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: Gov. Tony Evers has signed into law designed to protect first responders and roadside workers. The act includes a ban on cell phone use in areas where an accident or similar incident has occurred. The act also requires the DOT to educate the public on the dangers of cell phone use in emergency-response areas. The bill was authored by state Rep. Katrina Shankland and enacted Dec. 6, 2021. Madison area officials want to use Metro buses to catch texting & driving offenders. Dane County deputies would ride buses during off-peak hours and would notify officers at … [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 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. Sen. Jon Lundberg unsuccessfully sought to repeal the law in 2020. In 2024, additional points were mandated for young drivers who are serial offenders (below). Fines are now $50 for most distracted driving offenses in Tennessee, but more if a serial offense ($100) or in an active school or work zone ($200). Tennessee has been cited as the worst state in the … [Read more...]
Massachusetts: Cell phone laws, legislation
November 12, 2008 by 21 Comments
Cell phone, text messaging news: State Sen. Jo Comerford again seeks to amend the 2019 distracted driving law to prohibit use of videos by drivers. The 2023 bill would mandate that "no operator of a motor vehicle shall report or broadcast video of themselves on a mobile electronic device," Comerford said. The measure is dubbed "Charlie's Law," after a bicyclist hit and killed by a driver allegedly using Facetime. 2021 has seen an explosive increase in the number of electronic distracted driving citations statewide. In January, there were only 151 citations and warnings, but by April the … [Read more...]
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