New Bill Bans Handheld Devices While Driving by David Ford 4:35pm Apr 15, 2021 In this Feb. 26, 2013 file photo, a man uses his cell phone as he drives through traffic in Dallas. (AP Photo/LM Otero)
Update your browser or Flash plugin A new bill working its way through the North Carolina General Assembly would ban the use of handheld electronic devices while driving. Currently, texting while driving is illegal in North Carolina, but talking on your phone, surfing the web, or posting to social media is not. If passed, Senate Bill 20 would change that. It’s essentially the same bill that died in the Senate two years ago. Although public support in North Carolina for stricter hands-free laws remains — with more than 80% approving — opposition among some key conservative lawmakers has not wavered, says Meredith College political science professor and Meredith Poll director David McLennan.