Bill to ban cell phones while driving

SANTA FE (KRQE) – The state's House passed a statewide ban on the use of handheld cell phones while driving on Tuesday.

Albuquerque, Las Cruces and Santa Fe already ban the use of cell phones while driving.

If the bill becomes law, an added state charge would be tacked on to the city's fine.

Outside of those three cities, violators would get a $25 ticket.

Roughly two dozen states have some kind of cell phone ban on the books.

The bill also bans texting or e-mailing while driving. Drivers would be permitted to use hands-free devices to talk on their cell phones.

"Cell phone and text messaging and imaging while driving is a hazard," Rep. Antonio Lujan, D-Las Cruces, said.

"I do a lot of my business via the phone," Rep. Candy Spence Ezzell, R-Roswell, said. "Any distraction in a vehicle can cause an accident if the driver is inattentive."

The money from cell phone violations would help pay for ignition interlock devices for drunken drivers who can't afford them.

The measure will now head to the Senate where there's a similar cell phone ban.