Wisconsin Legislation Seeks Cell Phone Ban in Construction Zones

Drivers would be barred from talking on their cellphones while in a construction zone under a bill being circulated in the Wisconsin state Legislature.

Republican Sen. Jerry Petrowski, of Marathon, emailed the bill on Friday seeking co-sponsors. The ban would only be in place when workers are present in the construction zones.

Petrowski says he drafted the proposal at the request of the Marathon County highway commissioner. He says the intent is to protect road workers and reduce distracted driving.

State law currently bars drivers from texting while driving. New drivers on a probationary license are barred from using a cellphone while driving.

Under his proposal, violators could face fines of between $20 and $40 for a first offense and up to $100 for a second offense.