Cell phone laws changing in VT

[Geoff]

http://www.rutlandherald.com/article/20100210/THISJUSTIN/100219998

MONTPELIER - Vermont lawmakers are being urged to include a restriction on cell phone use by drivers as they address a variety of bills dealing with distracted driving.

Several people told lawmakers Wednesday that a ban on cell phone use by drivers is needed.

The state senate has passed legislation banning texting while driving and lawmakers are also considering whether to extend the ban to cell phone use.

Currently Vermont has no restrictions on the use of cell phones by drivers. Lawmakers appear to be more concerned about texting than the use of cell phones.

Damn. First they take away driving with an open beer. Now I'm likely to get busted for using Google Maps on my Blackberry to navigate. No fun.

 

[deadheadskier]

100% ban? as in no hands free / blue tooth?

I wouldn't be surprised if this is the direction many states go. Bans on texting are really hard to enforce. How is a cop to know whether someone is texting or entering a phone number or address for a gps.

Small state and I'm sure emotions are high right now following the recent death of a longtime Burlington business owner's son that was a 'texting accident' on the beltway.

 

[jrmagic]

100% ban? as in no hands free / blue tooth?

I was wondering that myself. I understand it creates an enforcement problem but I think it would totally suck not to be able to use hands free at least. I dont sit on the phone for long periods of time but I do need the ability to take some work calls at night/weekends etc.

 

[deadheadskier]

I'm a traveling sales rep. 90% of my cell phone usage is behind the wheel of a car. I try and be good and use an ear piece most of the time. It's not always feasable as I'm in and out of the car all the time between customer visits and I'm not wearing that stupid ear piece while walking around.

 

[Glenn]

We have a similar ban in CT. You can use the phone with a hands free and I don't think they break stones for a BB with GPS in a cradle.

The ban hasn't done $hit...I still see people talking all the time. Oh wait, it has done two things: Increased revenue for the state via fines, increased revenue for cell phone vendors for sell hands free devices. Look for cell phone privdors to jump on this legislation in VT.

 

[Puck it]

Tell me why we need a new law when there is an existing law that covers this. Use the existing law and enforce it. This is just stupid!

 

[drjeff]

Won't be that big a deal since there's a HUGE portion of VT where your cell phone doesn't work :lol: :smash:

 

[deadheadskier]

Tell me why we need a new law when there is an existing law that covers this. Use the existing law and enforce it. This is just stupid!

how do you enforce the texting law?

 

[Geoff]

Tell me why we need a new law when there is an existing law that covers this. Use the existing law and enforce it. This is just stupid!

What law is that?

Here they are:
http://www.leg.state.vt.us/statutes/sections.cfm?Title=23&Chapter=013

As long as you're doing the speed limit and not weaving, there's nothing they can cite you for. If you weave and cross the solid yellow line, they can ticket you for "Driving to the right".

 

[thetrailboss]

My understanding is that there are two proposed bills--one that is texting only and the other that is more interesting because it covers "distracted driving," whatever that is. There are mixed feelings on this law...many drivers want to see something done to keep the worst off the roads, but others, including some police officers, say that there is no way to enforce such a law. Don't want to get into a political discussion.....

I do not think that they would ban hands free/Bluetooth systems.

 

[riverc0il]

There pretty much already is enforceable ticketing on the books in most states. If you drive in such a way that you endanger other drivers, you can get pulled over and issued a warning or fine or in really bad situations arrested. Why they need to ban specific activities is beyond me. There are plenty of people that us phones responsibly while driving. It is hard to prove someone was texting or using a phone without a hands free device but it is really easy to see someone swerve into the wrong lane or being all over the road. Why in the world do we need more laws?

 

[deadheadskier]

the other that is more interesting because it covers "distracted driving," whatever that is.

This is the recent law that passed in Maine. Essentially the cops get to decide if you're paying attention to the road or not.


Texting laws can't be enforced. You either require 100% hands free and voice activated calling or it's all pretty pointless.


Cop: Do you know why I pulled you over?

Driver: No officer.

Cop: You were driving and texting.

Driver: You're wrong officer. I was dialing a phone number.


really tough to enforce a texting law if you ask me.