Wilton, Connecticut
Why go Hands Free?
(Updated: Tuesday 9th October 2007 13:50)
Wilton police to increase enforcement of cell phone violations.
Wilton police are going to step up enforcement to nab those drivers talking on hand-held cell phones.
Police Chief Edward Kulhawik said last week he has a growing concern of the lack of compliance with the cell phone ban that came into effect almost two years ago. "Our hope is that people comply," he said.
To that end, he said he has ordered officers to be more diligent with stopping drivers talking on their hand-held phones. Also, the Strategic Traffic Patrol Unit will be out in the coming weeks specifically looking for drivers holding their cell phones to their ears, he said.
"We've become a society so attached to technology that we forget the task at hand," Chief Kulhawik said.
The fine for talking without a headset is $100. But those first time offenders who later purchase a handset may bring it to court and the charges will be dropped. During August and September the department issued 82 tickets to drivers talking on their cell phones without a headset.
Chief Kulhawik said he sees more drivers breaking the law then that and would like to see stricter enforcement.