Lawmakers hang up ban on cell phones

Motorists are free to chat and text on cell phones behind the wheel in Maryland for at least another year after lawmakers Thursday unceremoniously killed a proposed ban.

A House of Delegates committee quietly voted to reject a measure that would haverequired motorists to use hands-free cell phone devices while driving. The Senate had approved the legislation after reducing penalties and making violations a secondary offense ? meaning police officers couldn?t pull a motorist over just for talking on the phone.