Guam - There was overwhelming support for a bill that seeks to ban mobile phone use while driving. The legislation would make it illegal to talk on your cell phone while driving and would require that telecomm and car insurance companies notify their customers of the new rules, should it become law. 

GTA TeleGuam fully endorsed the bill, with Lucy Perez saying, "We believe that this legislation mandates that social and corporate responsibility. Motorists should keep their hands on steering wheels and pay complete attention to what is before them, what is behind them, alongside them without the distraction of holding on to and using a cell phone."

The bill does provide exemptions for conducting commercial transportation operations, making emergency calls to 911 or drivers who use hands free devices and ham operators. Paige Butler testified on behalf of the Guam Chamber of Commerce, saying, "We are opposed to any cell phone ban for the commercial trucking industry and any over the road type of commercial businesses. We do not equate talking on a cell phone to driving unsafely particularly when the conversations are short and to the point."

The bill would impose a fine of more than $100 for the first violation, up to $500 for the second violation and a fine of $1,000 and possible suspension or revocation of your license for the third offense.