Recent Cell Phone Driving Laws

Good day Rees Law Firm readers!

I hope this entry finds you well. Today's topic is going to be the recent legislation passed in the Arkansas General Assembly regarding cell phone usage while driving.

It's no secret that people still want to be able to communicate even when they're on the road. As a result, all of us who own cell phones can usually be seen calling or texting from the road in an effort to stay in contact with those who we wish to stay in contact with.

However, cell phone usage while driving has been linked to many traffic accidents, including numerous fatalities. In an effort to address this issue, the Arkansas General Assembly, in their most recent session, has passed a few new laws regarding cell phone usage while driving. The following is a list of those laws:

Arkansas - Senate Bill 309 - Addresses issues related to the licensing of youthful drivers, to amend the law regarding restricted driver's licenses, learner's licenses, and intermediate licenses.A driver with a learner's license shall not use a cellular telephone device or other interactive wireless communication device while operating a motor vehicle.

Arkansas - Senate Bill 28 - Prohibits a driver under eighteen years of age from operating a motor vehicle while using a cellular telephone device.

Arkansas - House Bill 1013 - Establishes Paul's Law, prohibits the drivers of motor vehicles from using hand held cellular telephones to engage in text messaging. This new law goes into effect in October of 2009.

As you can see, this is a relatively stringent regulation on cell phone usage while in the car. Violation of these laws can result in ticketing, as well as liability in a civil case should you happen to be involved in an accident. It is certainly preferable to avoid these particular outcomes, and as tempting as it might be, we all should refrain from using our portable cellular devices while on the road.

Having said this, if you have been involved in an accident with a driver who was negligently talking on their cell phone while on the road, please do not wait, and call the Rees Law Firm today. We will secure justice for your injuries, and utilize the fullest extent of the law to help you get what you deserve as a victim of such an accident.

Please check back to the site frequently for further news and updates, and prepare yourselves for a new section of the site, called Mondays with Matt, where you'll be able to ask your pressing questions in an open forum and receive deep, insightful information from the dedicated Matt Lunde, who is a partner attorney at Rees Law Firm.

Have a great weekend!