Connecticut's General Assembly has sent to the governor legislation making electronic distracted driving a moving violation. Insurance companies would be alerted to any offenses, allowing them to raise the premiums of violators. State lawmakers also sent to the governor on June 5 a plan to hike fines for electronic driving. The idea is to see that offenders "get hit in the pocketbook," said the head of the Transportation Committee. "To some individuals, it may sound drastic, but in my opinion, it's not drastic enough," said the chairman, Rep. Tony Guerrera (pictured). He called the … [Read more...]
N.Y. hikes points for texting tickets
June 1, 2013 by 1 Comment
New York has again strengthened its penalties for text messaging and driving. Gov. Andrew Cuomo also pushed through the legislature enhanced penalties for young drivers who ignore the texting law. "No parent should have to experience losing a child at the hands of a text message," the governor said at a May 31 news conference. "It's amazing how chronic and prevalent this activity is," Cuomo said. Effective immediately, DMV demerits against a texting offender's license increase from 3 to 5 points, making the distracted driving infraction an even-more significant factor in determining … [Read more...]
Illinois lawmakers OK cell phone ban
May 29, 2013 by Leave a Comment
Illinois' General Assembly has sent to the governor a proposed law banning use of handheld wireless devices while driving in the state. Gov. Pat Quinn is expected to sign off on the ban, said House sponsor Rep. John D'Amico (pictured). With Quinn's signature, the mobile phone law would go into effect Jan. 1. The measure rewrites Illinois' texting & driving law to add cell phones and other wireless devices. Hands-free operation of cell phones would be allowed. Fines for driving while using a handheld cell phone would be $75 for a first offense. The second ticket would cost $100, then … [Read more...]
Florida texting law begins Oct. 1
May 24, 2013 by 1 Comment
Florida finally has a texting and driving ban. The state's governor signed the successful 2013 distracted driving legislation into law. It takes effect Oct. 1. "This is going to save lives. This is going to make sure our teenagers are safe while driving -- that they're not distracted while driving," Gov. Rick Scott said at a May 28 ceremony in Tallahassee. Florida was one of the few remaining states without any distracted driving laws. It becomes the 41st state to ban text messaging while driving, following Hawaii. The legislation came after years of resistance in the Florida … [Read more...]
Hawaii bans distracted driving
May 22, 2013 by Leave a Comment
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...]
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