A Maryland House panel rejected a bill that would prohibit drivers’ use of hand-held cell phones. 

The House Environmental Matters Committee voted 13-7 to forgo the restriction, effectively killing the bill.

HB29, sponsored by state Delegate John Arnick, D-Dundalk, and Delegate Adrienne Mandel, D-Silver Spring, would permit only “hands-free” devices in moving vehicles.

The infraction would be a secondary offense, meaning police could ticket drivers only if they were pulled over for some other offense. Violators could be fined $500 with no points off the driver’s license.

The bill would exempt emergency calls.