Bill would prohibit bans on cell phone use

Monday, March 10, 2003 | 9:24 a.m.

CARSON CITY -- A bill that would prohibit counties and cities from enacting ordinances that stop or limit drivers from using cell phones in cars was unanimously approved by the Senate Commerce and Labor Committee Friday.

Senate Bill 10, which goes to the floor of the Senate for a vote this week, says "any agency, board, commission or governing body of a local government shall not regulate the use of a telephonic device by a person who is operating a motor vehicle."

Sen. Randolph Townsend, R-Reno, said the prohibition is needed because otherwise there would be problems with enforcement of cell phone laws from one jurisdiction to the next.

Motorists driveg through unincorporated areas of Clark County and the cities of Las Vegas and Henderson on a daily basis. If the Clark County Commission banned the use of cell phones by drivers, for instance, complications would arise because a motorist could be within the boundaries of unincorporated Clark County one minute, and in Henderson the next.

Proponents of bans on cell phone usage by drivers argue that the bans could reduce the number of traffic accidents.