3/5/09-Gov. Mike Beebe signed a bill into law that bans text messaging while driving for all drivers. It takes effect Oct. 1, 2009.
Previously HB1013, the new law makes violations a primary offense, meaning law enforcement could pull over drivers solely for using communication devices. Offenders would face fines up to $100.
Exceptions would be made for emergency calls. Of particular interest to truckers, CB radios also are exempted.

2/3/09-The Senate Transportation Committee voted to advance a bill to the full Senate that would ban text messaging while at the wheel. The House already approved it.
Sponsored by Rep. Ray Kidd, D-Jonesboro, HB1013 originally included a provision to prohibit all cell phone use while at the wheel. He removed the provision to help get the bill approved.
Violations would be a primary offense, meaning law enforcement could pull over drivers solely for using communication devices. Offenders would face fines up to $100.
An exception would be made for emergency calls. Of particular interest to truckers, CB radios also are exempted.
For bill status, call 501-682-7771.

1/30/09-The House approved a bill that would ban text messaging while at the wheel. It now moves to the Senate.
Sponsored by Rep. Ray Kidd, D-Jonesboro, HB1013 originally included a provision to prohibit all cell phone use while at the wheel. He removed the provision to help get the bill approved.
Violations would be a primary offense, meaning law enforcement could pull over drivers solely for using communication devices. Offenders would face fines up to $100.
An exception would be made for emergency calls. Of particular interest to truckers, CB radios also are exempted.
The bill is in the Senate Transportation Committee. For bill status, call 501-682-7771.

1/16/09-A bill in the House Public Transportation Committee would ban hand-held cell phone use while driving – for all drivers. Talking on a phone equipped with a “hands-free” accessory would still be permitted.
Sponsored by Rep. Ray Kidd, D-Jonesboro, HB1013 also would specifically ban text messaging while at the wheel.
Violations would be a primary offense, meaning law enforcement could pull over drivers solely for using communication devices. Offenders would face fines up to $100.
An exception would be made for emergency calls. Of particular interest to truckers, CB radios also are exempted.
For House bill status, call 501-682-7771.

12/30/08-Rep. Ray Kidd, D-Jonesboro, has prefiled a bill for consideration during the session that convenes Jan. 12 that would ban hand-held cell phone use while driving – for all drivers. Talking on a phone equipped with a “hands-free” accessory would still be permitted.
HB1013 also would specifically ban text messaging while at the wheel.
Violations would be a primary offense, meaning law enforcement could pull over drivers solely for using communication devices. Offenders would face fines up to $100.
An exception would be made for emergency calls. Of particular interest to truckers, CB radios also are exempted.
For House bill status, call 501-682-7771.