12/21/07-The Assembly voted to approve a bill that would prohibit drivers under age 18 from talking on cell phones or sending text messages 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, AB464 would allow violators to face fines as much as $100.
The distracted driving provisions 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 is awaiting consideration in the Senate when the 2008 session convenes Jan. 15.
For bill status, call (608) 266-2406. In Wisconsin, call 1-800-362-9472.

11/2/07-The Assembly Transportation Committee approved a bill that would prohibit drivers under age 18 from talking on cell phones or sending text messages 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, AB464 would allow violators to face fines as much as $100.
The distracted driving provisions 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 has moved to the Assembly Rules Committee.
For Assembly bill status, call (608) 266-2406. In Wisconsin, call 1-800-362-9472.

7/31/07-A bill in the Assembly Transportation Committee would prohibit drivers under age 18 from talking on cell phones or sending text messages while behind the wheel when they have an instruction permit or are holding a probationary license. It would exempt emergency phone calls.
Sponsored by Rep. Jerry Petrowski, R-Marathon, AB464 would allow violators to face fines between $50 and $100.
The distracted driving provisions 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 Assembly bill status, call (608) 266-2406. In Wisconsin, call 1-800-362-9472.
An identical Senate bill - SB240 - is in the Senate Transportation, Tourism and Insurance Committee.