Bethlehem Passes Cell Phone Ban
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, has become the second city in the Lehigh Valley to pass a cell phone ban. WFMZ News reports that Bethlehem, like neighbor Allentown, has made it illegal to talk on the cell phone while driving to help curb Pennsylvania cell phone accidents. Motorists will face a fine if they are caught talking, texting or surfing the Web while driving in Bethlehem.
These laws have touched off a debate in Pennsylvania about whether individual cities have the right to pass these laws. Officials of different cities differ in their opinion of how this law works. Some believe that a citation can be issued, but cities cannot demand that a fine be paid. But cities such as Allentown and Bethlehem, which have enacted these laws, say that they plan on collecting the fines as well.
Pennsylvania does not have a statewide cell phone ban yet. The State House of Representatives have approved cell phone prohibition while driving statewide, but it is yet to be approved by the Senate. Bethlehem’s cell phone ban will be effective on June 15. Drivers will face a $100 fine if caught after a 60-day warning period.
Distracted driving is a hot button issue for many cities and states now – as it should be. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), all forms of distracted driving caused 515,000 injuries and 5,870 fatalities in 2008, nationally. It is time to act.
Michael Monheit is the managing lawyer at Monheit Law, outside Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He has practiced law since 1989. Michael Monheit was the managing attorney of the law offices of Herbert Monheit — now Silverman and Fodera — a firm... Michael Monheit→