Cell phone offenders warned, not cited

Local and state authorities have issued more warnings than tickets in January, the first month of enforcing Oregon’s new cell phone law banning most uses of mobile communication devices while driving a vehicle

“Oregon State Police (OSP) troopers statewide reported citing 41 drivers and warning 250 others,” said OSP spokesman Gregg Hastings.

So far, Curry County Sheriff’s deputies have issued just warnings, no tickets.

Statistics from the Brookings Police Department were not available as of press time Friday.

Starting Jan. 1, it is unlawful in Oregon, in most cases, for a driver to use a cell phone, for talking or texting, without using a hands-free accessory while operating a motor vehicle.  Violation of the cell phone law is a primary offense, meaning that a police officer may stop a  driver solely for observing the violation. It is a class D traffic  violation with a minimum base fine of $142, said Hastings.

The law was written in response to studies that showed  the use of cell phones and other electronic devices while driving causes accidents at a rate similar to driving under the influence of alcohol.

Drivers have three options for hands-free communications; wireless ear-pieces, headsets and car-mounted speakerphones.

Exceptions to the cell phone law include emergencies, use by safety workers and emergency services personnel. Licensed amateur radio operators and citizens band radio users are also exempt from the law when using those devices.

Previously only drivers younger than 18 were prohibited from using cell phones while driving.

Drivers younger than 18 may not use any wireless electronic device, including cell phones, except in an emergency or in farming or agricultural use.

That law, enacted in 2007, includes a ban on text-messaging and does not allow for the hands-free operation of cell phones. This law applies to minors driving with a provisional drivers license, a special student driver permit, or an instructional driver permit.