New Wisconsin drivers soon can't use cell phones - WQOW TV: Eau Claire, WI NEWS18 News, Weather, and Sports

FOND DU LAC, Wis. (AP) - There's a new law in Wisconsin that prohibits new drivers from using cell phones.

   The law goes into effect Thursday, with fines of $20 to $40 for a first offense and $50 to $100 for a subsequent offense within a year.

   According to The Reporter, the law applies to drivers with an instruction permit or probationary license. It also applies to new state residents with fewer than three years of experience and new residents under the age of 21.

   Bryant Halverson, owner of New Direction Driving School in Lomira, says the law creates additional safety measures to help law enforcement stop irresponsible drivers.

   As of September, the Governor's Highway Safety Association notes that 32 states and the District of Columbia ban cell phone use by novice drivers.