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Ore. phone ban has loophole, challenges expected

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SALEM, Ore. (AP) — Oregon police officers may hear some arguing when they start pulling motorists over for violating a new law banning them from talking on hand-held cell phones while driving.

The new law exempts motorists who are on their hand-held phones “in the scope of the person’s employment if operation of the motor vehicle is necessary for the person’s job.” The exemption was intended for taxi drivers, delivery trucks, tow trucks and the like.

Officials are getting ready for some motorists to try to drive through that legal loophole by insisting, for example, that a call to a co-worker who also happens to be a friend is really for business purposes.

Oregon joins a half dozen other states that ban drivers from talking on hand-held cell phones while driving.