Alaska bill would ban cell phone use while behind the wheel

ANCHORAGE - A bill filed for this year's Alaska legislative session would outlaw cell phone use while driving.

Friday was the first day for legislators to pre-file bills for the session that starts Jan. 19. Among the measures is one by Rep. Mike Doogan, D-Anchorage, that would fine motorists up to $300 if they gab on cell phones while behind the wheel. Washington, Oregon and California already have such bans.

The proposal joins a bill that was before the Alaska House during the last session that would prohibit teenagers from driving while on a cell phone, but not adults.