Boulder sheriff criticizes cell phone restrictions, text-messaging ban

Beginning Tuesday, it will be a crime for Colorado drivers to send text messages or e-mails while driving, and for drivers under 18 to use a phone at all while behind the wheel. (Daily Camera)

But Boulder County Sheriff Joe Pelle said the law will be difficult to enforce, and his deputies will continue to focus on the culture of “bad driving” rather than one particular offense.

The law, sponsored earlier this year by state Rep. Claire Levy, D-Boulder, makes it illegal for 16- or 17-year-old drivers to text or talk on the phone — even with a speakerphone or headset. Adult drivers caught sending text messages, Twitter updates or otherwise entering data into a phone can also be pulled over and ticketed.

Fines for first-time violators are $50, which increases to $100 for repeat offenders. Pelle said the law has been “watered down” substantially from its original version, which would have only allowed adult drivers to use a phone if it had a hands-free device.

“I would call it a ‘feel good’ law,” he said.

Read the full story at dailycamera.com.