This week the Judiciary II committee met and we gave a favorable report to a Senate Bill that will not allow new teen drivers, less than eighteen years old, to talk on a cell phone while driving - even if they use a hands free device.

If a teen driver does use their cell phone while driving they will have to pay a fine of $25 and their ability to have a full driver's license will be delayed six months. There are exceptions to this bill if the call was for an emergency purpose.

This bill came about after a report from a NC Child Fatality Task Force Report submitted that there would be a marked decrease in deaths of new teen drivers if cell phones were not allowed by new teen drivers. This is an important step to protect our newest citizens to driving.