12/20/05-The Assembly has overwhelmingly approved a bill that would prohibit drivers under age 18 from talking on cell phones while behind the wheel when they have an instruction permit or are within the first nine months of holding a probationary license. It would exempt emergency phone calls.
Sponsored by Rep. Jerry Petrowski, R-Marathon, AB120 would permit police to pull newly licensed drivers over for chatting on cell phones. Violators would face a $50 fine while repeat offenders would face up to a $100 fine.
The cell phone provision would be added to other restrictions under Wisconsin’s graduated driver’s license program. Existing rules prohibit probationary license holders under age 18 from driving unsupervised between midnight and 5 a.m. and transporting more than one passenger in the vehicle under age 18 unless they are relatives.
The bill now heads to the Senate for further consideration.
For bill status, call (608) 266-1803. In Wisconsin, call 1-800-362-9472.

12/1/05-The Joint Finance Committee voted 10-5 Nov. 30 to approve a bill that would prohibit drivers under age 18 from talking on cell phones while behind the wheel when they have an instruction permit or are within the first nine months of holding a probationary license. It would exempt emergency phone calls.
AB120, sponsored by Rep. Jerry Petrowski, R-Marathon, would impose a $50 fine for youngsters chatting on the phone while driving. Repeat offenders would face up to a $100 fine.
The cell phone provision would be added to other restrictions under Wisconsin’s graduated driver’s license program. Existing rules prohibit probationary license holders under age 18 from driving unsupervised between midnight and 5 a.m. and transporting more than one passenger in the vehicle under age 18 unless they are relatives.
The bill now heads to the full Assembly for further consideration.
For bill status, call (608) 266-1803. In Wisconsin, call 1-800-362-9472.