Underage drivers now have to put away those cell phones under a new law

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Story Published: Dec 27, 2007 at 6:17 PM PDT

By Kristina Nelson

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North Bend/Coos Bay - Talking on your cell phone while driving will soon be a thing of the past for local teenagers, as a new law is set to take effect in 2008.

Beginning January 1st, all Oregon drivers under the age of 18 will now be placed under a new law, which prohibits underage drivers from using a cell phone of text messaging while driving.

Officer Randy Sparks with the Coos Bay Police, says this groundbreaking new law will help new drivers keep their focus on the road.

"I think this will help a lot of drivers. Inexperienced drivers need to pay attention even more so Oregon is taking away one of the biggest distractions, the cell phone."

Sparks says that people talking on their cell phone's while driving is one of the main things he looks for and its not just teenagers that are guilty.

"I see quite a few people talking on their cell phones, it's not just those under 18. I do think the day will come when all drivers will be placed on the law. If it's unsafe for those under 18, it's unsafe for those over 18."

For the month of January, Sparks says officers will be giving out warnings rather than tickets until drivers become accustomed to the new law.

After January, drivers will receive a Class D Traffic Violation with a fine of $90.

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