A bill to ban the use of a handheld cellphone or other electronic device while driving is headed to the Idaho Senate after passing out of committee Tuesday.
The bill, which is being co-sponsored by 11 senators from both parties, would make using a cellphone while driving an infraction, punishable by a $75 fine for a first offense and a $150 fine for a second offense within a three-year period. Each subsequent offense would be punished by a $300 fine within a three-year period, and an offender’s driver’s license could be suspended for 90 days for three or more violations in three years.
The Idaho Press reports, a first offense would not result in points on one’s license or insurance penalties, but a subsequent offense could.
If it passes, the law would take effect on July 1, but there would be a six-month grace period during which police would only give out warnings before violators would start to get tickets.
