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Texting while driving
From lawbrain.com
Laws regulating texting and other forms of mobile communication while driving a motorized vehicle.
Contents |
Overview
Sending or reading text messages while driving is banned or in the process of being banned in most states.[1] Some states treat the use of cellphones and pagers as part of the larger issue of driving while distracted and legislate their use broadly.
All Drivers Text Messaging Ban
Some states restrict text messaging for all drivers, no matter what their driving experience is.
| State | Statute | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Alaska | Alaska Stat. §28.35.161 | effective as of September 1, 2008. Texting while driving is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $5,000 and up to one year in jail. |
| Arkansas | Ark. Code §27-51-1501 | effective as of Oct 1, 2009, prohibits the use of a handheld wireless telephone for wireless interactive communication while operating a motor vehicle. |
| California | Cal. Vehicle Code §23123.5 | Driver cannot use electronic wireless communication device to write, send or read text based communication |
| Colorado | Colo. Rev. Stat. §42-4-239 | effective as of Dec 1, 2009. It prohibits the use of a wireless phone for text messaging while the driver is operating a motor vehicle. The first offense results in a $50 fine and a second and subsequent offenses are fined $100. |
| Connecticut | ||
| Delaware | Del. Code §4176C | [effective Jan. 2, 2011] Driver cannot use electronic wireless communication device to write, send or read text based communication, includes email and gaming. |
| Georgia | ||
| Guam | ||
| Illinois | ||
| Iowa | ||
| Kansas | ||
| Kentucky | ||
| Louisiana | ||
| Maryland | ||
| Massachusetts | ||
| Michigan | ||
| Minnesota | ||
| Nebraska | ||
| New Hampshire | N.H. Rev. Stat. §265:105-a | Driver cannot write a text message while driving. A $100 fine is punishable for a violation of this law. |
| New Jersey | ||
| New York | ||
| North Carolina | ||
| Oregon | ||
| Rhode Island | ||
| Tennessee | ||
| Utah | ||
| Vermont | ||
| Virginia | ||
| Washington | ||
| Washington D.C. | ||
| Wisconsin | ||
| Wyoming |
Novice Drivers Text Messaging Ban
Some states have restricted only a certain group of drivers from text messaging while driving. Typically, these states are restricting text message useage from novice drivers, who are either under a certain age or are a new driver.
| State | Statute | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | ||
| Indiana | ||
| Maine | Me. Rev. Stat. §2116 | A driver under the age of 18 cannot use a handheld electronic device while driving. A fine for the first offense is at least $50 and not less than $250 for a second and subsequent offenses. |
| Mississippi | ||
| Missouri | ||
| Oklahoma | ||
| Texas | Tex. Transportation Code §545.424 | Drivers under the age of 18 cannot use a wireless communications device while driving. |
| West Virginia |
References
External Links
- Cell Phone Use and Texting While Driving Laws
- Cell Phone & Texting Laws
- Cellphones & Driving
- Countries that Ban Cellphones While Driving
- Cellphone Laws
- Statistics & Facts About Distracted Driving
- An Investigation of the Safety Implications of Wireless Communications in Vehicles
- New Cell Phone & Texting Laws
Related Resources on FindLaw
- Texting While Driving
- Distracted Driving
- Ban Cell Phones While Driving?
- Cellphone Related Accidents
- 9 out of 10 Drivers Distracted Behind the Wheel (FindLaw survey)
- Texting While Driving
- Distracted Driving
- Traffic Ticket Center
Related Blogs on FindLaw
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See Also
Contributors
FindLaw Michelle, FindLaw Nira, FindLaw VM, JediJustice, Pddooley, Sfitzpatrick
