Cleveland to Ban Cell Phones

Plan could hang up cell phones in cars
Thursday, February 01, 2007

By David Plata West Side Sun News

Talking on your cell phone while driving in Cleveland could land you in the pokey for up to 90 days and cost you up to $750.

That's under a plan introduced Monday by Councilman Michael Dolan. Dolan, D-21, said he first introduced such a plan three or four years ago, but yanked it after a firestorm of criticism.

"They were saying it was too much government intervention," he said.

Dolan said a police officer lost his leg in an accident three years ago while directing traffic after a game downtown. "A lady was talking on her cell phone," he said. "She was distracted and hit the officer."

Councilman Joe Cimperman, D-13, scoffed at the idea. "We're a city," he said. "We're not Mayberry. "Are we looking for Aunt Bea with her peach cobbler on the porch?"

According to Dolan's plan, a violation would be a second degree misdemeanor. That's punishable by up to 90 days in jail and a fine of up to $750.

According to the plan, however, police could not stop someone simply for talking while driving, Dolan said. "They could only ticket you if they stop you for another moving violation failure to control, speeding, whatever," he said.

In addition, he said, drivers could still talk on a cell phone if they are using a hands-free device, such as a speakerphone or an earpiece. There also would be exceptions if the driver were making an emergency call to police, fire or EMS.

Council President Martin Sweeney, D-20, said he had not seen Dolan's plan.

"Safety while driving is important," he said, adding that there are "many factors to consider." Dolan said the legislation could improve safety, and noted it only costs $10 or so to buy an earpiece or hands-free device.

"I think it's a smart move," he said.