WBRZ - Baton Rouge

BATON ROUGE- Cell phone use while driving would be banned under a bill proposed in the Legislature unless the driver is using a hands-free device.

The bill by State Rep. Austin Badon would make phone use a secondary offense, meaning police could not pull you over for it, but could fine you for it if you're caught for another violation. Fines would range from $100 for a first offense to $250 dollars for a fourth offense.

Many drivers News 2 spoke with in Baton Rouge like the plan, saying phones are a major distraction and cause unnecessary dangers. However, college students we spoke to said cell phone bans shouldn't be a focus for lawmakers because of the state's budget problems.

Similar bills have been defeated in recent years, but a ban on texting while behind the wheel is already in place.

The legislative session starts Monday.