Oklahoma Bill Targets Use of Hand-Held Devices While Driving

Oklahoma Sen. Ron Sharp has filed legislation banning the use of cellphones or other handheld devices to text, email or call while driving in his state.

Senate Bill 67 would make it a misdemeanor to use a handheld device while behind the wheel. Violators would face up to a $1,000 fine or up to a year in jail, or both.

The measure would enable law enforcement officers to cite drivers for using the devices as a secondary offense.

While the legislation would apply to all handheld device use while operating a moving motor vehicle, it would not apply to the use of Bluetooth technology that would allow for hands-free operation to communicate while driving.