South Bend Common Council approves rule change to phone usage while driving

SOUTH BEND, Ind. – The South Bend Common Council on Monday approved a measure that would ban all cellphone usage while driving unless it is hands-free.

The original state law that this rule amends only applies to texting while in a school zone.

Officials say that the change is part of an effort to ensure safety on the streets.

“This isn't something where we anticipate the police will be enforcing vigorously or spending a lot of time on this particular issue,” Common Council at-large member Gavin Ferlic said. “This is more about voluntary compliance. I think when people know about a law they tend to obey it.”

The next step is for Mayor Pete Buttigieg to sign off on it.

Common Council members say that they are certain the Mayor will approve the measure.