick something up. Violators could be fined $100.

Mayor Jared Fuhriman says the city wants to be proactive.

Idaho law already prohibits reckless driving. But Idaho Falls Police chief Kent Livsey said the new ordinance isn’t redundant because it allows prosecution of behavior that doesn’t rise to the level of reckless driving.