Come New Year's Day, Big Island motorists will have to hang up their cell phones while driving.

Delaying the law's start date was one of three changes the County Council's Public Safety and Parks and Recreation Committee made to the measure covering drivers' use of texting, computer games and all other hand-held electronic devices.

Committee members removed a possible 30-day jail sentence for drivers whose use of cell phones causes an accident. They also added federally licensed amateur radio operators to the list of exempted motorists, which includes emergency responders and people who must use two-way radios while working.

"Please understand, this is not going to stop all traffic accidents, and it's not intended to do that," said Kohala Councilman Pete Hoffmann, the bill's author. "But it is a practical and reasonable proposal in the right direction."

Hoffmann wanted the law to take effect Oct. 1, but did not oppose the later start date proposed by Hilo Councilman Dennis Onishi.

Onishi said county officials need time to find the money for signs to be installed islandwide so both residents and visitors will be informed of the ban.

The bill allows motorists to use hands-free phones and other electronic equipment while driving.

Those who still talk on a traditional cell phone, however, could face being fined up to $500, according to the bill that now goes to the full council for expected passage next month.