Patch Poll: Should Illinois Prohibit all Drivers from Using Handheld Cellphones?

Illinois could become the 10th state to prohibit all drivers from using handheld cellphones while driving.

The House Transportation Committee last week voted in favor of legislation sponsored by state Rep. John D'Amico, D-Chicago, which bans all handheld communication devices while driving. The legislation includes prohibiting the use of cellphones and personal computers, but allows hands free devices such as Bluetooth. Fines would start at $75.

But state Rep. Dennis Reboletti, R-Elmhurst, opposes the bill, which he called a "work in progress" that needs a better enforcement mechanism. Reboletti also said he was concerned that the bill could be "overreaching personal liberties," according to stltoday.com.

Illinois currently has a ban on texting while driving and prohibits drivers 18 and younger from talking on the phone behind the wheel. The proposed law comes in the wake of a call by the National Transportation Safety Board for a complete ban on all cell use while driving.

What do you think of the proposed legislation? Tell us in today’s Patch Poll below.

The results of last week's poll about the perfect Valentine's Day gift defied U.S. Census findings. With 37 percent of the vote, a romantic dinner at a restaurant beat the Census's favorite, flowers and candy, which only 7 percent of Patch Poll takers chose. The complete poll is .