If you are driving in Battle Creek and your cell phone rings, you may want to think twice before you answer. Driving while holding a cellphone soon will be illegal in Battle Creek as a ordinance goes into effect Friday. Battle Creek city commissioners approved the ordinance on Feb. 5. , but police don't plan to ticket drivers -- just yet -- for texting or talking on phones without the us enforcement will start in earnest after signs alerting motorists of the new rule go up later this month. A first offense carries a fine of $100.
Banning cell phone use while driving is picking up steam across the US. While some states like Texas prohibit drivers under the age of 18 to talk on their cell phones, 16 states have downright outlawed it entirely.
Meanwhile, Battle Creek Police Chief Jim Blocker says the ordinance is an opportunity to educate the public about the dangers of distracted driving.
Exceptions to the new ordinance include holding a phone while reporting crimes, road hazards and of course, emergencies.