Rhode Island Governor Vetoes Cell Phone Ban

Only a few weeks after New York outlawed hand-held cell phones while driving, Rhode Island Governor Lincoln Almond vetoed a similar bill that would have made Rhode Island the second state in the nation to adopt the prohibition.

In rejecting the bill, Governor Almond cited studies indicating that cell phones were low on the list of driver distractions. In a three-page veto message, Almond wrote,

". . .the statistics [highlighting the dangers of using cell phones behind the wheel] are inconclusive." He added, "In the next General Assembly session, results will be available of studies presently under way . . . In addition, New York’s new law will be on the books and its effect available. The new information should assist in guiding any Rhode Island legislation, and legislation in sister states and in Congress."

Although the ban contained an exception for emergency calls, state police feared the bill would discourage motorists from reporting incidents such as drunk driving or accidents that might not be considered emergencies. In addition, state police had doubts about their ability to enforce the new law.

While an override of the governor’s veto is possible, it is highly unlikely. The General Assembly ended its regular session on June 29, and without scheduling a special session before year’s end, legislators won’t return until January.

The veto was a disappointment for the bill’s sponsor, Representative Peter F. Kilmartin (D-Pawtucket), who has been pushing the cell phone ban since 1998. He has vowed to introduce the bill again next session.

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