Colorado hikes texting fines, limits enforcement

Colorado has graduated from being "one of the lowest-fining states" for texting & driving. Gov. John Hickenlooper signed into law the plan from state Sen. Lois Court, left, that makes a significant increase in texting & driving penalties. First-time offenders now face penalties of $300 and 4 points vs. the driver's license. There's a catch, however. In adopting the tougher penalties, Colorado lawmakers decided to require police to witness some form of careless driving as a result of the text messaging. That amendment, from Sen. Owen Hill, watered down Court's original plan to what is … [Read more...]

Hawaii bans distracted driving

Distracted driving has been illegal throughout Hawaii for several years, thanks to bans on each of the islands. Now the state has outlawed text messaging and the use of handheld cell phones while driving, in a move that's partly symbolic and mostly practical. Gov. Neil Abercrombie signed Act 74 on May 20, saying the new Hawaii law "establishes consistency across the state ... simplifying enforcement and likewise making our highways and roadways safer." Hawaii becomes the 40th state to ban text messaging while driving, and the 11th to outlaw handheld cell phone use while behind the wheel. … [Read more...]

Florida: Cell phone laws, legislation

Distracted driving news: Saying "distracted driving is an increasing problem in our state," Rep. Allison Tant is pushing fellow lawmakers to approve her hands-free House Bill 1469 of 2024. "We've had a number of pedestrian deaths, as well as biking deaths, as well as other distracted driving deaths." Florida motorists may no longer hold their cell phones when traveling through school and work zones. Fines: $60 plus fees and three points vs. the driver's license. As with the texting & driving law, enforcement is primary, meaning offenders are subject to being pulled over and cited for … [Read more...]

Index: Cell phone laws, legislation by state

See what your state's cell phone and texting laws for drivers prohibit -- or are about to prohibit. The majority of U.S. states have restrictions on drivers' use of handheld electronics, with texting & driving barred in almost all states. You are responsible for knowing the distracted driving laws while motoring in any state or municipal area. See also: State distracted driving laws chart. View distracted driving laws and legislation by state: Alabama - Alaska - Arizona - Arkansas - California - Colorado Connecticut - Delaware - District of Columbia - Florida - Georgia - … [Read more...]

Rhode Island: Cell phone laws, legislation

Cell phone, texting updates: : Rhode Island's ban on handheld cell phone use goes into full effect June 1. Rhode Island previously prohibited texting while driving but not cell phone use. The law allows first-time violators a suspension of the $100 (maximum) fine if they show proof of acquiring a hands-free accessory. Gov. Gina Raimondo approved the legislation last July. The bill's sponsor was state Sen. Susan Sosnowski. Approval of the hands-free law means Rhode Island is joining three of its New England neighbors in reining in roadway cell phone use: Connecticut, Vermont and New … [Read more...]