Illinois Moves to Ban Cellphone Driving

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (CN) - The Illinois House approved a bill that would prohibit drivers from using handheld cellphones.

The bill would make it a moving violation to use a handheld cellphone while driving. Hands-free cellphones could still be used.

The measure needed 60 votes to pass the House and passed by 62-53 vote. It now heads to the Senate.

If the bill passes, Illinois would join nine other states that have banned use of cellphones while driving.

Supporters cite safety.

Opponents call it overregulation that doesn't take into account rural areas where traffic is sparse.

Illinois bans texting while driving and bans drivers 18 and younger from talking on the phone while driving.