Should Driving While Talking on a Cellphone Be Illegal in Maine?

The governor of New Hampshire, Maggie Hassan, is expected to sign into law a bill that would make driving while talking on a cellphone illegal in the state. Drivers will be fined $100 for using a hand-held cell phone while driving. That fine would increase to $250 for a second offense and $500 for additional violations within a two year period.The law takes effect July 20, 2015.

The proposal also would ban all cellphone use by minors driving a vehicle. Emergency calls are exempt for all drivers.

The bill would allow drivers to use their phones with a hands-free device, phones built into the car or two-way radios. The penalties would be for drivers stopped temporarily, such as at a red light, but not if they have pulled over and are stopped off the road. Also, the bill would allow answering the phone but not holding it to the ear or typing emails or other messages. Drivers also would not be allowed to program GPS systems unless they are pulled off the road.

Should a similar law be proposed in Maine?