Legally Unsafe

State Senator Tracy Eide, 30th Legislative District, has submitted a bill to increase the penalties for using a personal wireless communications device while operating a motor vehicle. One proposed change concerns a definition of a violation. The current law states, "a person operating a moving vehicle while holding a personal wireless communications device to his or her ear". That would be changed to "a person operating a motor vehicle while holding a personal wireless communications device." So the vehicle doesn't have to be moving and all you have to do is have the device in your hand, not up next to your ear. She wants to tighten up the rules. That's the good news.

What's the bad news? It still doesn't apply to a person operating a motor vehicle while using a hearing aid. Consequently, if this law passes, I could operate my personal wireless communications device with impunity while behind the wheel.

Smile! I'm making a video about one ridiculous aspect of a traffic law. Oh, hey, I just got a text I need to answer. Catch you at the next red light, okay?

Aren't you thankful I ride a bike?