Oregon hams win exemption from mobile phone law

Drivers in Oregon will soon have to hang up their cellphones and texting devices under a new law that will ban the use of hand-held communications devices while driving, but mobile ham radio operations will not be affected.

Bruce Tennant, K6PZW, explains who in Oregon is covered by it, and who is not..

Oregon House Bill 2377 prohibits driving while talking or texting on a hand-held cell phone. Once in force, drivers who violate the law could be fined up to $90.

Like a similar law in California, the Oregon measure permits adult drivers the option of using a cellphone with a hands free system. Also like California the Oregon law will forbid anyone to receive or transmit a text message while in motion. It also forbids drivers under the age of 18 from
using any form of cellphone or texting device from a car in motion.

Oregon radio amateurs were aware of the measure early on and began a political drive to insure an exemption for mobile ham radio operations. In the version of the measure passed by both houses of the Oregon legislature their work was rewarded.

In addition to hams, also exempt are those operating a motor vehicle while acting in the scope of employment as a public safety officer and people operating a motor vehicle while providing public safety services or emergency services as a volunteer. Also exempt are those using 11 meter
Citizens Radio or UHF Family Radio Service two-way radio gear.

Bruce Tennant, K6PZW
Amateur Radio Newsline

• A spokeswoman for Governor Ted Kulongoski said he will sign House Bill 2377 into law. The effective date will be January 1st, 2010.

Source: ARNewsline