Townsend moves to block local laws restricting cell phones in cars

Sen. Randolph Townsend, R-Reno, has introduced legislation designed to prevent local governments from restricting the use of cellular phones in cars.

Townsend said SB10 is a direct response to an unsuccessful proposal by Clark County Commissioner Erin Kinney to ban the use of cell phones in vehicles.

He said he's moving to prevent jurisdictions from enacting a hodgepodge of different restrictions that could result in a driver using his or her phone to be in violation of different laws as he drives through towns and counties.

"We've got to have a certain reality or logic to laws like this," he said. "You could be legal when you start your call and illegal a few minutes later as you drive down the road."

Townsend said he's open-minded about whether there should be some restrictions on using cell phones while driving but that, if anything is enacted, it should be consistent statewide.

"What this is trying to do is get some dialogue going on what's appropriate," he said. "If it's that important, then let's have it consistent statewide."

The bill was referred to Townsend's Committee on Commerce and Labor for review.