7/6/04-A bill that would have prohibited hand-held cell phone use while driving has died.
H7065, sponsored by Rep. Peter Kilmartin, D-Pawtucket, remained in the House Committee on Corporations when the session ended last month.
Under the bill, talking on a phone equipped with a “hands-free” device would still have been permitted.
A driver stopped for using a hand-held phone could have been fined $35. The bill exempted emergency calls.

1/22/04-Rep. Peter Kilmartin, D-Pawtucket, has sponsored a bill that would prohibit hand-held cell phone use while driving. Talking on a phone equipped with a “hands-free” device would still be permitted.
Under H7065, a driver stopped for using a hand-held phone could be fined $35. The bill would exempt emergency calls.
The bill is in the House Committee on Corporations. For bill status, call (401) 222-3580. In Rhode Island, call 1-800-547-8880.