Delaware House OKs higher fine for phone use in car
Photo via ShutterStock) " title="shutterstock_110251766" width="1" height="1"/>
(Photo via ShutterStock)
A proposed increase in the first-time penalty for using a handheld cell phone or other electronic device while driving is making progress in the Delaware General Assembly.
The News Journal of Wilmington reports that the House of Representatives approved a measure Thursday that would boost the penalty for first-time offenders from $50 to $75. Repeat offenders face fines of $200.
The bill was introduced by Republican Rep. Joe Miro. The legislation now heads to the Senate.
Delaware law enforcement officers issued nearly 20,000 citations last year to drivers caught texting or talking on cell phones without a hands-free device. That’s up more than 48 percent from a year earlier.
WHYY is your source for fact-based, in-depth journalism and information. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on financial support from readers like you. Please give today.
RockyFest, Patti LaBelle and more holiday fun and in this week’s ‘Things To Do’
Dec. 5–8: The Blind Boys of Alabama in Delaware, the Philadelphia Gay Men’s Chorus and Dickens Fest in South Jersey are among weekend event highlights.
54 mins ago
Listen 5:30
Delaware compensation commission considers fix to legislator pension mess
Lawmakers’ pension payments are expected to rise again as longtime House Speaker Pete Schwartzkopf prepares to retire.
1 hour ago
Some families are turning down promotions and making financial sacrifices to qualify for state help amid skyrocketing costs.
2 hours ago