The Utah State Senate gave final approval Wednesday to a bill that bans teens from using their cell phones while driving. The bill’s sponsor, Senator Ross Romero, D-Salt Lake, used statistics to show that the law would reduce the number of car accidents across the state. The bill now moves over to the House for approval.
The bill bans teens 17 years and younger from using cell phones while driving. Teens in violation of the law would be cited without accumulating points towards losing their driver’s licences, reports the Deseret News. The fine would be comparable to a normal speeding violation. If the teen is involved in an accident while on his or her phone, he or she could be found guilty of a Class C misdemeanor and be forced to serve a 90 day prison sentence.
Ron Kramer is a Utah personal injury attorney with offices in Bountiful, Draper and Provo, Utah