Cell phone, texting news: Lawmakers have signed off on prohibiting the use of handheld cell phones in the state's school and construction zones. The 2026 plan comes once again with a $60 fine and would take full effect in the summer of 2027. The House and Senate OK'd the plan in mid-March and the bill proceeds to Gov. Laura Kelly. Kansas has the third-highest rate of fatalities due to distracted driving, but only bars texting & driving. The state's ban on text messaging while driving took effect Jan. 1, 2011. There are no statewide limits on cell phone use by adult drivers. No cell phone … [Read more...]
Archives for 2008
Washington state: Cell phone laws, legislation
November 20, 2008 by 16 Comments
Cell phone/texting news: 2023 was one of the deadliest years on Washington state roadways in recent decades. Almost 800 people died. There were 16,671 crashes linked to distracted driving with 121 of those resulting in a fatality, WSDOT reported in early 2024. The "Driving Under the Influence of Electronics Act" hiked fines and allows reporting of offenders to their insurance companies. The 2017 act doubles fines for repeat violations of texting or other uses of a handheld cell phone or other portable electronic device. Offenses become moving violations. "All too often from our own cars, … [Read more...]
Wisconsin: Cell phone laws, legislation
November 17, 2008 by 31 Comments
Cell phone, texting update: Police will have the option of impounding vehicles used by first-time reckless drivers under a measure signed into law by Gov. Tony Evers. The previous version of the law allowed police to tow vehicles after a driver's second or subsequent biolation. "Whether it's distracted driving, speeding, or erratic and aggressive behaviors, reckless driving puts our kids, families, and communities in harm's way," the governor said in late October 2025. Distracted driving is a leading cause of traffic crashes in Wisconsin. In 2024, there were 9,068 crashes related to … [Read more...]
Illinois: Cell phone & texting laws, legislation
November 16, 2008 by 32 Comments
Cell phone, texting news: State Rep. Marcus Evans inspired a crackdown on drivers who video conference (via apps such as Zoom) on their commutes. The 2023 law (via House Bill 2431) brings fines from $75 to $150. The law also targets social media use while driving, for example X and Facebook. "Illinois has been a leader in cracking down on distracted driving, but we need to remain vigilant and continue to refine our laws as new technologies emerge," Evans said in mid-March 2023. Penalties for causing bodily harm or death while using an electronic communications device have increased to … [Read more...]
Tennessee: Cell phone laws, legislation
November 14, 2008 by 14 Comments
Distracted driving news: A plan to roughly double the penalty for handheld device use while driving is advancing in the General Assembly in 2026. SB 1591 seeks to eliminate a cap on court costs and to add taxes. The sponsor is state Sen. Ferrell Haile. The full Senate approved it March 5. A hands-free cell phone law took effect July 1, 2020. "This bill requires that you can not have it in your hand," says State Rep. John Holsclaw, who fought for tougher distracted driving laws for five years. Fines are now $50 for most distracted driving offenses, but more if a serial offense ($100) or in … [Read more...]
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