Number: RL31588
Title: Mobile Telephones and Motor Vehicle Operation
Authors: Douglas Reid Weimer, American Law Division 
Abstract: Over the years, Congress has repeatedly conditioned the use of federal highway funds to encourage states to enact desired transportation-related legislation. For example, Congress has used this legislative device in dealing with drunk driving. The pending federal legislation making federal highway funding contingent on state restriction on the use of mobile telephones by drivers of motor vehicles would appear to follow the driving while intoxicated legislative models. This report examines the pending federal legislation, pending and enacted state legislation, and the possible effect that the federal legislation, if enacted, might have on the existing state and local regulations.
Pages: 31
Date: September 30, 2004