6/5/08-A bill has died that sought to mandate that drivers put down their hand-held cell phones while behind the wheel. Talking on a phone equipped with a “hands-free” accessory would still have been permitted.
Sponsored by Rep. Joe Smith, R-St. Charles, HB1429 would have made it a secondary offense to drive while using a hand-held phone – 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 $20 fines. Repeat offenders would have faced $50 fines.
Among the exemptions listed in the bill were for emergency calls and using push-to-talk two-way, or “walkie-talkie,” devices that are popular in the trucking industry.
A similar effort in the Senate – SB887 – also died.

1/7/08-Rep. Joe Smith, R-St. Charles, has filed a bill for consideration during the upcoming regular session that would mandate that drivers put down their hand-held cell phones while behind the wheel. Talking on a phone equipped with a “hands-free” accessory would still be permitted.
HB1429 would make it a secondary offense to drive while using a hand-held phone – 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 $20 fines. Repeat offenders would face $50 fines.
Among the exemptions listed in the bill are for emergency calls and using push-to-talk two-way, or “walkie-talkie,” devices that are popular in the trucking industry.
The bill is awaiting assignment to committee for the session that begins Jan. 9. A similar effort in the Senate – SB887 – also is awaiting assignment to committee.
For bill status, call (573) 751-4633. In Missouri, call 1-800-877-5982.