2/12/07-A bill has died that would have prohibited drivers in the state from talking on hand-held cell phones while driving. Talking on a phone equipped with a hands-free device would still have been permitted.
Sponsored by Rep. John Mayo, D-Clarksdale, HB187 remained in the House Transportation Committee at the deadline to advance to the chamber floor, effectively killing it.
The bill would have made it a secondary offense to drive while chatting - meaning a person would have to be pulled over for another violation, such as speeding, before they could be ticketed for talking on the phone.
Violators would have faced $150 fines. Repeat offenders caught more than once within three years would have faced $300 fines. Drivers found in violation a third time within the same period would have faced jail time and community service.
The bill didn't include an exception for emergency calls.

1/18/07-A bill in the House Transportation Committee would prohibit drivers in the state from talking on hand-held cell phones while driving. Talking on a phone equipped with a hands-free device would still be permitted.
Sponsored by Rep. John Mayo, D-Clarksdale, HB187 would make it a secondary offense to drive while chatting - meaning a person would have to be pulled over for another violation, such as speeding, before they could be ticketed for talking on the phone.
Violators would face $150 fines. Repeat offenders caught more than once within three years would face $300 fines. Drivers found in violation a third time within the same period would face jail time and community service.
The bill doesn't include an exception for emergency calls.
For bill status, call (601) 359-3719.