Cell Phone Ban in Effect in Harrisburg, PA

As of March 1, 2010, motorists in Harrisburg, PA have one more possible violation to avoid. The Harrisburg Police Department began enforcing a new ordinance which prohibits the use of cell phones while operating a motor vehicle. Ordinance 17-2009, "Prohibition of Use of Interactive Wireless Communications Devices While Operating a Motor Vehicle" reads as such:

Prohibited Behavior
No person shall operate a motor vehicle on any street or highway within the city of Harrisburg, while engaging in any conduct defined as the "use" of an interactive wireless communication device unless the operator maintains both hands on the applicable steering device.

Exceptions
(a) Law enforcement officers or operators of emergency vehicles, when on duty and acting within their official capacities.
(b) Persons using an interactive wireless communication device for voice communication to call "911" in an emergency, or to report a traffic accident or unsafe driving by another motorist.
(c) Persons using a hands-free device for voice communication, provided that such person does not touch the mobile telephone or wireless communication device connected to such hands-free device while operating or using the vehicle.
(d) Persons using an interactive wireless communication device while maintaining a motor vehicle in a stationary position in a parking lane or space out of moving traffic lanes, and not in gear.
(e) Persons using an interactive wireless communication device while maintaining the vehicle in the park position, either on public or private property.
(f) Persons using on-board communication device for non-personal communication in the course of ordinary business in their employment with a City, State or Federal agency or authority.

Penalties
The penalties for a violation goes as follows: First offense $100, Second offense $250, Third offense $500, Fourth offense and any subsequent offense or a violation that results in an automobile accident, bodily harm, or damage to property, a fine of $1000 shall apply. Additionally, fines are doubled for violations occurring in a designated active work zone or school zone.

Although no signs will be posted regarding this cell phone ban, the new ordinance has been well publicized and Harrisburg police officers issued around 200 warnings during the month of February 2010 in preparation of enforcing the ban.

Will this cell phone ban result in fewer accidents in the city of Harrisburg? Probably not. Most people engage in unsafe driving habits on a routine basis. Changing radio stations, eating, applying makeup, tending to children in the back seat of the vehicle, and consulting a GPS unit are all common activities of drivers, as well as exceeding the speed limit, driving without headlights in the rain, failing to use turn signals, and driving with one hand (or no hands) on the wheel. Unless there is a police officer in plain sight, drivers will continue their bad driving habits. Attempting to ban one unsafe habit will do little more than increase the city's revenue short term. After the first round of citations, Harrisburg motorists will devise ways to use their cell phones inconspicuously and avoid the citation.

Sources:

www.harrisburgpa.gov

www.pennlive.com

www.cumberlink.com