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HAMILTON- A cell phone ban in Hamilton went into effect on July 5th, but some folks are already trying to have it stopped.

The new city ordinance bans the use of all "handheld electronic communication devices" while driving with opponents saying the language of the law not only bans cell phones, but also GPS devices and even Bluetooth.

The city defines "hand held electronic communication devices" as "any mobile or portable device that allows electronic communications to or from the user of the device, whether by voice or text."

Police officers and amateur radio operators are exempt from the ban, but others will have to use hands free devices, but can't touch the device unless they are stopped or in an emergency.

Some claim the cell phone ban street signs were purchased before the council had even voted.

Chairman of the Ravalli County Planning Board, Jan Wisniewski, said the law is just unnecessary.
"It's just a bad law and 80% of the people that I've run into are totally against it," he said.

A petition drive in the works to try get the law delayed until it can be voted on in November. The referendum requires 15% of the registered electors in the city to sign before it can be passed on for approval.

Wisniewski said anyone interested in getting more information about the petition can send and email to info@freemontana.org.