New cell-phone measure is all talk

SALT LAKE CITY — In case you were on the phone driving and missed it, the Legislature is considering a bill that would ban cell phone use while operating a motor vehicle.

Senate Bill 113 has been passed by the Senate and is now trying to make its way through the House.

If only everyone would put down their cell phones for a minute.

Don't panic, though. If you're over 18, it doesn't apply to you.

The bill, sponsored by Sen. Ross Romero, D-Salt Lake, restricts cell phone use only among drivers who are minors — anyone under 18.

And even if you're under 18, there are more ways around this than jury duty.

I pulled up a copy of the bill from the Utah State Legislature's Web site.

Officially, it's called the Wireless Telephone Use Restriction for Minors in Vehicles Bill.

The proposed law prohibits anyone under 18 from talking on a cell phone, period, unless the call is (a) because of a medical emergency, (b) because you're reporting a safety hazard or (c) because you're talking to your parents.

So just to be clear: It's OK to be take your mind off your driving and be distracted by cell phone chatter as long as the cell phone chatter is with a parent.

New bumper sticker: Shut Up and Drive — Unless You're Talking to Mom.

No one's suggesting this makes it easy for the police.

If a cop sees what looks like a youthful-looking driver talking on his or her cell phone, the cop must instantly determine if the driver is under 18 and further determine, wait, does it appear that he or she is talking to a parent?

I did too take out the garbage!

It makes deciding "block" or "charge" on an NBA fastbreak look simple.

But wait, it gets thornier.

The new proposed bill defines cell phone use as a secondary offense, meaning that the driver can only be stopped if there is another legal reason for said stop, such as speeding, a broken tail light or an actual accident. ...

Otherwise, a minor can pull up right next to a Highway Patrol cruiser and openly talk away, free as a U.N. diplomat.