Political dispute adjusts cell phone law

CHICAGO, Oct. 10 (UPI) -- Chicago drivers ticketed for using their cell phones while driving can now keep their driver's license thanks to a related political dispute, officials say.

Police Department spokeswoman Monique Bond said the cell phone law was altered to allow drivers to keep their licenses while contesting their ticket after Chicago Alderman Tom Tunney became one of those individuals ticketed for cell phone use while driving, The Chicago Sun-Times said Friday.

"It's intended to provide a convenience for motorists ticketed for cell phone violations. … If there are other violations, this ordinance would not apply," Bond said.

Tunney was ticketed in 2007 for using his cell phone while operating a vehicle, the Sun-Times said. The alderman immediately lost his driver's license, but had the license hand-delivered back to him after contacting a top police official.

The newspaper said after police internal affairs investigators looked into the alleged preferential treatment, a movement began to allow all drivers to keep their licenses despite being ticketed.