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Senate OKs restricted use of phones when driving
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Posted on Dec 23 2019
Soon, restrictions on the use of mobile phones while driving will be implemented in the CNMI.
At a session Monday, all senators present voted to pass H.B. 21-35, a bill authored by Rep. Edmund S. Villagomez (Ind-Saipan) that restricts the use of mobile phones while driving.
Under the bill, it would be illegal to drive while on the phone unless the device is designed for hands-free use and is used in such a manner. Violators would be fined $50 for a first offense and $100 for each subsequent offense.
If the violation injures a person, the driver shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, when convicted, would have to pay a minimum fine of $250 to a maximum of $1,000, and can be imprisoned between 30 days and six months.
The restriction exempts emergency responders, including law enforcement officers, health care providers, emergency medical technicians, and firefighters.
The restrictions also do not apply to individuals using the mobile phone for emergency use, such as when making an emergency call to law enforcers, fire department, health care providers, and any other emergency service agency or entity.
“The Legislature finds that there are significant safety concerns regarding the widespread practice of using cellular telephones and other mobile electronic devices while operating motor vehicles,” part of the bill states.
