Cell phone, texting news: Delegate Steve Westfall modernized the state's electronic distracted driving law with a comprehensive rewrite. His HB 2218 of 2023 includes jail or prison time for causing serious injury or a death while driving distracted. The measure was signed into law in late March and took effect in June. West Virginia's law against using handheld cell phones while driving became subject to primary enforcement in 2013. The law went into effect that summer, after a year of secondary enforcement in which police needed another reason to stop a motorist observed breaking the … [Read more...]
North Carolina: Cell phone laws, legislation
July 7, 2008 by 29 Comments
Cell phone, texting legislation news: Rep. Frank Iler says drivers' attention to their pets presents a danger on state roadways. He's filed House Bill 394, which would clamp down on the distractions of having animals being held or sitting in the driver's lap. Fines at $100 plus costs. State voters overwhelming support a ban on holding of electronic devices by drivers, polling suggests. A Meredith College poll of almost 700 voters found that more than 80 percent supported the ban. The results were about the same as when the question was asked about distracted driving in 2018. "Citizens see … [Read more...]
California’s hands-free law now in effect
July 1, 2008 by 24 Comments
On July 1, two major laws went into effect in this cell phone-loving state. Drivers are required to use hands-free devices if they wish to make cell phone calls from their moving vehicles. In addition, drivers under the age of 18 are prohibited from using wireless phones while driving -- sorry, that means no hands-free devices. Teen drivers also are prohibited from using text-messaging devices and laptop computers. The first infraction brings a $20 ticket; any others will cost $50. The Los Angeles Times says the true costs of those cell phone tickets are $76 and $190, figuring in court … [Read more...]
Oklahoma: Cell phone laws, legislation
June 24, 2008 by 20 Comments
Cell phone, text messaging news: A new distracted driving law took effect Nov. 1, 2025. Fine of up to $100. The 2025 that prohibits handheld cell phone use in active school and construction zones cleared the House and Senate during the 2025 legislative session. A governor's veto was overridden in late May. Oklahoma does not have a hands-free law applying to all drivers. State Rep. Nicole Miller says her HB 2263 "is a practical step toward safer roads. It allows drivers to continue using hands-free tech while ensuring their focus stays on driving, especially in critical areas where workers … [Read more...]
New Jersey: Cell phone laws, legislation
June 24, 2008 by 10 Comments
Distracted driving update: Driver inattention continues to be a leading killer on New Jersey roads and highways. Numbers for 2021, released at the beginning of 2023, showed distracted driving was linked to 194 fatalities in the state. Distracted driving has been the No. 1 cause of roadway deaths for almost a decade, State Police reported, but in 2021 it was replaced in the top slot by driving under the influence. A New Jersey woman has been sentenced to five years in prison after being convicted of vehicular homicide in a closely watched texting & driving case. Alexandra Mansonet, 50, … [Read more...]
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