A bill banning a driver from handling a cell phone use while driving failed to get approval in the Louisiana House. Breaux Bridge Representative Mike Huval’s legislation faced opposition from Amite Representative Robby Carter, who says not everyone drives a car with Bluetooth technology, but Huval says there are inexpensive accessories available that allow for hands-free cell phone use.
“My car is 15 years old, there’s definitely no blue tooth, it’s got a standard transmission, I can do it,” said Huval.
“You can go down and use that phone you got right there and not use your hands,” said Carter.
Huval says banning handheld cell phone use will cut down on distracted driving crashes. But Plaquemine Representative and Attorney Chad Brown is concerned this proposed law could lead to illegal searches.
“I can see a lot of clients coming my way,” said Brown.
Brown also questioned the enforcement of the proposed law. He says it would be difficult for an officer to determine if a person is holding their cellphone or some other object.
“If an officer sees this, he thinks it’s a cell phone, but it’s a phone charger,” said Brown.
The vote was 48-46 for the bill, but it needs 53 to pass.
Comments