Senate passes cell phone bill

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - The Senate has passed a bill to ban talking on a cell phone while driving unless using a hands-free device.

Sen. Thomas Norment's bill passed the Senate 25-15 Monday. It would phase in penalties for drivers who take their hands off the wheel to hold a cell phone.

Beginning July 1, drivers who talk on the phone without it being in hands-free mode would face a $20 fine, increased to $50 for subsequent violations. On July 1, 2011, the fines would increase to $100, and $200 after the first violation.

The ban would not apply to the operators of emergency vehicles, drivers who are stopped or parked, GPS or other digital dispatch systems like OnStar or anyone using a phone to report an emergency.

Similar efforts have died in recent years.