#meanwhile ...in Cleveland

Legal Update from Judge William Dawson, East Cleveland Municipal Court

Cellphone Use While Driving:

The new cellphone law prohibits “distracted driving” meaning you can not hold your phone or have it anywhere on your body to type in digits or numbers, you can not watch movies, videos or have video conferences.

There are some cell phone usage allowances that won’t get drivers in trouble:
* Drivers are allowed to use a phone when the vehicle is parked or stopped at a red light
* Drivers are allowed to swipe their screens to answer a call
* Holding a cell phone to your ear during phone calls is allowed
* Emergency calls will not be restricted
* Use of a GPS function or navigation device is fine, but must be mounted on the dash or console and not handheld

Penalties
- 1st offense $150 and 2 points on your license
- 2nd offense $250 and 3 points on your license
- 3rd offense $500 and 4 points and 90 Day License Suspension