Wisconsin Senate passes cell ban for young drivers

By The Associated Press

CREATED Mar. 13, 2012

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  • Inside the State Capitol in Madison. | Photo: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

MADISON- The state Senate has passed a bill that would prohibit young drivers from using cell phones.

The bill would bar anyone operating a motor vehicle under an instruction permit or a probationary license from using a cell phone or other wireless communications device except to report an emergency.

First-time violators would face penalties ranging from $20 to $40. Repeat offenders would pay anywhere between $50 and $100.

The Senate approved the bill Tuesday on a voice vote with no debate.  The Assembly passed it unanimously in February. It now goes to Gov. Scott Walker, who can sign it into law or veto it.  The governor's spokesman says Walker will evaluate the measure when it arrives.