A Phoenix suburb's enactment this month of a law banning cellphone use while driving is the latest local effort in a state with no sweeping law.
The Arizona Republic reports a Surprise ordinance banning talking, texting or anything involving a handheld communication device took effect Thursday.
City leaders were cautious when enacting the outright ban, fearing that it may make the city a target of the state Legislature, which has been enacting local pre-emption laws on many subjects.
Legislation banning drivers' cellphone usage was shot down earlier this year in the House.
The lack of a state law has led to a mishmash of different ordinances across jurisdictions.
Critics say a state law is necessary because differing ordinances from city to city are confusing for drivers.
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