Illinois Could Ban Use of Hand-Held Cell Phones While Driving

The Chicago Tribune is reporting that the Illinois House approved a bill Thursday that would make it illegal for people to talk on hand-held cell phones while driving.

House Bill 3972 is an amendment to the Illinois Vehicle Code that would count talking on a hand-held cell phone while driving as a moving violation in Illinois, according to the Tribune.

The House Bill states: "A violation of this Section is an offense against traffic regulations governing the movement of vehicles. A person who violates this Section shall be fined a maximum of $75 for a first offense, $100 for a second offense, $125 for a third offense, and $150 for a fourth or subsequent offense."

According to the House Bill text, exceptions would include:

• A law enforcement officer or emergency personnel performing their duties.
• A driver using his or her cell phone to report an emergency.
• A driver using a hands-free headset.

House Bill 3972 passed by a 62-53 vote, according to the Chicago Tribune. The bill will now move on to the Illinois Senate.

Do you think there should be a state-wide ban on talking on cell phones while driving? Tell us in the comments.