House Passes Cell Phone Ban for Teens

The Iowa house just passed a texting ban that now includes a lot more than just a texting ban. But it's not longer for adults. It's only for teens. The house had originally passed a bill that banned adults from texting and driving. Then, the senate passed a bill that banned adults from texting and reading texts and driving.

Grab your scorecard, sports fans. Here's what the latest version does...

Teens on a restricted driving license (typically teens 14-17) can't use cell phones when they drive.
18 and 19-year-olds can still text their thumbs blue when they are behind the wheel.
Younger teens can't use IPODs, global positioning systems or electronic games when they drive.
Well, they can't unless they route it through the console on their vehicle's entertainment system.
They can still use a c.d. changer.
They can't use a hands-free device to get around the ban.
Well, they can if they route it through the console.
Younger teen drivers can't text while sitting at a red light.
Younger teen drivers can't text while sitting at a stop sign.
They can text if they pull off the road.
Adults can do whatever they had been doing.
Just don't drink and drive.
They still can't do that.

The bill now goes back to the senate.

Here's the latest version of the house bill, if you want to read it.