Delaware Bans Hand-Held Cell Phone Use While Driving

A ban on hand-held cell phone use while driving is taking effect in Delaware.

Beginning Sunday, drivers will have to carry on their cell phone conversations using hands-free devices. The law also bans texting while driving, and drivers cannot use pagers, Blackberrys, PDAs, laptops, games or any other electronic devices.

Police can pull over a driver observed talking on a hand-held device and issue a fine of $50 for a first offense. Repeat offenses increase to $100 and can go as high as $200. Violations do not incur points on a driver’s license.

The new law includes exemptions for police, firefighters and other emergency personnel.