Ohio became the 39th state to ban texting, as Gov. John R. Kasich signed a distracted driving measure into law. The ban takes effect 90 days after the June 1 signing, at the end of August. A six-month warning period will follow in which police will not write tickets but may make stops. The new Ohio law has two levels of enforcement: There is secondary enforcement for adults who text messaging while driving. This means that police need another reason to stop and cite violators, such as speeding. For drivers under the age of 18, however, texting and use of other portable electronic devices will be a primary offense. Fines for adult violators are set at $150. For teen violators, the fines … [Read more...]
Ohio OKs weakened texting law
May 16, 2012 by 2 Comments
Ohio's long-running debate over distracted driving reached a major turning point as legislation banning texting and driving advanced to a receptive governor. The measure, however, did not succeed without controversy. The Senate heavily amended the original House proposal, limiting most enforcement to secondary status. The House went along, and House Bill 99 was sent to Gov. John Kasich, who indicated he would sign it. The law goes into effect 90 days after Kasich's approval. A warning period will begin at that time, with ticketing on hold for six months. The fine is $150. Ohio most likely will take its place as the 39th state to ban texting while driving. The Senate's other major change … [Read more...]
No. 38: Alabama bans texting & driving
May 9, 2012 by 3 Comments
Starting Aug. 1, text messaging while driving will be illegal in the state of Alabama. Gov. Robert Bentley signed off on the distracted driving legislation May 8. The law was a long time coming. The bill's author is state Rep. Jim McClendon, left, one of the nation's most persistent lawmakers when it comes to distracted driving. McClendon, R-Springville, saw his distracted driving legislation rejected or ignored at least six times. In 2011 and 2012, McClendon's texting and driving bills cleared the House only to die in the Senate. This year, the Senate played ball. A compromise deal was stuck April 26, with House Bill 2 winning unanimous approval in both houses of the Legislature. For … [Read more...]
Idaho outlaws texting while driving
April 6, 2012 by 3 Comments
Text messaging while behind the wheel will no longer be permitted in Idaho as of July 1. Gov. Butch Otter signed the Legislature's distracted driving measure April 5. The distracted driving law will receive primary enforcement -- police can stop and cite offenders for that reason alone -- but offenses are not moving violations. Also, there are no points assessed against the driver's license. The fine for texting & driving in Idaho will be $85. Idaho became the 37th state to outlaw text messaging while driving, following West Virginia by only two days. West Virginia also banned use of handheld cell phones while driving, but in Idaho a similar plan (from the Senate) was ignored during the … [Read more...]
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