The Maine House and Senate are considering a bill that would prohibit the use of a handheld cellular telephone while driving. However, CDL holders are among the exceptions to this proposed rule.

Sponsored by Rep. John Eder, LD192 states a person may not operate a motor vehicle while using a handheld cellular telephone. The bill makes the offense a traffic infraction.

Exceptions to the proposed rule would include a number of individuals driving within the scope of their employment. These exceptions include: law-enforcement officers, corrections officers and firefighters; drivers of authorized emergency vehicles; holders of CDLs; public transit personnel; municipal public works personnel; Maine Turnpike Authority personnel; and state transportation personnel, including all employees and contractors of the Department of Transportation.