Beginning next month, drivers in Tempe who are operating vehicles erratically because of mobile device use can be cited by Tempe Police. The City Council last night voted 4-3 to approve the ordinance.
According to the ordinance, drivers who are posing a risk to others because of use of a mobile device will be subject to a $100 fine plus penalty. Second incidents will result in a $250 fine plus penalty and repeated incidents within a 24-month period will incur a $500 fine plus penalty.
Arizona already has laws that would addressed reckless driving, but is currently one of only three states without a distracted driving law.
Exceptions to the ordinance include drivers using mobile electronic devices in hands-free or voice-operated modes, and drivers using a mobile device while parked on the shoulder of a road.
The ordinance will take effect Oct. 24.