Cell-phone ban for drivers effective today

LIHU‘E — Last-minute shoppers looking to comply with the county ban on drivers using handheld mobile electronic devices might find slim pickings on wireless store shelves.

The ban goes into effect today, and on Friday AT&T salespeople at the Lihu‘e store on Kuhio Highway reported being sold out of speaker phones, though they had some wireless earpieces in stock.

More of the hardware was expected in store later this week.

County officials in a press release this week reminded the public that a new law banning the use of handheld mobile electronic devices by drivers takes effect today.

The law prohibits driving while holding and using all types of cellular phones along with text messaging, paging, playing video games, and the use of laptop computers, personal digital assistants, and digital photographic devices.

Violators will be subject to fines of $97 and up to $147 if they are cited in school zones or construction areas.

In advance of the ban, Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. has been heard on the radio talking about distracted drivers causing accidents, and reminding drivers about the driver cell-phone ban.

It is already illegal to drive and talk on a cell phone in Honolulu, and the ban on the Big Island went into effect Jan. 1. The Maui County Council is moving toward banning driver use of cell phones and other electronic devices as well.

On Kaua‘i, emergency responders such as police officers and firefighters are exempt from this law while they are performing official duties, as well as drivers possessing valid amateur operator licenses issued by the Federal Communications Commission who need to use a half-duplex, two-way radio (HAM radio).

In addition, drivers using a two-way radio for business purposes, such as a car-rental agency or taxi service, are also exempt.

See www.kauai.gov/cellphoneban for more information about the mobile electronic device ordinance, or call the Kaua‘i Police Department at 241-1611.