12/3/08-A bill has died that sought to restrict the most inexperienced drivers to one passenger under 18 at a time. Exceptions would have been made for family members.
Sponsored by Rep. Joe Markosek, D-Monroeville, HB2674 remained in the House Appropriations Committee when the regular session ended last month, effectively killing it for the year.
The bill also would have required teens with learner’s permits and 16- and 17-year-olds with junior driver’s licenses to put down handheld wireless devices, such as a BlackBerry, and laptop computers while at the wheel. The restriction would have applied to cell phone use and text messaging.
Exceptions would have been made for emergency calls. Violators would have faced $100 fines.
Another provision in the bill would have required aspiring drivers to spend more time practicing before obtaining licenses. Existing state law requires a permit holder to complete 50 hours of behind-the-wheel training, have their learner’s permit for six months before taking a driver’s exam and have an adult at least 21 years old with them in a vehicle.
The bill sought to boost the training time to 65 hours. It would have included 10 hours of nighttime training and five hours of experience driving during inclement weather.
A separate provision would have clearly forbidden drivers from watching television while behind the wheel. State law already prohibits drivers from watching any device that receives a television broadcast if it’s located in front of the back of the driver’s seat or is visible to the driver.
In addition, the bill would have amended the law to prohibit drivers from watching any device capable of displaying a “television broadcast or video signal.”

9/17/08-A bill in the House Transportation Committee would restrict the most inexperienced drivers to one passenger under 18 at a time. Exceptions would be made for family members.
Sponsored by Rep. Joe Markosek, D-Monroeville, HB2674 also would require teens with learner’s permits and 16- and 17-year-olds with junior driver’s licenses to put down handheld wireless devices, such as a BlackBerry, and laptop computers while at the wheel. The restriction would apply to cell phone use and text messaging.
Exceptions would be made for emergency calls. Violators would face $100 fines.
Another provision in the bill would require aspiring drivers to spend more time practicing before obtaining licenses. Existing state law requires a permit holder to complete 50 hours of behind-the-wheel training, have their learner’s permit for six months before taking a driver’s exam and have an adult at least 21 years old with them in a vehicle.
The bill would boost the training time to 65 hours. It would include 10 hours of nighttime training and five hours of experience driving during inclement weather.
A separate provision would clearly forbid drivers from watching television while behind the wheel. State law already prohibits drivers from watching any device that receives a television broadcast if it’s located in front of the back of the driver’s seat or is visible to the driver.
In addition, the bill would amend the law to prohibit drivers from watching any device capable of displaying a “television broadcast or video signal.”
For bill status, call 717-787-6732.