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Cell phones at stoplights?

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HB 1270 would loosen rules on cell phone use while driving a car, allowing motorists to handle their cell phones while stopped at a traffic light. Currently, the law prohibits a driver of a motor vehicle from using any hand-held electronic device while driving or while halted in traffic for a momentary delay. Read more about this issue

Do you support legislation that would make it legal to use a cell phone at a stop light?

Discussion held on Citizens Count NH website and Facebook page December 4, 2017

204 citizens responded 126 citizens opposed to allowing phones at stoplights44 citizens in favor of allowing phones at stoplights 34 citizens said other
What Participants Said

No: 126 people were opposed to making it legal to use cell phones at stoplights.

  • “No. Tired of having to honk my horn to get them to move on when light turns green!”
  • “No… People should pull off to the side of the road out of traffic if necessary. ”
  • “An absolute no. There is no reason to do anything but drive when you are operating a vehicle.”

Yes: 44 people were in favor of making it legal to use cell phones at stoplights.

  •  “Yes. You should be able to punch in map directions or check your phone real quick when you're stopped without worrying big brother will bust you.”
  • “Yes. I believe NH residents are capable of looking at their cell phone while stopped at a traffic light.”
  • “Yes. It should never have been against the law. The cell phone ban has done nothing.”

Other: 34 people commented on related questions and issues instead. 
These included:

  • Enforcement: “I see people still talking on their cell phones. It doesn't matter what the law says, people will still do what they want.”
  • Clarifying current law: “It’s illegal now?”
  • Effectiveness: “I would like to know if the new hands free law has really even made a difference.”

*Editor selection of actual participant quotes.

Read the full Facebook discussion of this question

Click here for details on our methodology

 

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