5/10/06-A bill has died that would have prohibited 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 have exempted emergency phone calls.
Sponsored by Rep. Jerry Petrowski, R-Marathon, AB120 remained in the Senate Natural Resources and Transportation Committee when the session ended this month. The Assembly approved it in December.
The bill would have permitted police to pull newly licensed drivers over for chatting on cell phones. Violators would have faced a $50 fine and repeat offenders would have faced up to a $100 fine.
The cell phone provision would have been 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.

1/23/06-A bill in the Senate Natural Resources and Transportation Committee 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 and 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.
For bill status, call (608) 266-2406. In Wisconsin, call 1-800-362-9472.

Click here to read the 2005 legislative updates for AB120.