Bans on certain types of cell phone usage while driving won Louisiana Senate approval Tuesday, as lawmakers continue to debate an array of bills that would restrict cell phone use by drivers.
Little agreement has been reached about how sweeping a ban should be.
Proposals approved Tuesday included a bill by Sen. Julie Quinn of Metairie that would ban text-messaging while driving and cell phone use by inexperienced drivers, unless they use a handsfree device.
Quinn's bill, approved 25-10, would prohibit handheld cell phone use by drivers with learner's permits or intermediate licenses.
The Senate also voted 33-2 for a proposal by Sen. Dale Erdey that would ban cell phone use only for drivers whose license is less than a year old.
Both bills head next to the House for debate.
The House already has approved a measure that would ban all drivers from using handheld cell phones.
All the proposed cell phone bans include exceptions to allow drivers to use their phones in emergencies.
From The Associated Press
