Bethlehem’s Cell Phone Ban Goes Into Effect
A ban on handheld cell phones passed by the Bethlehem City Council went into effect June 15. What this means for residents and those passing through Bethlehem is – talking, texting and e-mailing while driving are off-limits. If you are caught using a cell phone while driving, you could be slapped with a $100 fine. There is a grace period of one month.
Until August 14, drivers will only get warnings, according to a story on www.lehighvalleylive.com. But, beginning August 15, motorists who violate the city’s law will begin to get citations. The city still allows hands-free devices while driving. And, it is still legal to talk in a parked car that is not in gear. The only exceptions to the cell phone ban are police officers and emergency personnel who are using cell phones while on the job.
Bethlehem city officials passed this cell phone ban because there is no such statewide ban in Pennsylvania. Individuals are taking up the issue because the state’s legislators have not been able to get the job done. A number of states have enacted a cell phone and texting ban after several recent reports, including one by the federal government, have shown that cell phone use is one of the most common and deadliest forms of distracted driving in the nation. The federal government also recently issued a texting ban for commercial truck and bus drivers nationwide.
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→