Wisconsin's governor signed into law a ban on texting while driving, making it the 25th state to outlaw the practice. Jim Doyle joined a growing line of governors who enacted distracted driving laws this legislative season. Right before him was Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm, whose texting-ban signing ceremony was broadcast live on "The Oprah Winfrey Show." Wisconsin's new distracted driving law (from Assembly Bill 496) provides for fines ranging from $20 to $400. The offense is targeted for primary enforcement, which means law office can stop violators for that reason alone. Enforcement … [Read more...]
International distracted driving roundup
August 22, 2009 by Leave a Comment
Distracted driving news from around the globe. (Does not include the EU member states, Britain, Australia or Canada.) View the European distracted driving news page, the British distracted driving news page and the Australia & New Zealand cell phone laws roundup. In Japan, serious crashes linked to distracted driving were at a record rate in 2023. There were 122 distracted driving crashes with deaths or serious injuries, the National Police Agency reported in March 2024. Japan last hiked penalties for distraction in 2019. In Jamaica, new road traffic regulations went into effect in … [Read more...]
Virginia: Cell phone, texting laws, legislation
January 23, 2009 by 36 Comments
Distracted driving news: A hands-free law went into full effect in Virginia on Jan. 1, 2021. Virginia lawmakers approved the distracted driving bill with clear majorities and the governor has championed the new law. Fines are $125 for the first offense and then $250. There is a mandatory fine of $250 for violations in work zones. The DMV reports 1,907 convictions under the hands free law as of mid-summer 2021. State police report say they handed out more than 742 citations. Richmond's handheld cell phone went into full effect June 9, 2020. "It’s just not acceptable to use a cell phone … [Read more...]
Pennsylvania: Cell phone laws, legislation
December 19, 2008 by 37 Comments
Pennsylvania cell phone/texting news: State Sen. Rosemary Brown's hands-free cell phone measure for 2023-24 has become law. It was signed by Gov. Josh Shapiro on June 5. "I have met too many people with injuries they’ll live with for the rest of their lives because they were hit by a distracted driver," Shapiro said. The new law calls for a $50 fine and primary enforcement. A 12-month (written) warning period is now in effect. Pennsylvania's texting law went into effect in March 2012. Police continue to complain it is difficult to enforce because drivers are allowed to enter phone numbers … [Read more...]
Kansas: Cell phone laws, legislation
November 21, 2008 by 10 Comments
Cell phone, texting news: The House and Senate have approved a 2024 measure that would bar young motorists from using handheld cell phones. The plan also bars all drivers from using the devices in school and construction zones. "This is absolutely something we are behind the times on," said Minority Leader Vic Miller. The fine would be $60. The state's ban on text messaging while driving took effect Jan. 1, 2011. Kansas has no statewide limits on cell phone use by adult drivers. No cell phone legislation advanced in any of the sessions between 2010 and 2023. Current prohibitions: … [Read more...]
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