Connecticut House Bill HB05545

Connecticut 2013 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/22/13
• Refer: 1/22/13

Caption

An Act Increasing The Fines For Illegal Use Of A Cellular Telephone While Operating A Motor Vehicle.

Impact

The legislation intends to reinforce the existing legal framework surrounding distracted driving by imposing higher fines to convey the seriousness of using a mobile device while driving. This measure is expected to contribute to a reduction in traffic accidents caused by inattentive driving practices. Law enforcement and traffic safety advocates believe that a stricter penalty will discourage this behavior and ultimately lead to safer roads for all users, particularly vulnerable populations such as pedestrians and cyclists.

Summary

House Bill 5545 proposes increased penalties for the illegal use of a cellular telephone while operating a motor vehicle. The bill aims to amend section 14-296aa of the general statutes to impose stricter fines on individuals who violate this law. Specifically, the bill stipulates that the fine for a first violation will increase to two hundred dollars, while the fines for second and subsequent violations will escalate to three hundred dollars and five hundred dollars respectively. The rationale behind these increased fines is to deter distracted driving and improve road safety.

Contention

Discussions around HB 5545 may encounter various points of contention. Critics could argue that while increasing fines could be a step towards reducing distracted driving incidents, it may not address the underlying issues of driver education and awareness. There could be concerns that the focus on punitive measures fails to promote alternative solutions such as public awareness campaigns or technological interventions to prevent mobile phone use while driving. Additionally, some stakeholders may question the fairness of excessively high fines for lower-income individuals who might struggle to pay these penalties.