Continuing to Keep You Out of Trouble....

I saw an article in the April 18, 2010 Scranton Sunday Times by staff writer Matthew Harris advising that a ban on hand-held cell phone use went into effect in the city of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, effective last Sunday the 18th.

The article notes that Wilkes-Barre is the fourth Pennsylvania city to pass such a law. I know Allentown is another such city, but I am not sure of the others.

Note that violating this law is considered a primary offense which means a cop can pull you over for this offense alone. Eventually there will be $75 fines issued but there is apparently a grace period under the law that runs from April 18th through June 30th during which violators will only be given a warning.

Hands-free devices are still allowed to be used but you could still be pulled over for handling the cell phone while driving, such as when you are dialing a number, etc. The recommendation is that you pull over and stop whenever a handling of the cell phone is required.