Baker Safety Bill Includes Ban On Handheld Cellphones For Drivers

BOSTON (AP) — Gov. Charlie Baker has filed a wide-ranging traffic safety proposal that includes a ban on the use of handheld cellphones by drivers and stepped-up enforcement of seatbelt requirements.

The bill sent to lawmakers Tuesday also would toughen some penalties for drunken driving and proposes new safeguards for bicyclists and pedestrians.

The state Senate has approved a hands-free cellphone requirement in each of the past two legislative sessions, but it hasn't come up for a final vote in the House.

The Republican governor's proposal envisions a so-called primary seat belt law, in which police could stop a car solely on the basis of a driver or passenger not wearing seatbelts.

Under current law, police can only ticket for a seatbelt violation if a vehicle is pulled over for some other reason, such as speeding.

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