Cell Phone Ban in Wisconsin Construction Zones Sought

Drivers would be barred from talking on their cell phones while in a construction zone under a bill being circulated in the Wisconsin state Legislature.

Republican Sen. Jerry Petrowski, of Marathon, emailed the bill on Dec. 6 seeking co-sponsors. The ban would only be in place when workers are present in the construction zones.

Petrowski says he drafted the proposal at the request of the Marathon County highway commissioner. He says the intent is to protect road workers and reduce distracted driving.

State law currently bars drivers from texting while driving. New drivers on a probationary license are barred from using a cell phone while driving.

Under his proposal, violators could face fines of between $20 and $40 for a first offense and up to $100 for a second offense.