Wisconsin Rapids' cellphone ban goes into effect this weekend, but authorities say it is more about educating people
Written by Nathaniel Shuda
Daily Tribune Staff
Wisconsin Rapids' cellphone ban goes into effect this weekend, but authorities say it is more about educating people than about issuing citations.
Starting Saturday, motorists driving within the city limits must use a hands-free device if they want to talk on their phones, though officers will be accommodating at first, Police Chief Kurt Heuer said.
"It definitely will be a gradual process," he said, noting officers likely will issue warnings at first, with citations going to repeat offenders, at the officers' discretion.
"We want this to be a period of education and transition into this ordinance and not one that's punitive, where a lot of citations are being issued," Heuer said.
The ordinance, which City Council members passed in June with a 5-3 vote, will not apply to police officers, firefighters, ambulance drivers or members of the military driving official vehicles while conducting official business. Wisconsin Rapids policy already prohibits city employees from using cellphones while operating city equipment, Human Resources Director Beth Bakunowicz said previously.
Council members Chad Wirl, Andrew Kirkpatrick and Bob Nash opposed the measure, which also will exempt anyone from the ban in case of an emergency, during which he or she needs to call 911 or a hospital, physician's office, medical clinic, ambulance company, fire department or police department.
"I don't think it's necessary," Nash said Thursday. "I don't think it's the danger that people make it (out) to be. ... The texting I can understand, but businesses rely on this to communicate with their employees."
He does not plan to make an effort to repeal the ban, but Nash said he would support a revision that would exempt drivers on official company business.
"I wouldn't push to repeal it unless there's a bunch of other people who would want to repeal it," he said. "Once it goes through, it's through."
A first-time violation will result in a $100 fine; however, if officers cite a driver who then buys a hands-free device, there will be no fine, according to the ordinance. Second violations will cost drivers $150, while three or more violations will incur $200 fines.
Cited motorists who buy a hands-free device before their scheduled court date can go to City Hall and have their fines withdrawn, Heuer said.
Needing a hands-free device does not necessarily mean having to buy a wireless headset, Heuer said, noting many phones already come with an earpiece that users can connect directly to their phone.
"The ordinance still allows for and encourages people to find a safe place to pull over and talk," he said.
Address/Location
Wood County Dispatch Center
400 Market St
Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54494
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 715-421-8701