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SALT LAKE CITY — Teenagers in Utah might have to hang up and drive.
The state Senate passed a bill Thursday that would ban drivers under age 18 from talking on hand-held or hands-free wireless phones while driving. It now moves the House.
Though SB45 would make it a primary offense — meaning police could pull over drivers they see on the phone — it would be considered an infraction instead of misdemeanor and carry a $50 fine. Points would not be assessed on a teenager's driving record.
It's meant to keep these teen drivers from being distracted by a cell phone. It's really a way for us as parents and a for the community to encourage these teen drivers who are just learning to drive whose brains are just developing to focus on driving on the car.
–Sen. Ross Romero, D-Salt Lake
"It's meant to keep these teen drivers from being distracted by a cell phone," said bill sponsor Sen. Ross Romero, D-Salt Lake. "It's really a way for us as parents and a for the community to encourage these teen drivers who are just learning to drive whose brains are just developing to focus on driving on the car."
The proposed law would not only protect other motorists but those riding in a teenager's car, he said. The bill includes exceptions for talking to parents and reporting emergencies.
The Senate passed the bill 21-4, with Sen. Daniel Thatcher, R-West Valley, among those opposed.
"I really do believe this violated personal liberty," he said. "I believe this crosses the line into nanny state."
Romero said afterward he doesn't think law oversteps those bounds. "It's appropriate restrictive use," he said.
Romero unsuccessfully pitched a similar bill last year, and anticipates opposition again this year.
"We'll see how it fares in the House," he said.
E-mail: romboy@desnews.com
