ERIE — This city by the lake may ban cell phone use by drivers.

Erie City Council has scheduled a public hearing this morning and could vote on preliminary approval of the ordinance afterward. The ordinance would have to be ratified by a second vote then signed by the mayor to take effect.

The ordinance would ban talking, texting or e-mailing on cell phones by anyone driving a vehicle or riding a bicycle in the city.

Offenders would pay a fine of $150 to $300 that would be discounted to $75 if paid within 10 days.

The ordinance would make cell phone use a "secondary" offense, meaning drivers could not be stopped for using a cell phone but could be cited if they were using a cell phone during another traffic offense.