AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — A Maine committee has narrowly rejected a bill that would prohibit drivers from using handheld cellphones.
The Transportation Committee voted 7-6 against the bill on Friday. It will now be considered by the full House and Senate.
Republican Sen. Roger Katz of Augusta says his proposal is another tool to help make the roads safer.
But critics said that it’s an overreach of government and unnecessary because Maine already outlaws distracted driving.
The state also already has a ban on texting while driving.
Others argued that it wouldn’t solve the problem of distracted driving because people would still be able to talk on their phones in the car using hands-free devices.
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