SEN. GINNY BURDICK STATE SENATOR, DISTRICT 18 PORTLAND, TIGARD, & KING CITY Chair, Senate Finance & Revenue Committee

News Advisory

July 28, 2009

CONTACT: Molly Woon (503) 986-1074

Burdick praises Governor’s signature on legislation requiring

drivers’ use of hands-free cell phone devices

SALEM – Senator Ginny Burdick (D-Portland), a long-time advocate for eliminating distractions on the roads, praised the Governor’s signature of HB 2377 today. As of January 1, 2010 Oregon will join six states, numerous municipalities, and the District of Columbia by prohibiting use of a hand-held cellular telephone while driving.

“This is a common sense safety issue,” said Burdick, who has introduced similar road safety legislation in previous sessions. “Particularly as a cyclist, I see this as a step in the right direction for helping everyone on the road develop safer habits.”

Exceptions to the new law are provided for public safety and emergency personnel, persons operating a vehicle within the scope of employment, persons engaged in certain one-way communications, and FCC-licensed amateur radio and two-way radio operators. HB 2377 designates a violation as a primary offense punishable as a Class D traffic violation with maximum fine of $90.

HB 2377 was introduced in the House by Representatives Carolyn Tomei (D-Milwaukie) and Sal Esquivel (R-Medford). Senator Bill Morrisette (D-Springfield) was also a chief Senate sponsor.

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