Using a hand-held cell phone while driving should be illegal in Louisiana, punishable with a $100 fine for a first offense, under a measure approved by the Louisiana House.
The 57-41 vote on Wednesday sends Rep. Austin Badon's bill to the Senate, which killed a similar bill last year. The measure would have no effect on the use of hands-free phones.
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House members watered down Badon's measure slightly, by making the use of hand-held cell phones a "secondary offense," meaning a police officer could not pull someone over for that violation alone. Instead, a motorist could face the fine if pulled over for speeding, lane violation or another primary offense.
Badon, D-New Orleans, argued that handling a phone while driving is too much of a distraction for too many drivers. He overcame opposition from lawmakers including Rep. Barbara Norton, who complained that the bill would do nothing to reduce distracted driving caused by motorists eating, applying makeup, adjusting neckties or tuning a radio while driving.
"What is the difference if you're holding a cell phone or a bottle of water, or a cup of coffee?" said Norton, D-Shreveport.
The bill includes numerous exceptions in case of an emergency, so a motorist could call 911, a hospital, doctor's office, fire department or police station while driving.
A second offense would bring a $150, increasing by $50 for further offenses, up to $250. The measure would take effect in January.
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