The State of Texas has officially declared that a driver in the act of driving a motor vehicle on the road is committing a crime if he/she text, post to Facebook, communicate on Twitter, Instagram, Snap-Chat or WhatsApp while driving. {{more: Read more … }}
This ban is in effect now and has been since last week – Friday, September 1. This law does not change the law that already prevents those who are under 18 from all cell phone use while driving, including hands-free, except in emergency situations.
What is the penalty?It is a misdemeanor with a fine from $25 – $99 that could reach as much as $200 for repeat offenders. But here is the kicker, since the law?s intent was to prevent distracted driving related traffic accidents, if you are involved in such an accident, the fine can be as much as $4,000 and up to a year in jail.Exceptions?You may use your phone to talk as a hands-free device. It can also be used to play music or call for help, operate as a GPS or even to report a crime. It is not illegal to read an electronic message if you believe it is an emergency. You can read, write or send electronic messages when the vehicle is stopped. But beware that it has been and still is illegal to be using your phone in a school zone.
What was behind the law?
In the State of Texas last year there were 455 people who were killed in distracted driving accidents. There were 3,000 serious injuries also reported. Lawmakers were faced with wondering how many families were effected. How many lives were shortened or seriously compromised and incomes wiped out while dealing with the aftermath of these type of accidents.Governor Rick Perry took a dim view of laws regulating texting. In 2011, he vetoed a similar bill after it had passed the senate and house in Austin. He referred to it has an ?effort to micromanage the behavior of adults.?
Govenor Gregg Abbott did not have that reservation but it did take five tries to finally pass the ban. Texas became the 47th state to pass a law outlawing texting and driving. Arizona, Missouri and Montana are the only states now that do not have laws on texting and driving.
Comments are closed.