MADISON, Wis. (KMSP) -
A new law in Wisconsin starts Nov. 1 making it illegal for anyone driving with an instruction permit or probationary license to use a cell phone or other wireless device.
First-time violators face penalties ranging from $20 to $40. The law makes an exception for using a cell phone to report an emergency.
Wisconsin State Patrol Maj. Sandra Huxtable says the new law intends to prevent teenagers and other inexperienced drivers from talking on their phones while driving, which can be a dangerous distraction.
Wisconsin state law already prohibits drivers of any age from texting while driving.
Minnesota's graduated driver's license law also bans cell phone use for drivers on permits and provisional licenses.
Information from the Associated Press was used in this report
