Cell phone ordinance approved

A city ordinance banning the use of

hand-held cell phones while driving passed a second reading June 20

at the Whitefish City Council meeting.

The ordinance takes effect in 90 days

and includes the use of any hand-held communication device within

city limits while operating a motor vehicle and even a bicycle on a

public highway.

The council unanimously approved the

ordinance, although councilor Phil Mitchell said people should take

responsibility for their own actions.

“We can make all the rules we want,” he

said, “but it doesn’t mean people will follow them.”

Councilor Turner Askew said he’s talked

to many people who wish the state would take the lead with a

statewide decision.

“The state, for whatever reason, it has

not been possible to pass [a cell phone ban,]” Askew said. “Perhaps

we can join other cities and start a movement.”

Mayor Mike Jenson noted that

Whitefish’s ordinance might send a message to the state that there

is support for this type of ban.

Whitefish joins Missoula, Billings and

Butte as Montana cities that have passed some sort of cell phone

ordinance. Billings prohibits the use of any electronic device

while driving, while Missoula’s ordinance speaks only to text

messages.

Jan Metzmaker spoke on behalf of the

Whitefish Convention and Visitor Bureau during public comment and

noted that the group is concerned about tourists in Whitefish who

may not know about the ordinance. WCVB is scheduled to launch a

smartphone application this summer and is encouraging visitors to

use their cell phones while in town, Metzmaker said.

“It’s not a good idea to drive with

your cell phone, but we don’t want it to be open season on

tourists,” she said.

She asked that if police intercept a

visitor driving with a hand-held device, they should do their best

to make it a pleasant experience for them.

“Use a light hand, perhaps, for our

visitors,” she said.

Violators will be issued a misdemeanor

civil citation. Signs will be placed at each entrance to town

informing drivers of the local ordinance. The use of any hands-free

device, including Bluetooth, ear pieces or speaker phones, will be

allowed under the ordinance.