8/4/03-A bill that would have prohibited anyone under 18 from chatting on the phone while driving - even if they're using a hands-free device - is dead for the year.
Under H6524, which was still in the House judiciary committee when the regular session ended July 15, underage drivers caught using cell phones could be fined $50.

7/1/03-Rhode Island teens might soon have to turn off their cell phones before getting behind the wheel of a car.
A bill introduced last month in the House would prohibit anyone under 18 from chatting on the phone while driving – even if they’re using a hands-free device.
The bill sponsor, Rep. Peter Kilmartin, D-Pawtucket, said he proposed H6524 in response to a recent National Highway Transportation Safety Board recommendation that novice drivers be prohibited from using cell phones while on the road.
The safety board says that young drivers account for only 7 percent of the driving population but are involved in 15 percent of fatal accidents. Distracted drivers take 1.5 seconds longer to respond to hazards, the agency says.
Under the bill, which has been referred to the House judiciary committee, underage drivers caught using cell phones would be fined $50. Kilmartin said he plans to add an exemption for emergency calls.
For bill status, call (401) 751-8833.