4/15/09-A bill died that sought to forbid drivers under 18 from using their cell phones while at the wheel.
Sponsored by Rep. Matt Ramsey, R-Peachtree City, HB23 was awaiting a Senate floor vote when the session ended, effectively killing it for the year. The House previously approved it.
The state’s youngest drivers who are found to be in violation would have faced fines up to $175. Subsequent violations would have resulted in up to $500 fines.
Police would have been authorized to pull over drivers they believe are in violation of the restriction. Exceptions would have been made for emergencies.
Drivers found at fault in wrecks while in violation would have had their licenses suspended for 90 days. Second-time offenders would have lost their driving privileges for six months.
Offenders who are involved in wrecks also would have faced a loss of one point on their driver’s license. Repeat offenders would have lost two points.

1/15/09-A bill in the House Motor Vehicles Committee would forbid drivers under 18 from using their cell phones while at the wheel.
Sponsored by Rep. Matt Ramsey, R-Peachtree City, HB23 would issue the state’s youngest drivers who are found to be in violation with fines up to $175. Subsequent violations would result in up to $500 fines.
Police would be authorized to pull over drivers they believe are in violation of the restriction. Exceptions would be made for emergencies.
Drivers found at fault in wrecks while in violation would have their licenses suspended for 90 days. Second-time offenders would lose their driving privileges for six months.
Offenders who are involved in wrecks also would face a loss of one point on their driver’s license. Repeat offenders would lose two points.
For House bill status, call 404-656-5015.

12/17/08-Rep. Matt Ramsey, R-Peachtree City, has filed a bill for consideration during the regular session that starts Jan. 12 that would forbid drivers under 18 from using their cell phones while at the wheel.
Under HB23, the state’s youngest drivers who are found to be in violation would face fines up to $175. Subsequent violations would result in up to $500 fines.
Police would be authorized to pull over drivers they believe are in violation of the restriction. Exceptions would be made for emergencies.
Drivers found at fault in wrecks while in violation would have their licenses suspended for 90 days. Second-time offenders would lose their driving privileges for six months.
Offenders who are involved in wrecks also would face a loss of one point on their driver’s license. Repeat offenders would lose two points.
For House bill status, call 404-656-5015.