Motorists caught using a cell phone while driving will face a $500 fine if new legislation tabled in the House of Assembly is passed.

Using hand-held devices or electronic entertainment devices will also warrant a fine. Also affected will be those persons caught driving or allowing another person to drive a car fitted with a television or computer screen. These amendments were made to the Traffic Offences Procedure Act Amendment 2010 on Friday.

In the House of Assembly recently, Premier Ewart Brown said Government opted for legislation after technical officers studied research on accident rates and inattentive driving.

Dr. Brown, responding to Parliamentary Questions from United Bermuda Party MP John Barritt, said the Bermuda Road Safety Council had pushed for new regulations since plastic surgeon Christopher Johnson took over as chairman.

"Legislation to regulate this behaviour will be tabled during this (Parliamentary) session," he said.

Asked by Mr. Barritt whether Government thinks driving with cell phones is dangerous, Dr. Brown said: "The Government's position on this matter will be evidenced in the legislation which regulates it."

The legislation also includes amendments for the new Bermuda youth licence. Young persons under the age of 18 who are caught riding with a passenger will face a $300 fine. Anyone under the age of 18 who is a passenger on the bike would also be fined $300.

And anyone who allows a person under 18 to drive a cycle with a passenger could also be subjected to the fine. The amendment also includes a $300 fine for a minor for riding a cycle between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m. and anyone who allows a minor to ride the cycle.

A tourist under the age of18 could face a $400 fine for riding an auxiliary cycle. The act also puts into play a $500 fine for illegal tint on cars. The legislation is due to be debated on Friday.