[Updated 11/08/2011 at 9:15PM]

City passes cellphone ordinance

By PIPER HAUGAN Independent Record | Posted: Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Though Ellison recently said the majority of the feedback he’d received didn’t support a hands-free ban, public comment at the meeting was split between those who didn’t want any regulation at all and those who wanted complete regulation, including that of hands-free mobile electronic devices. Those who asked commissioners not to vote for the ordinance expressed concerns about personal liberties, enforceability and the fact that cellphones are one distraction for drivers out of many.

Helena Commission passes distracted driving ordinance

Posted: Nov 7, 2011 9:41 PM by Marnee Banks (Helena)

Commissioner Dan Ellison began the process back in May saying the use of cell phones by drivers was making the streets of Helena dangerous.

The ordinance originally banned the use of hands-free devices, but after hearing from the public Ellison decided to amend it.

City Commission approves amended Distracted Driving Ordinance, zoning change for Caird property

By Jess Armstrong

The Helena City Commission unanimously approved an amended draft of the Distracted Driving Ordinance.

In 30 days, it will be illegal to drive and talk on a cell phone or use an electronic mobile device unless you use a genuinely hands-free device such as voice activation or a speaker phone connection that is activated before you start driving.

Distracted Driving Ordinance Passes in Helena

By KFBB News Team, Story Created: Nov 8, 2011 MST

City Commissioner Dan Ellison recently made an amendment to the ordinance to allow hands free devices.

He says that the ban will be looked at again to see if it’s working.

Ellison, “I wouldn’t rule out looking at both the hands free aspect of it and the whole ordinance to see if it’s working for us in the future. Right now, I’m glad that it passed and we want to see if it’s going to add to safety in our streets.”