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The Senate on Thursday approved a bill to ban motorists under the age of 18 from driving while using cell phones for texting or talking, even if using a hands-free device. One critic complained that lawmakers are creating a "nanny state."
The Senate voted 21-4 to pass SB45 sponsored by Senate Minority Leader Ross Romero, D-Salt Lake City, and sent it to the House.
The bill would create a fine of up to $50 for a driver under 18 using a cell phone. However, it would allow exceptions for calls to report medical emergencies, road hazards or criminal activity or calls to parents. Romero unsuccessfully proposed a similar bill last year.
Romero said he is pushing it because studies indicate that teenagers' brains are still developing and are less able to properly handle distractions than those of older drivers. He said it's wise to let them gain more experience before allowing them to use cell phones.
But Sen. Daniel Thatcher, R-West Valley City, said in debate Thursday, "I believe this crosses the line into nanny state."
He added, "I think one of the great dangers we have here in the Senate is we want so much to keep people safe that we pass well-meaning bills. But I really do believe this violates personal liberty."
Earlier, in committee, Romero cited statistics, including that 17 percent of accidents by teens involve talking on cell phones. He said polls indicate that 51 percent of high school students admit to talking daily on cell phones while driving.