Cleveland may restrict driver's cellphone use

Bill moving through council prohibits use while driving without hands-free device

2/12/2013

CLEVELAND — Cleveland is one step closer to prohibiting drivers from talking on cellphones without using hand-free devices.

WEWS-TV reports that a bill is moving through the city council. It goes to another committee later this month and would make it illegal for drivers to talk with a cellphone to their ear.

The law would allow drivers to be stopped by police for no other reason than talking on the phone. The minimum fine would be $100.

Officials cited the high number of crashes in the region as the result of distracted driving.

Ohio passed a ban on texting while driving, but it's a secondary offense for adults. However, it's a primary offense for drivers under 18 to use a handheld device.