Councilman Wants DC to Rethink Cell Phone-Driving Law
Friday, Feb 6, 2009 | Updated 7:46 PM EDT
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D.C. has collected more than $4 million in fines from motorists who improperly use their cell phones while driving, but some council members are questioning whether the city should keep the law.
WASHINGTON -- D.C. has collected more than $4 million in fines from motorists who improperly use their cell phones while driving, but some council members are questioning whether the city should keep the law.
Talking on a handheld cell phone while driving is illegal, but it is common, and people do get caught.
Last year, the city issued 11,904 $100 tickets for improper cell phone use. Since 2004, there have been 42,261 tickets issued.
The law is aggressively enforced, Police Chief Cathy Lanier said.
Councilman Jack Evans said he still sees plenty of people driving and talking on their handhelds, so he's not convinced the ticketing is effective.
Evans wants D.C. to reconsider the law, which doesn't exist in Maryland or Virginia. He said any distracted driving is illegal.
