Senate passes ban on cellphone conversations for drivers under 18

SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah Senate on Feb. 2 approved Senate Bill 128, banning drivers under 18 from using a cellphone “when you’re communicating with another individual,” a sponsor said, in a 19–9 vote that sends the bill to the House.

Sponsor Sen. Romero said the amendment she offered clarifies that the ban targets the distraction created by telephone conversations and that it reflects research showing that hands‑free use does not eliminate cognitive distraction for inexperienced drivers. “What we’re talking about is the distraction that comes with a telephone conversation,” Romero said while offering Amendment 1, which the body adopted without recorded opposition.

The measure drew support from groups Romero listed on the floor, including firefighters, the Utah PTA and the American Academy of Pediatrics. Romero argued the law will allow parents to reinforce safe driving behavior and said penalties were calibrated to be appropriate; she said an infraction could result in a $50 penalty for those 18 and older under certain circumstances.

Opponents raised enforcement and effectiveness concerns. Sen. Valentine questioned whether officers would have to determine a driver’s age during traffic stops to enforce the law as a primary offense. Sen. Thatcher warned that current distracted‑driving law allows stops for unsafe driving and said, “This says we’ll pull you over for doing nothing. This is not good law.” Sen. Anderson, explaining a planned no vote, cited a large study of crash claims and argued crash rates were declining with or without such laws.

Supporters countered that even if the law prevents a small number of crashes it is justified. “If this prevents just 1 or 2 teenagers out there from getting killed on our highways … I have to support the bill,” Sen. Christensen said.

The Senate president announced the roll call showing SB128 passed 19 yay, 9 nay, 1 absent. The bill will be forwarded to the House for its action.