Ordinance - An Ordinance Prohibitng the Use of Handheld Devices While Operating a Motor Vehicle Within the City of Shelby

Shall the City of Shelby enact an ordinance prohibiting the use of handheld electronic communication devices while operating a motor vehicle except under certain circumstances? If voters approve this ordinance, it will prohibit drivers of motor vehicles from using cell phones, two-way radios, and other electronic communications devices except under the following circumstances: Drivers using a hands-free device, drivers making an emergency call to 911, law enforcement and other first responders responding to calls for service when two-way radios are not practical, while parked, and drivers using a two-way radio for work related purposes. This is a Primary Stop ordinance meaning that law enforcement will have the authority to stop and issue a citation to a driver violating this ordinance without having another reason to make the stop. The penalties for violations of this ordinance are a fine of $50 for the first offense, $100 for the second offense, and $200 to $500 for third and subsequent offenses. A conviction under this ordinance cannot be reported to the Department of Motor Vehicles for purposes of driver’s license conviction points.