Up the Camel's Nose

Excuse us.  We mean “camel’s nose” update.



We couldn't find a picture
of a camel on a cell phone.
We think this is the next best thing.

On February 23 we gave you the back story on HB 222 “The Camel’s Nose, Half a Loaf and Such Stuff.”  In it we described how supporters accepted “half a loaf” to get the cell phone while driving ban passed after 11 years of trying.  The key to passage – restricting enforcement to a “secondary violation.”  As the story noted, four months after the law went into effect, supporters launched an effort to remove the ‘secondary’ violation language and make it enforceable as a primary violation.

So far, the strategy is working.  The camel’s nose is in the tent, and the House voted in favor of the second half of a loaf by 92-39 on March 10.  If passed by the Senate, police will be able to pull you over for driving while using your cell phone, even if you are not committing any other offense.