Hands-free cellphone among new 2012 laws
Violating the state's new hands-free cellphone law will mean paying fines starting Sunday, and law enforcement officers are reminding motorists that hands-free means no hands.
The law is clear, but Nevada Highway Patrol Sgt. Kevin Honea said during the three-month warning period that began Oct. 1, he routinely caught drivers placing their cellphones on speaker and holding the device below their chins. Other motorists thought they could get away with holding their phones at night without realizing their faces were illuminated.
"It's hands-free; we are educating everyone and urging them to use a Bluetooth device," Honea said.
Motorists probably will take the law more seriously come Sunday, when first-time violators will be fined $50, second offenses will cost $100, and third-time offenders will be fined $250. Those penalties do not include court administrative costs.
Local law enforcement agencies did not keep a formal tally on the number of warnings issued between October and January because citations were not issued.
In the Reno-Carson City area, Nevada Highway Patrol troopers issued more than 600 warnings during the 90-day trial period. Honea said that one Las Vegas-based squad alone stopped at least 600 motorists during the warning period.
Excuses ranged from "I didn't know you could pull me over" to "It was an emergency," Honea said.
"We've become so self-absorbed," he said. "An emergency doesn't mean 'I'm running five minutes late.' "
Troopers saw the warning numbers drop after motorists realized they could be stopped and hit with other violations such as driving under the influence or failing to have insurance. Honea said it does appear most motorists are complying with the law.
"Based on my small portion of the world, I've seen significantly less usage of cellphones while driving," Honea said. "It is definitely one more lifesaving measure that the Legislature helped us out with."
The Associated Press contributed to this report. Contact reporter Adrienne Packer at apacker@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2904.
FLURRY OF LAWS TAKE EFFECT AS CALENDAR FLIPS
CARSON CITY -- The driving and texting bill is one of 32 new laws or parts of laws that take effect Sunday. State workers hired after Jan. 1 will have to pay their own health care costs in retirement under another law designed to rein in government spending by eliminating subsidized health care for retirees.
The state attorney general gains new subpoena powers to investigate open meetings law complaints, and public officeholders who knowingly participate in violations will be subject to civil penalties up to $500.
People who drive electric or alternative-fuel vehicles will be eligible for free parking at some publicly owned facilities under a six-year program intended to show Nevada's commitment to green automotive technology. The new law doesn't include parking at airports, universities and community colleges.
The Las Vegas City Council last week approved the parking perk for such vehicles at any city-operated parking areas.
Also under the new laws taking effect, candidates for city, county, district and statewide offices will have to file campaign finance reports electronically with the Nevada secretary of state. Supporters say the law will allow the office to set up a searchable database to track campaign contributions. The bill also sets earlier deadlines for filing the reports so voters have access to the information before early voting starts.
Music therapists and dietitians face new licensing requirements, and educators must undergo a criminal background check when their licenses are renewed. Fire performers and apprentices must apply to the state fire marshal for a certificate of registration.
Another law establishes a statewide emergency alert system for vulnerable elderly people, similar to the Amber Alert system for abducted children.
Other new laws require Nevada nursing homes to report hospital-inquired infections to the National Healthcare Safety Network and mandate that medical and veterinary assistants administer drugs under the supervision of a physician or veterinarian.
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