Rell Proposes Tougher Ban on Cell Phones while Driving

When Governor M. Jodi Rell addresses lawmakers on the opening day of the 2010 legislative session, she will propose expanding and toughening Connecticut's 2005 law banning hand-held cellular phones while driving. The Governor's Office says Rell will submit legislation expanding the law to cover texting. She also wants to eliminate the one-time exemption that allows drivers who violate the ban to avoid a fine by proving that they have purchased a hands-free device.

The fine for violating the law is $100.

"This law has been in place for nearly five years now, more than enough time for Connecticut motorists to be familiar with its requirements," Rell said. "Over and over again we see entirely preventable crashes caused by inattentive drivers, often because they are distracted by cell phones, text messages or other modern electronic distractions."

Rell's proposal would also strengthen the law by adding a $500 fine in cases where a violation of the cell phone ban results in an accident.

The announcement came Saturday, a day after a study from the insurance industry was released, which found that state laws barring wireless calling or texting while driving have not resulted in fewer vehicle crashes. The Highway Loss Data Institute examined claims from crashes before and after such laws took effect in Connecticut, California, New York, and Washington, D.C.