City of Boise one step closer to passing hands-free ordinance
BOISE, Idaho (CBS2) — The Boise City Council held public for the proposal of the hands-free ordinance Tuesday night. All six members of the Boise City Council voted to move the ordinance to its first reading calendar.
Council President Pro Tem Holli Woodings spoke in favor of the ordinance, echoing other cities in Idaho who have passed it.
"We’re bringing this to kind of mirror what’s already been done in neighboring communities," said Woodings.
Some Boise residents also came to the meeting to speak on the issue.
Don Lynn, a resident who represents the American Radio Relay League came to tonight's public hearing to speak in favor of the ordinance.
"If you read the ordinance, we’re actually exempt from compliance with the hands-free of radio equipment," said Lynn. "Yet, it was important for us to be here to speak on something that is so critical to the safety of the community."
Currently, the Boise Police can issue citations for distracted driving, including texting while driving.
If passed, drivers in Boise will only be able to use their phones in hands-free mode to avoid getting ticketed.
It would first start off as an education phase and officers would issue warnings before starting to issue citations.
There will be a first, second, and third reading of the ordinance. If approved, it would take effect on July 1.
