New Jersey's lawmakers created a series of distracted driving laws during the current legislative session, and they still haven't hit the brakes. A trio of distracted driving measures have been put before New Jersey's Assembly and Senate in the final weeks of the 2012-2013 session. The Assembly Transportation Committee on Nov. 25 approved a bill from John Wisniewski that would outlaw any activity "unrelated to the actual operation of a motor vehicle" that distracts the driver. Wisniewski's measure also would clarify that holding a mobile phone near one's ear is cause for police to write … [Read more...]
Kentucky adding 3 points for texting
August 7, 2013 by Leave a Comment
Saying the danger was too great to wait, Gov. Steve Beshear has ordered a three-point penalty for the offense of texting while driving in Kentucky. The points add new financial incentives to stop driving distracted since insurance companies can use points to set higher premiums for offenders. Kentucky's fines for violations of its distracted driving laws are a relatively low $25 for the first offense and then $50, plus court costs. Under Kentucky's 2010 distracted driving law, adults are prohibited from text messaging & driving, while drivers under 18 are barred from use of all … [Read more...]
N.Y. texting fines up to $400
July 27, 2013 by 4 Comments
New York's fines for electronic distracted driving have increased, as part of the state's multi-pronged attack on drivers who text message and use handheld cell phones. Fines max out at $400 for serial offenders. The tougher fines were included in the 2013-14 state budget. New York's governor said the move would address "a frightening epidemic on our roadways," calling the increase in traffic fines "an important tool to punish and prevent this reckless behavior." They are in addition to the late May hike in DMV points against violators' licenses to five. Points can be reflected in … [Read more...]
Michigan enacts teen cell phone law
January 9, 2013 by 2 Comments
A ban on cell phone use by teen drivers has been signed into law by Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder. The toll from distracted driving "strikes at all our hearts," the governor said. "This is an important chance to step up, particularly for young drivers," he said at the public signing ceremony for "Kelsey's Law" on Jan. 8. The ban on cell phone use by teens in Michigan goes into effect in late March. It affects drivers with a restricted (level 1 or 2 graduated) license. State Sen. Howard Walker's legislation was named for Kelsey Rafaelle (pictured), a Sault Ste. Marie teenager killed in … [Read more...]
Calif. governor again rejects fine hikes
October 2, 2012 by 1 Comment
Gov. Jerry Brown has again vetoed a plan to increase California's distracted driving penalties. Looks like the plan never had a chance with the governor: "I have found even a $50 ticket unpleasant enough," Brown, left, said in his veto message of Sept. 28. Brown called current California fines "a powerful deterrent," adding: "I severely doubt that it will further reduce violations." Senate Bill 1310 sponsor Sen. Joe Simitian also was the author of the 2011 plan to double electronic distracted driving fines. That bill, too, was vetoed by Brown as a burden on "people of ordinary … [Read more...]
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