Utah Teen Cellphone Use While Driving is Restricted

Governor Gary Herbert just signed House Bill 103, restricting teen cellphone use while driving to a minimum. Kids under the age of 18 can now only use a cellphone while driving in the following situations:

• During a medical emergency
• When reporting a safety hazard or requesting assistance relating to a safety hazard
• When reporting a criminal activity or requesting assistance in relation to a criminal activity
• When communicating with a parent or legal guardian

What’s The Cost of a Violation?

Any teen who violates this section will be given an infraction and can be fined up to $25. House Bill 103 also notes that if a teen violates this section, the violation is not reportable. Additionally, kids who use a cellphone while driving and receive a violation under this law cannot have points assessed against their driving record.

What Do You Think?

Does this law go far enough? Does it seem fair to target teen drivers when there a lot of distracted adult drivers out on the Utah roads? According to research, teens make up just 8 percent of drivers but are involved in almost 25% of auto crashes.

Of course, there are a lot of lawmakers who probably wouldn’t be re-elected if they banned all cellphone use while driving, regardless of age. Also, receiving a $25 fine likely won’t be the teen cellphone while driving deterrent that officials hope it will be. In other words, this bill might not have any impact on unsafe driving while using a cellphone—for Utah teens or anyone else.

If you have a child that does get into trouble with the law, contact a Utah juvenile defense attorney immediately. The best way to help your child is to give them the best legal defense possible.