6/23/03-The Legislature’s joint transportation committee rejected a bill that would have prohibited the use of a handheld cellular telephone while driving. CDL holders were among the exceptions to this proposed rule.
LD192 stated that a person could not operate a motor vehicle while using a handheld cellular telephone. The bill would have made the offense a traffic infraction punishable with a $50 fine.
Exceptions to the proposed rule would have included a number of individuals driving within the scope of their employment. Those exceptions included: law enforcement officers, corrections officers and firefighters; drivers of authorized emergency vehicles; holders CDLs; public transit personnel; and municipal public works personnel, Maine Turnpike Authority personnel and state transportation personnel, including all employees and contractors of the Department of Transportation.

3/4/03-The House and Senate are considering a bill that would prohibit the use of a handheld cellular telephone while driving. However, CDL holders are among the exceptions to this proposed rule.
Sponsored by Rep. John Eder, G-Portland, LD192 states a person may not operate a motor vehicle while using a handheld cellular telephone. The bill makes the offense a traffic infraction.
Exceptions to the proposed rule would include a number of individuals driving within the scope of their employment. These exceptions include: law enforcement officers, corrections officers and firefighters; drivers of authorized emergency vehicles; holders CDLs; public transit personnel; and municipal public works personnel, Maine Turnpike Authority personnel and state transportation personnel, including all employees and contractors of the Department of Transportation.
The bill is in the Legislature's joint transportation committee. For bill status, call 1-800-301-3178 or (207) 287-1692.