Utah Gov. OKs ban on phone use for young drivers

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SALT LAKE CITY (AP) – Utah Gov. Gary Herbert has approved legislation to impose a $25 fine and ticket on teens who talk on the phone while driving.

The law makes it a misdemeanor for 16 and 17-year-olds to talk and drive.

It would not apply to teens using a phone to reach out to parents or authorities in an emergency situation. If teens were to violate the rule and receive a ticket, that ticket would not count against them in points on their driver’s license.

Opponents of the measure said the regulation would be an unnecessary government overreach and doesn’t address other concerns about distracted driving.

The governor’s office announced his approval of the measure on Wednesday.

The law is set to take effect May 14.

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