Senate advances ban on cellphone use for drivers under 18, sends bill toward final reading

Senator Romero presented Senate Bill 128, a measure that would prohibit drivers under age 18 from using wireless telephones while driving and make that violation a primary offense carrying a maximum $50 fine and no points on the driver’s record. Romero told colleagues the bill is “narrowly tailored” to teen drivers and cited crash data and national examples showing reduced teen crashes where similar laws paired with public awareness campaigns were enacted.

Opponents questioned the measure’s clarity and enforceability. Senator Thatcher said Utah already has a careless‑driving statute that addresses distracted driving for all ages and warned that the proposed law could require officers to distinguish teenagers from adults in traffic stops. Senator Bramble and others raised concerns about the bill’s broad definition of “wireless telephone,” noting modern devices are used for music and connectivity as well as calls. Senator Hilliard sought clarification about drivers from other states and how officers might handle out‑of‑state licenses.

Sponsor Romero acknowledged enforcement challenges but said the law’s educational effect and parental oversight justify the policy. He noted the support of groups including the Utah PTA and urged colleagues that a legal prohibition would reinforce parents’ instructions to young drivers. Senator Robles also spoke in favor, citing a constituent’s teen driver who suffered a serious crash while using a cell phone.

After extended debate and questions about hands‑free connections and audio streaming, the Senate voted 19 yea, 9 nay, 1 absent to place SB128 at the bottom of the third‑reading calendar. The bill will return to the Senate for final third reading and passage at a later date.