Lawmakers consider cell phone limits

After a decade of failure, a proposal banning Maryland drivers from using hand-held cell phones and text messaging appears to be gaining momentum, lawmakers said.

Lawmakers said national traction on driver distraction could boost the chances of a proposal requiring drivers to use a hands-free cell phone device behind the wheel. Bill sponsor Sen. Mike Lenett, a Montgomery County Democrat, said he is close to collecting the full support of a Senate committee after a hearing Tuesday.