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PA House Republicans Unveil Rules For Junior Drivers

HARRISBURG, Pa. (CBS) - Pennsylvania House Republicans have unveiled their version of legislation to tighten regulations for junior drivers, and it does not include language related to texting or hand-held cell phone use while in traffic.

The bill, which has the support of House Republican majority leaders, includes a provision that would allow only one passenger under the age of 18 in a vehicle driven by someone with a junior license, with exception for family members.

It would also make it a primary offense for junior drivers and their passengers under 18 to not to use a safety belt or booster seat. But it does not contain provisions to ban the use of hand-held cell phones by junior drivers.

That's something Bucks County Republican Kathy Watson, sponsor of the bill, says should be considered separately for all drivers, "If we think that, you know, holding a cell phone and driving with one hand is bad. That really is bad whether your 18, or whether you're 65."

Watson hopes treating that issue separately will keep junior driving legislation from getting bogged down as it did in the last session.

Reported by Tony Romeo, KYW Newsradio 1060

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