Pennsylvania’s Erie Weighs Ban on Cell Phone Use By Drivers

December 4, 2009

Northwestern Pennsylvania’s largest city may ban cell phone use by drivers.

Erie City Council had scheduled a public hearing Wednesday morning and could vote on preliminary approval of the ordinance afterward. The ordinance would have to be ratified by a second vote then signed by the mayor to take effect.

The ordinance bans talking, texting or e-mailing on cell phones by anyone driving a vehicle or riding a bicycle in the city. Offenders would pay a fine of $150 to $300 that would be discounted to $75 if paid within 10 days.

The ordinance would make cell phone use a “secondary” offense, meaning drivers couldn’t be stopped for using a cell phone but could be cited if they were using a cell phone during another traffic offense.

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Latest Comments

  • December 7, 2009 at 7:52 am
    pianoman88 says:
    Matt wrote, "There is absolutely no comparison to a person driving w/ 0.08 and someone driving w/ 0.24." Ah, yes, there is. Someone with a 0.24 KNOWS he's smashed, and usually... read more
  • December 4, 2009 at 6:20 am
    wudchuck says:
    if one city can vote on this and the general public has no clue, sounds like a money grabber. if i am visiting and i happen to be on the cellphone, the cop just might find an... read more
  • December 4, 2009 at 1:02 am
    Joey says:
    "Why not increase the legal BAC to a point where you'd actually be drunk and increase the penalties?" I don't think you will find many people who disagree that penalties shoul... read more

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