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Cell Phone/Texting While Driving: More States Considering Bans

As a small business owner, you probably run your business well outside of an 8-to-5 workday. You work at your desk, at your dining room table, and probably even in your car. But legislatures all over the country are considering a ban on handheld cell phones while driving, which might make working on the road more difficult for you.

"Cell phones help increase the productivity of small business owners and their employees" said David R. Clough, NFIB/Maine state director. "They have become a vital necessity in most businesses. They are a way to more quickly respond to customers and business situations."

Current bans across the nation
According to the Governors Highway Safety Association, five states currently have laws in place that prohibit driving while talking on handheld cell phones. Those states are California, Connecticut, New Jersey, New York and Washington. In addition, seven states prohibit texting while driving: Alaska, California, Connecticut, Louisiana, Minnesota, New Jersey and Washington.

And more states may be adding their names to those lists with laws being introduced in the state legislatures in 2009.

Be heard on the issues
With your membership in NFIB, you have the chance to be heard on this issue and many more by voting your 2009 state member ballot. NFIB is a member-driven organization, and we base our federal and state public policy positions on what you say is important to your survival as a small business owner. Several states – including Utah, South Dakota and Maine – are polling members on this very issue for 2009.

"Lawmakers are keenly interested in the views of small business owners," Clough said. "They want to know how NFIB members voted on a state ballot question."

Make your voice heard and vote your state member ballot today!

Learn more about cell phones in the workplace

Arrow Black Personal Cell Phones at Work: Creating a Policy