Cell phone use in vehicle

A motorist splits his attention between his cellphone and the road while driving on East Broadway on Wednesday.

With a unanimous vote Tuesday morning, the Pima County Board of Supervisors approved a ban on texting while driving.

The approved ordinance does allow for drivers to “initiate, receive, or engage in voice communication,” and also exempts law enforcement and emergency responders, those driving school buses, and drivers in areas closed to the public. It also allows for all uses of cellphones while vehicles are stopped.

Violation of the ordinance is a civil traffic violation, punishable by a $100 when the driver is not involved in an accident and $250 if the driver is involved in an accident.


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