On September 25, the Miami-Dade County Commission passed an ordinance that bans motorists’ use of hand-held cell phones while driving. The ordinance, which will take effect in October 2002, passed with a 6-5 vote.

In addition to the ban on hand-held cell phones, the countywide ordinance requires merchants that sell cellular phones to provide written instructions on the prohibition of driving while using the new cell phone. Car rental companies must also provide the written safety instructions to their customers.

Violators of the new law will be slapped with a $250 fine or be required to complete a driver improvement course for the first offense. Second time offenders will receive a $500 fine.

According to Commissioner Barbara Carey-Shuler, sponsor of the ordinance, exceptions will be made for only those drivers who "have reason to fear for their life or safety," or if a driver has to "report a fire, traffic accident where injuries are apparent, a serious road hazard, or to report a person who is driving in a reckless manner or who appears to be under the influence."

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