Residents Agree with Ban

Tools

By Nicole Grigg

Story Published: Jul 27, 2010 at 4:09 PM MST

Story Updated: Jul 28, 2010 at 6:01 PM MST

BILLINGS - In a little more than two months cell phones will be banned from behind the wheel and will become a punishable offense in Billings with some hefty fines.

The Billings City Council approved a ban on cell phones while driving inside city limits unless the driver is using a hands-free device. If officers see you on your phone, they will be able to pull you over.

Officials said the fine could be up to $300.00 on the first offense and up to $500.00 for any subsequent violations.

Even some people who use their cell phones agree the ban is necessary. “I think the new law the city passed is a good idea. It will prevent a lot of accidents and people sitting through green lights. I was just on the phone while I was driving, so I’m going to have to make some adjustments,” said Ron Ostlund.

Police, fire, emergency workers and licensed amateur radio operators are exempt from the rule.

There will be a second reading of the ordinance before the city council makes a final vote, and there will be pubic comment at that time. Mayor Tom Hanel said he does not expect much to change and anticipates the council passing it. If the ordinance is passed at the final reading, it will not go into effect until October 1.

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fritter said on Friday, Jul 30 at 12:24 PM

hey easy$ i agree maybee this will stop some of these idiots from doing that and once the insurance rates go up well we will see if it was worth the text time.Besides what is so important that you cant say with words what ever happen to that.maybee this text thing is why most teens and adults are not smart?

easy$ said on Friday, Jul 30 at 12:20 PM

sounds like money to me.If we get a clunker drive around town and pick out those teens and adults driving expensive cars pull in front of them while they are texting and slam on the brakes BINGO easy money.the phone records will indicate they were texting so we collect a fat check from the insurance company its like being self employed and running a legal business .

sickandtiredofBS said on Thursday, Jul 29 at 10:45 AM

Now that this is going into effect, I wonder how many of the city council members are licensed amateur radio operators , because really why should they be exempt. How about truck drivers, do they get a free pas, because thier job requires using a radio and cell also.

Seriously said on Wednesday, Jul 28 at 3:44 PM

Then ban eating and drinking coffe and smoking and changing the CD--those all distract the driver--and let's not forget lipstick. To be honest women can multitask but men--well you better wait until you get home to use the phone.

loophole said on Wednesday, Jul 28 at 2:26 PM

Take the 35 multiple choice question amateur radio operator test for $14. You only need a 70% to pass. You can then talk on your phone all you want. Then when the police waste their time pulling you over show them the license and your off.

DPS said on Wednesday, Jul 28 at 5:52 AM

I hate to see a californicator type law come to our town but you people have abused this cell phone thing. Who the heck are you people always talking to that it can't wait? And there is no reason for law enforcement to have a free pass on this. Don't they have two way radios?

Agree!! said on Wednesday, Jul 28 at 4:13 AM

I have been nearly hit, or seen other's almost hit by drivers distracted by their cell phones---for years.

FINALLY!!!!!! said on Tuesday, Jul 27 at 11:50 PM

It is about time that Billings got with the game, there are way too many accidents from people texting and driving or talking and driving. Too many teens are to pre-occupied with their phones to pay attention to the road, I will vote for this ban

rampant said on Tuesday, Jul 27 at 10:13 PM

This article is WRONG. The ban was NOT passed, this was just the 1st public hearing. Now there will be a 30 day public comment period, followed by a 2nd hearing and another comment period. If you don't want a ban, email the Mayor & Council & speak out at their next meeting!

grr said on Tuesday, Jul 27 at 5:56 PM

that sucks!

huh? said on Tuesday, Jul 27 at 5:37 PM

i am not arguing whether there is merit in this law or not but isn't your title a little missleading? I don't think this cell phone ban is a good idea so the title should read "residents dissagree with cell phone ban".

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