New Wis. drivers soon can't use cell phones - WKOW 27: Madison, WI Breaking News, Weather and Sports

FOND DU LAC (WKOW) – A new law in Wisconsin goes into effect on Thursday that prohibits new drivers from using cell phones.

The new law will be accompanied by fines of $20 to $40 for a first offense and $50 to $100 for a subsequent offense within a year.

According to The Reporter, the law applies to drivers with an instruction permit or probationary license.  The law will also apply to new state residents with fewer than three years of experience and new residents under the age of 21.

Owner of New Direction Driving School in Lomira, Bryant Halverson, said the law creates additional safety measures to help law enforcement stop irresponsible drivers.

As of September, the Governor's Highway Safety Association noted that 32 states and the District of Columbia ban cell phone use by novice drivers.