Oregon tightens cell phone, DUI laws
ONTARIO, Ore -- Oregonians face dozens of new laws this new year.
One of them is a total ban on talking on your cell phone while driving, another is a stricter DUI law for first time offenders.
Previously the law passed in 2009 allowed driving and talking on a handheld cell phone if it was necessary for a person's job. Oregon lawmakers intended the provision as an exemption for law enforcment and emergency workers.
But police said it made enforcement of the ban on handheld cell phones difficult because so many drivers claimed they were doing business on the phone.
"The cell phone law was confusing," said Ontario resident Chuck Guerri. "It needed to be cleared up. So I think it was a good call."
The new law says only emergency responders and roadside assistance workers can use a handheld phone while driving. talking with handsfree devices is still legal.
A new law also requires anyone convicted of drunk driving, even first time offenders, to get an ignition interlock device that checks a driver's breath before the engine will start.
"I tend bar at times. I have seen people have trouble with drunk driving," said Lydia Nuemann of Ontario. "I have friends and family hurt by it so I think this is a good idea."
In Oregon, you can still use you hand held phone to call 911 while driving.
One of them is a total ban on talking on your cell phone while driving, another is a stricter DUI law for first time offenders.
Previously the law passed in 2009 allowed driving and talking on a handheld cell phone if it was necessary for a person's job. Oregon lawmakers intended the provision as an exemption for law enforcment and emergency workers.
But police said it made enforcement of the ban on handheld cell phones difficult because so many drivers claimed they were doing business on the phone.
"The cell phone law was confusing," said Ontario resident Chuck Guerri. "It needed to be cleared up. So I think it was a good call."
The new law says only emergency responders and roadside assistance workers can use a handheld phone while driving. talking with handsfree devices is still legal.
A new law also requires anyone convicted of drunk driving, even first time offenders, to get an ignition interlock device that checks a driver's breath before the engine will start.
"I tend bar at times. I have seen people have trouble with drunk driving," said Lydia Nuemann of Ontario. "I have friends and family hurt by it so I think this is a good idea."
In Oregon, you can still use you hand held phone to call 911 while driving.
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